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Navigating the process of becoming a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts can be complex. It all begins with the completion of the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) application form, which plays a crucial role in assessing your qualifications. This online application requires various documents, including a headshot, transcripts from graduate programs, and proof of passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Moreover, applicants must compile clinical experience forms that detail supervised hours obtained during both pre-master's and post-master's degrees. Those currently licensed in other states have the option for reciprocal recognition, simplifying the process by omitting certain documentation. Key elements within the LMHC form include the necessity for a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form and payment of a non-refundable application fee. Furthermore, it is vital for applicants to be aware of supervisor qualifications, which vary based on when clinical experience was acquired. By understanding these requirements and following the outlined steps, aspiring counselors can effectively navigate their path towards licensure.
Lmhc Example
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Professional Licensure
Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA
(617)
amh.board@mass.gov
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Application Guide
I.How to Apply: You Must Apply Online
Applications are only accepted through the ePlace portal. To apply, create an account, log in, click on “Manage Licenses, Permits and Certificates,” “File an Online Application,” accept the terms, scroll down to “Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services,” click the arrow next to it, then select “Licensed Mental Health Counselor Application,” click “Continue” at the bottom of the page, and follow the instructions.
Before you apply online, you must have the following documents to upload:
A head and shoulders photograph of yourself
A completed
A completed
A score report showing that you passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) (www.nbcc.org). Exam scores expire after 5 years unless you hold a Licensed Mental Health Counselor license in another state.
A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form (found at the end of this guide)
You must use a credit card or checking account to pay the
You will also need to arrange for the following to be emailed (to amh.board@mass.gov) or mailed (at the address above) to the Board:
Your graduate school(s) must send an official transcript of the graduate education you are submitting to meet the licensing requirements.
If you currently hold or have previously held a professional license in another jurisdiction, regardless of its status, please arrange for an official license verification to be sent to the Board by the issuing entity. Please contact the Board for further directions in the event the entity that licensed you does not issue verifications and only offers an online license lookup. A copy of your license is not an acceptable alternative.
If you passed the NCMHCE in another state, please contact the NBCC and have an official score report sent to the Board by the NBCC.
Please note that you must complete a
After your application is reviewed, you will be notified by email of any deficiencies in your application
or instructions to pay the $155 license fee to get your license.
Revised 7/22/20
Applicants Licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (or the Equivalent) in another Jurisdiction
If you are currently licensed as a licensed mental health counselor or the equivalent in another state, you may apply by reciprocal recognition. You do not need to submit the
The licensure regulations from the state in which you were first licensed as a licensed mental health counselor (please contact the state board where you were first licensed for how to obtain the regulations).
A current resume.
An official verification of your license(s) from every jurisdiction in which you were or are licensed.
Based on your submissions, the Board will determine whether the license you first obtained in another state was “substantially equivalent” to the licensed mental health counselor license in Massachusetts and whether you have been continuously and actively practicing for three years
II.Definition of Approved Supervisor For All Experiences
All experiences
A. For experiences that were arranged after June 5, 2015:
An approved supervisor is a practitioner with three years of
B. For experiences that were arranged before June 5, 2015:
An approved supervisor is a practitioner with five years of
An approved supervisor may also be a (1) licensed mental health practitioner who (2) has a master’s or doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, psychiatric nursing, developmental or
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educational psychology, or a related field, (3) completed a supervised clinical experience (i.e., supervision by an approved supervisor while in the practice of clinical mental health counseling services), and (4) passed the NCMHCE examination.
If your experience occurred in another state, an approved supervisor must be licensed in that state and meet the same criteria above.
For the specific purpose of college supervision (e.g., support seminars) of students in a practicum or internship, an approved supervisor may be a mental health practitioner who holds a teaching or supervisory position in an educational institution which trains mental health counselors and a graduate degree in mental health counseling or a related field, but site supervisors in a practicum or internship must meet one of the other definitions above.
III.
