How to Become a Counselor in Washington State

Licensed school counselors in Washington state can earn $81,280 annually, which stands by a lot higher than the national average of $66,990.

Washington state’s mental health counseling field shows promising growth with an 18% employment increase expected through 2032. The state just needs more licensed mental health counselors, especially when you have a shortage of LMHCs who specialize in substance abuse and behavioral disorders. Licensed Mental Health Counselor requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree and 3,000 hours of supervised experience spanning at least 36 months. Future licensed therapists should note that direct client contact must make up at least 1,200 of these supervised hours.

The state currently employs 12,080 counselors who specialize in substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral disorders. These professionals earn at least $63,490 yearly. This piece will guide you through every step of your trip from student to professional, whether you want to become a certified counselor or pursue full licensure in Washington state.

Education Requirements in Washington State

Starting your career as a counselor in Washington state requires the right education. Your license type determines the specific educational requirements you need.

A bachelor’s degree in a counseling-related field is enough to become a certified counselor. Most professional counseling paths need advanced education.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors must earn a master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, behavioral science, or related fields. Your program should focus on counseling theory and philosophy. You’ll also need a counseling practicum or internship that lets you work with clients under supervision.

Your educational program must cover seven specific areas. Five of these areas must come from these most important topics:

• Assessment/diagnosis
• Ethics/law
• Counseling individuals
• Counseling groups
• Counseling couples and families
• Developmental psychology
• Psychopathology/abnormal psychology
• Research and evaluation

You can choose the remaining content areas from topics like career development counseling, multicultural concerns, substance abuse, and organizational psychology.

Marriage and Family Therapists need similar education requirements. They must complete a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or get a behavioral science degree with matching coursework.

School counselors must finish a program that the Professional Educator Standards Board approves.

Your application needs official transcripts showing your degree and graduation date from your program. You’ll need to submit a form that confirms your coursework meets state requirements. The state might ask for course syllabi if your course titles aren’t clear enough.

Any transcript in a language other than English needs an official translation.

Getting your counseling license in Washington state takes at least six years. This time investment builds the foundations you need to succeed in your counseling career.

Counseling Programs in Washington State

Washington State has several accredited counseling programs that meet the educational requirements for licensure. The right program selection is a vital step to become a certified counselor in Washington State.

Antioch University Seattle offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that lines up with LMHC requirements in Washington state. The program’s focus on social justice and hands-on training through their community counseling clinic makes it stand out.

Seattle University‘s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling comes with CACREP accreditation. The program excels in integrating ethics and multicultural competency throughout its curriculum. Students learn to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds across Washington.

Gonzaga University in Spokane features a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program has specialized coursework in trauma counseling—a valuable skill since trauma-informed care is in high demand throughout the state.

City University of Seattle makes education accessible through its Master of Arts in Counseling program with online and hybrid options. Working professionals and students in rural Washington areas find this flexibility helpful while pursuing licensed mental health counselor credentials.

Eastern Washington University provides an affordable Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program with emphasis on evidence-based practices. Students benefit from the program’s strong connections with community agencies in eastern Washington that create valuable internship opportunities.

Here are key factors to think over beyond curriculum:

• CACREP accreditation status
• Licensure exam pass rates
• Clinical placement opportunities
• Faculty expertise
• Program cost and financial aid options
• Graduation rates and employment outcomes

Students can tailor their education to career goals through specialized tracks in addiction counseling, school counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Universities also provide doctoral options for those interested in advanced clinical practice or research opportunities in Washington’s growing mental health sector.

Internship and Other Requirements

Hands-on experience is the life-blood of counseling licensure in Washington state. Your journey begins with educational preparation and continues through internship requirements during your degree program and supervised post-graduate experience.

The master’s program requires you to complete a counseling practicum or internship with supervised direct client contact. This clinical experience builds your counseling skills and stands separate from post-graduate supervision requirements.

LMHC licensure in Washington requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience spanning at least 36 months. Your supervised experience must include:

• At least 1,200 hours of direct counseling with individuals, couples, families, or groups
• A minimum of 100 hours under immediate supervision with an approved licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified mental health practitioner[114]

A licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified mental health practitioner must supervise you in an approved setting. They will document your supervised hours and their qualifications through verification forms.

