Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Description:
The Licensed Mental Health Counselor uses verbal or behavioral methods with individuals, couples, families or groups to evaluate, assess, ameliorate, treat, modify or adjust to a disability, problem or disorder of behavior, character, development, emotion, personality or relationship. The mental health counselor uses assessment instruments and psychotherapy to identify, evaluate and treat dysfunctions and disorders.
Certification Requirements:
An applicant must have a graduate degree in mental health counseling, 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, be of good moral character and pass the national licensing examination.
Recertification Requirements:
Triennial registration requires completion of application and fee set in law.
Age Requirements:
At least 21 years of age.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Must have a graduate degree in mental health counseling with required content and 600 hours of internship and 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, acceptable to the Department.
Fees:
$345 application fee includes $170 for initial triennial registration period.
Examination Requirements:
Clinical mental health examination from the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Examination Description:
Examination is computer-based at test sites across the U.S. and determines minimal competence for entry to the practice of the mental health counseling through the use of simulations (www.nbcc.org).
Licenses Issued and Active:
From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, there were 180 licenses issued for this occupation.
As of January 1, 2010, there were 4,115 currently registered licenses for this occupation.
Licensing Authority:
New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
State Board of Mental Health Practitioners
89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817 Ext. 450
Fax: (518) 486-2981
E-mail:SWBD@mail.nysed.gov
Standard Occupational Classification:
21-1014.00 - Mental Health Counselors
To learn more about this occupation go to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).
Additional Information:
National Board of Certified Counselors
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, North Carolina 27403
Phone: 336-547-0607
Fax: 336-547-0017
E-mail: mailto:nbcc@nbcc.org