1. Degree Programs Where You Started Your First Class Before July 1, 2017
If you started taking your first class for your last required degree or certificate before July 1, 2017, you must complete at least 60 semester credit hours of graduate coursework in mental health counseling or a related field, including a master’s degree of at least 48 semester credit hours. Three semester credit hours are equal to four quarter credit hours.
If you do not have a master’s degree of at least 48 semester credit hours, you must have additional coursework to equal at least 60 semester credit hours:
an advanced certificate (CAGS);
a second master's degree; or
a doctoral degree.
2. Degree Programs Where Started Your First Class After July 1, 2017
If you started your degree after July 1, 2017, you must complete a master’s degree of at least 60 semester credit hours (or 80 quarter credit hours) in mental health counseling or a related field.
3. Requirements for All Educational Programs
All degrees and certifications must be from an educational institution licensed or accredited by the state regional accrediting body in which it is located, which meets regional standards for the granting of a master's or doctoral degree.
Your 60 semester credit hours (or 80 quarter credit hours) must cover the following required course areas. You must successfully complete a minimum of 10 graduate courses, covering each of the specific content areas, as each course can be used to fill only one requirement. Each course must be at least three
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semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours. All courses must focus on mental health counseling. The 10 content areas are:
Counseling Theory: Examination of the major theories, principles and techniques of mental health counseling and their application to professional counseling settings. Understanding and applying theoretical perspectives with clients.
Human Growth and Development: Understanding the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental stages of life. Understanding major theories of physical, cognitive, affective and social development and their application to mental health counseling practice.
Psychopathology: Identification and diagnosis and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior, includes assessments and treatment procedures.
Social and Cultural Foundations: Theories of multicultural counseling, issues and trends of a multicultural and diverse society. Foundational knowledge and skills needed to provide mental health counseling services to diverse populations in a culturally competent manner.
Clinical Skills: Understanding of the theoretical bases of the counseling processes, mental health counseling techniques, and their therapeutic applications. Understanding and practice of counseling skills necessary for the mental health counselor.
Group Work: Theoretical and experiential understandings of group development, purpose, dynamics, group counseling methods and skills, as well as leadership styles. Understanding of the dynamics and processes of mental health (therapeutic, psychosocial,
Special Treatment Issues: Areas relevant to the practice of mental health counseling, i.e. psychopharmacology, substance abuse, school or career issues, marriage and family treatment, sexuality and lifestyle choices, treating special populations.
Appraisal: Individual and group educational and psychometric theories and approaches to appraisal. Examination of the various instruments and methods of psychological appraisal and assessment including, but not limited to, cognitive, affective, and personality assessment utilized by the mental health counselor. The function of measurement and evaluation, purposes of testing, reliability and validity.
Research and Evaluation: Understanding social science research, and evaluative methodologies and strategies, types of research, program evaluation, needs assessments, ethical and legal considerations.
Professional Orientation: Understanding of professional roles and functions of mental health counselors, with particular emphasis on legal and ethical standards. Ethical case conceptualization, analysis and decision making as it relates to clinical practice. Knowledge and understanding of the standards set by the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Understanding of licensure and regulatory practices.
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Electives Areas: Graduate courses other than required graduate courses must include knowledge and skills in the practice of mental health counseling. Appropriate courses may include, but are not limited to, the areas listed above as well as best practices for maintaining and terminating counseling and psychotherapy; consultation skills; outreach and prevention strategies; diagnosis and treatment issues; working with special populations; professional identity and practice issues, including historical perspectives; mental health regulations and policy; and management of community mental health programs.
B.
1. Practicum
As part of your master’s degree program, you must complete a
A clinical field experience site is a site providing pre- and
(2)a health or mental health institution regulated by the state, or another appropriate entity regulated by the state or otherwise exempt from regulation, that has integrated programs for the delivery of clinical mental health counseling and has established provisions for appropriate supervision. A clinical field experience site does not include individual private practice or group private practice.