You need an associate-level credential while you get your required experience before full licensure. Mental health counselor associates must renew their license each year on the date of issuance.

Licensed mental health counselors renew their license yearly before their birthday. On top of that, it requires 36 hours of continuing education every two years, with six hours focused on law and ethics.

Mental health counselors must complete six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management since January 2014. This training needs renewal every six years.

Supervised experience helps you develop practical skills under guidance before independent practice. This builds your confidence and competence as a licensed mental health counselor in Washington state.

Examinations

Washington state’s counseling licensure process includes crucial examinations that verify your professional knowledge and skills. Each counseling credential has specific examination requirements.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) candidates must successfully complete either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). The Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), which operates under the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), administers both examinations.

The registration process requires you to visit CCE’s website, select the ‘ProCounselor’ tab, and create an account or sign in with your existing credentials. Once logged in, you can complete your registration and submit payment. Your exam scores must go directly from NBCC to the Washington State Department of Health.

The NCE features 200 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour completion window. Students must answer 160 scored questions that cover six essential domains:

• Professional Practice and Ethics
• Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
• Areas of Clinical Focus
• Treatment Planning
• Counseling Skills and Interventions
• Core Counseling Attributes

Certified counselor candidates follow a different path. Their examination focuses on risk assessment, ethics, client referral, appropriate screening with the global assessment of functioning scale, and Washington state law. This two-hour test contains 50 multiple-choice questions. The department schedules this $85 exam, which candidates can take at home using Examsoft.

Certified counselor candidates should focus their preparation on several key areas:

• DSM-IV chapter on Global Assessment of Functioning
• Relevant Washington State laws (RCW 18.19, 18.130, 70.02, etc.)
• Administrative rules related to counseling practice

Associate-level license seekers have a simpler path since they don’t need to pass an exam. This allows them to begin supervised practice while preparing their full licensure examinations.

Licensing Fees

The cost of becoming a licensed counselor in Washington state is a crucial part of your professional path. Your financial commitment starts with license applications and continues with regular renewals throughout your career.

The Washington Department of Health sets all licensing fees. State law requires these fees to be self-supporting through licensee payments. The fee structure changes periodically, with the latest updates effective June 1, 2023.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) pay these fees:

• Application fee: $111 (has $16 HEAL-WA access fee)
• Original license: $80
• Annual license renewal: $141 (has $16 HEAL-WA access fee)
• Late renewal penalty: $65
• Expired license reissuance: $65

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCA) have a different fee structure:

• Application fee: $35
• Annual license renewal: $25
• Late renewal penalty: $25
• Expired license reissuance: $40

LMHC licenses need annual renewal on your birthday. LMHCA licenses last one year and need renewal on their issue date. The state allows associates to renew their licenses up to six times, with some exceptions under Washington state law.

Other service fees include:

• Duplicate license: $10
• Verification of credential: $25
• Retired active license renewal: $86
• Late renewal for retired active status: $35

WAC 246-12-340 states that all fees paid for initial credentialing, examinations, renewals, and other licensing activities are non-refundable.

License fees make up just one part of your professional expenses. Your budget should account for continuing education, professional memberships, and liability insurance. Washington state therapists typically pay about $66 per month for insurance coverage.

Counseling Salaries in Washington State

You might wonder about the financial returns after spending time and money on education and licensing. Washington state counselors earn competitive salaries compared to other states.

Your specialty and credentials determine how much you can make. Licensed mental health counselors in Washington state earn more than the national average in most counseling fields. Washington stands out as one of the top-paying states for mental health professionals.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Washington earn median annual wages of approximately $63,490. This is a big deal as it means that the state’s pay rate beats the national average. School counselors make even more money, with annual salaries reaching $81,280 compared to the national figure of $66,990.

Your earnings as a counselor depend on:

• Where you work in Washington (Seattle pays more than rural areas)
• How long you’ve practiced and what specialties you have
• Your workplace (private practice vs. agency work)
• Extra certifications beyond the basics

Marriage and family therapists in Washington earn median salaries around $70,830. Rehabilitation counselors make about $53,620 yearly. While these numbers vary, counselors in Washington state typically earn more than the national average.