The 100 clock hours of experience must include at least:
40 contact hours of direct client contact experience or peer role plays and laboratory experience in individual, group, couple and family interactions. Direct client contact experience is direct,
25 supervisory contact hours with:
oAt least 10 hours of individual supervision
oAt least 5 hours of group supervision, with no more than 10 supervisees in a group
o10 additional supervision hours, which may be individual or group in nature
2.Internship
As part of your master’s degree program, you must complete a
The 600 clock hours of experience must include at least:
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240 contact hours of direct client contact experience at a clinical field experience site in mental health counseling, which does not include vocational guidance services, academic school guidance counseling, industrial or organizational consulting services, teaching or conducting research.
45 supervisory contact hours with:
oAt least 15 hours of individual supervision
oAt least 15 hours of group supervision, with no more than 10 supervisees in a group
o15 additional supervision hours, which may be individual or group in nature
IV.
After you have received your master’s degree or other qualifying education, you must complete at least 3360 total hours of
A. Client Contact Hours
At least 960 hours of the 3360 total hours must be in direct,
At least 610 of those hours must be in individual, couples, or family counseling
No more than 350 of those hours may be in group counseling
You must have at least 10 client contact hours each week for the experience to be considered full- time.
B. Supervision Hours
At least 130 hours of the 3360 total hours must be supervisory contact hours.
At least 75 hours of individual supervision
At least one hour of supervision for every 16 hours of direct client contact
If you are working
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Applicant’s Name:
A Dean, Department Head, or Faculty Advisor from the Applicant’s graduate program must sign this form.
Please see pages
Name of Dean, Department Head, or Faculty Advisor:
Name:Title:
College/University:
I certify that the Applicant listed above completed the following:
Total Hours of Supervision by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor:
A degree program that required the Applicant to complete a least 3 semester
Cultural Foundations, Clinical Skills, Group Work, Special Treatment Issues, Appraisal, Research and Evaluation, and Professional Orientation.
I certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge, the information above is true and correct.
Signature |
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Applicant’s Name: |
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Each of an applicant’s supervisors must complete the page below.
The applicant should number each page at the top and upload all pages together in one scanned document with the Applicant’s
Experience Attestation page at the end.
Please see pages
Master’s Degree Clinical Experience requirements.
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Supervisor Information |
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Name: |
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License Type: |
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License Number: |
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State Where Licensed: |
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Applicant’s Experience Information |
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Name and Address of Clinical Facility: |
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Dates of Experience: |
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Total Hours (Max. 35 |
Total Weeks |
Total Clinical Hours |
Total Clinical Hours |
Individual Supervision |
Group Supervision |
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Hours/Week)* |
(First Column ÷ 35) |
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Individual in Nature |
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*This is the total hours worked during the dates of experience listed on this form, which must be based on no more than 35 hours worked per week.
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Supervisor’s Attestations |
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Do you believe the applicant is of good moral character? Yes |
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No |
(If no, please explain on a separate sheet.) |
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Do you meet the definition of an Approved Supervisor, as defined in in the Mental Health Counselor Application Guide? Yes |
No |
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I attest under the pains and penalties of perjury that the information above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also understand that if any of the information above is inaccurate, I may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
Signature of Approved Supervisor |
Date |
Revised 8/16/19
Applicant’s Name: |
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Page of |
Applicant’s
To be completed by the applicant based on totals from all
Please and Mental Health Counselor Application Guide on the Board’s website for application requirements.
Total Hours (Max. 35
Hours/Week)*
Total Weeks
(First Column ÷ 35)
Total Clinical Hours
Total Clinical Hours Individual in Nature
Individual Supervision
Hours
Group Supervision
Hours
*This is the total hours worked during all
Supervision Ratio
Total Clinical Hours ÷ (Divided By) Total Supervision Hours (Individual + Group) = |
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(Must Equal 16 or Less) |
Applicant’s Attestation
I attest under the pains and penalties of perjury that I completed my
Signature of Applicant |
Date |
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA
CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
The Division of Professional Licensure by itself and on behalf of boards of registration pursuant to
M.G.L. c. 13, §9 [hereinafter, “Division of Professional Licensure”] is registered under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 6, § 172 to receive CORI for the purpose of screening current and otherwise qualified prospective license applicants and current licensees.
As a license applicant or current licensee, I understand that a CORI check will be submitted for my personal information to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (“DCJIS”). I hereby acknowledge and provide permission to the Division of Professional Licensure to submit a CORI check for my information to the DCJIS. This authorization is valid for one year from the date of my signature. I may withdraw this authorization at any time by providing the Division of Professional Licensure written notice of my intent to withdraw consent to a CORI check.
FOR LICENSING PURPOSES ONLY:
I understand that the Division of Professional Licensure may conduct a subsequent CORI check within one year of the date this Form was signed by me.
By signing below, I provide my consent to an initial CORI check and a subsequent CORI check, both within one year of the date of this Form, and acknowledge that the information provided on Page 2 of this Acknowledgement Form is true and accurate.
_________________________________ |
_________________________________ |
Signature |
Date |
Please provide the name of the board of registration and license type for which you are applying or currently hold:
_________________________________ |
_________________________________ |
Board of Registration |
License Type |
NOTE: DPL CANNOT ACCEPT THIS
Page 1 of 2
Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Fact Description |
|---|---|
| Application Method | All applications for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor must be submitted online through the ePlace portal. |
| Required Documents | Applicants must provide a headshot, transcripts, and various forms including the Pre-Master’s Degree Experience and Education Form. |
| Application Fee | The non-refundable application fee is $117, payable via credit card or checking account. |
| Criminal Record Check | A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form is required as part of the application process. |
| Exam Requirements | Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is mandatory; scores expire after five years. |
| Approved Supervisor Criteria | Supervision must be provided by an approved supervisor, who needs to have appropriate qualifications and experience. |
| Reciprocal Licensure | Licensed counselors from other states may apply for Massachusetts licensure via reciprocal recognition without all application forms. |
| Education Requirements | Applicants must meet specific educational requirements based on when they began their programs, including credit hour minimums. |
| Governing Law | The LMHC application is governed by Massachusetts General Laws, specifically regulations set forth by the Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Lmhc
To ensure a smooth application process for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) form, follow these organized steps. Each step is crucial in providing the necessary information and documents for your application.
- Create an account at the ePlace portal.
- Log in to your account.
- Click on “Manage Licenses, Permits and Certificates.”
- Select “File an Online Application.”
- Accept the terms of service.
- Scroll down to “Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services.”
- Click the arrow next to it.
- Select “Licensed Mental Health Counselor Application.”
- Click “Continue” at the bottom of the page and follow the subsequent instructions.
Before applying online, gather the following documents to upload:
- A head and shoulders photograph of yourself.
- A completed Pre-Master’s Degree Experience and Education Form.
- A completed Post-Master’s Degree Clinical Experience Form.
- A score report showing successful completion of the NCMHCE.
- A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form.
- Payment method, either credit card or checking account to cover the $117 application fee.
Additionally, arrange for the following items to be sent to the Board via email or postal mail:
- Official transcripts from your graduate school(s).
- Official license verification from any jurisdiction where you hold or held a professional license.
- If applicable, an official score report from the NBCC if you passed the NCMHCE in another state.
After submitting your application, the Board will review it and notify you by email about any deficiencies or instructions to pay the required $155 license fee for your LMHC license.
What You Should Know About This Form
1. What is the LMHC form?
The LMHC form, or Licensed Mental Health Counselor application, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to become licensed mental health counselors in Massachusetts. This form serves as part of the online application process through the ePlace portal managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. It must be completed along with several supporting documents and requirements.