The investment in becoming a licensed therapist in Washington looks even better with strong job prospects. Qualified counselors will find plenty of opportunities as jobs are expected to grow 18% through 2032.

Licensed mental health counselors who start private practices can boost their income. Many established private practice therapists report making over $100,000 yearly, especially when they focus on specialty treatments or work with underserved groups.

The money outlook stays bright for certified counselors in Washington state. The pay reflects both tough licensing requirements and the state’s commitment to mental health services.

Counseling Organizations in Washington State

Professional counseling organizations help you become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington state. These groups provide resources that support your growth from student to licensed practitioner.

Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA) brings together professionals working toward LMHC requirements in Washington state. Members get access to continuing education, job listings, and support for counselor interests in legislation. You can build relationships with experienced practitioners at their regular networking events.

Washington Counseling Association (WCA) serves as a great resource for anyone who wants to become a licensed therapist in Washington state. The association runs mentorship programs that connect new counselors with seasoned professionals. They also host workshops to help members through the licensure process.

School counselors can turn to the Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA) for specialized resources in educational settings. Their yearly conferences show you how to create detailed school counseling programs in Washington’s school districts of all sizes.

Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) helps counselors who focus on systemic approaches. While it mainly serves MFTs, many licensed mental health counselors interested in family therapy join to grow their professional network.

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has a strong presence in Washington state. Their certification programs can boost your professional standing and meet continuing education requirements.

These organizations do more than professional development. They support the counseling profession through public awareness campaigns and legislative work. Student rates make membership available even before you complete certified counselor requirements in Washington state.

Building connections with professional organizations creates opportunities for supervision, employment, and shared relationships. These connections help you become a more effective Washington state counselor.

Counseling Scholarships in Washington State

Getting financial support for your counseling education in Washington state can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you’ll find many scholarship opportunities to reduce your counseling degree program’s costs.

Washington universities offer substantial financial support through their counseling programs. Students with strong academic records can qualify for merit-based awards at most institutions. Many schools also provide special need-based scholarships for students pursuing mental health disciplines.

Professional organizations are a great way to get essential funding. The Washington Mental Health Counselors Association gives scholarships to students working toward licensed mental health counselor credentials in the state. National organizations like the American Counseling Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation support promising counseling students across the country.

Diversity-focused scholarships play a vital role in supporting students. The National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program funds graduate students who want to serve underrepresented communities. The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development supports students focused on culturally responsive counseling approaches.

Your scholarship search shouldn’t stop at counseling-specific opportunities. The Washington State Achievement Council runs several healthcare education support programs. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) rewards students who commit to working in underserved communities after graduation.

Other funding sources include:

• Employer tuition assistance programs (many healthcare organizations offer partial reimbursement)
• Federal loan forgiveness programs for counselors working in high-need areas
• University graduate assistantships that provide tuition waivers plus stipends
• State workforce development grants targeting mental health professions

Start your scholarship search early since many programs have deadlines 9-12 months before programs begin. Your prospective program’s financial aid office can point you toward opportunities that match your certified counselor Washington state career goals.

Become a Licensed Counselor in WA

Becoming a licensed counselor in Washington state takes dedication and perseverance. This experience transforms you from mastering educational basics through supervised practice to achieving full licensure. The investment pays off well, as Washington counselors earn more than the national average.

You’ll move through several distinct stages that build on each other. Your education requirements start with bachelor’s degrees for certified counselors and advance to master’s or doctoral degrees for LMHCs. Next comes practical experience with 3,000 supervised hours, including 1,200 hours of direct client contact. The final step requires passing either the NCE or NCMHCE examination to prove your professional competence.

The financial aspects are manageable. Licensing fees need ongoing payments, but the projected 18% employment growth through 2032 shows strong job security for qualified counselors. On top of that, many scholarships and funding opportunities exist for counseling students in Washington state.

Professional organizations are a great way to get support during your career development. These associations help you network, access continuing education resources, and advocate for the profession to boost your effectiveness as a practitioner. Their membership proves valuable for your professional growth.

Washington state’s counseling profession offers a bright career path with many opportunities. Your dedication to completing these requirements helps address critical mental health needs across the state while securing your future in this rewarding field.