2. How do I apply for the LMHC license?
To apply for the LMHC license, you need to visit the ePlace portal online. Begin by creating an account and logging in. Once logged in, you should click on "Manage Licenses, Permits and Certificates," then select "File an Online Application." After accepting the terms, you'll find the "Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services" section. Click the arrow next to that, select "Licensed Mental Health Counselor Application," and proceed by following the provided instructions. Be prepared to upload several documents, including photographs, experience forms, exam scores, and a Criminal Offender Record Information Form.
3. What documents are required for the LMHC application?
When applying for the LMHC license, several documents are necessary: a headshot, a completed Pre-Master’s Degree Experience and Education Form, a completed Post-Master’s Degree Clinical Experience Form, a NCMHCE score report from NBCC, and a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form. You will also need official transcripts from your graduate school(s) and any professional license verification if applicable. Remember, additional documents may be required if applying via reciprocal recognition from another state.
4. What is the application fee for the LMHC?
The application fee for the LMHC is $117, which is non-refundable. Payment can be made using a credit card or a checking account during the online application process. After your application is processed and reviewed, you may also be required to pay an additional $155 fee to receive your actual license.
5. What is considered an approved supervisor for the required experience?
An approved supervisor is a professional who has specific qualifications and experience in the field. The requirements vary depending on whether your experiences were arranged before or after June 5, 2015. Generally, they must have at least three to five years of full-time licensing experience in mental health counseling and meet other criteria relevant to their professional backgrounds. The supervisor must be licensed in Massachusetts or an equivalent jurisdiction, ensuring proper guidance and support during your training.
6. What type of educational background is necessary for the LMHC?
The educational requirements vary based on when you started your first degree. For those who began their studies before July 1, 2017, at least 60 semester credit hours in mental health counseling are necessary, including a master’s degree with a minimum of 48 semester credit hours. If you started after July 1, 2017, you must have a master's degree of at least 60 semester credit hours. It’s vital all educational qualifications come from accredited institutions recognized by relevant bodies.
7. Are there training requirements before applying for the LMHC?
Yes, before applying for the LMHC, applicants must complete a board-approved training course in domestic and sexual violence. This training is critical to ensure that future counselors are equipped with knowledge related to these sensitive issues. The training can be completed for free online at chapter260training.org.
8. What happens after I submit my LMHC application?
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Board. You will receive email notifications regarding any deficiencies in your application or further actions required, including the payment of any additional fees. If everything is in order, you can await a decision about your licensure, allowing you to officially practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.
Common mistakes
When filling out the LMHC application form, applicants often make critical mistakes that can delay or derail their licensing process. Here are nine common errors to avoid.
One mistake is failing to apply online through the designated ePlace portal. Applications submitted through other means will not be accepted. Missing this step can cause significant delays. Additionally, not creating an account before starting the application leads to unnecessary confusion.
Another error is neglecting to prepare the necessary documents before beginning the application. Applicants must upload a head and shoulders photograph, various experience forms, and a passing score report from the NCMHCE. Forgetting to gather these items ahead of time can result in incomplete submissions.
Many applicants overlook the requirement for a notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Form. If this form is not properly completed and notarized, the application will be deemed deficient. These small yet crucial details can lead to significant setbacks.
It's also common for individuals to misinterpret the supervision requirements. Specifically, at least 75 of the 200 total supervision hours must be conducted by a Massachusetts-licensed mental health counselor. Failing to confirm if their supervisors meet this criterion can lead to wasted time and effort.
Individuals applying for reciprocal recognition often mistakenly believe they can bypass all forms related to prior experiences. They are still required to submit necessary documents, including an official verification of their licenses from all jurisdictions.
Another frequent error is not paying attention to the timeline regarding exam scores. Scores expire after five years unless a license has been obtained in another state. Applicants should confirm that their scores are still valid before submitting their application.
Applicants sometimes run into issues concerning their educational credentials. They must ensure that their degrees and certificates are from an accredited institution. Failing to double-check this can result in disqualification from the licensing process.
Furthermore, some individuals forget to provide the required official transcript from their graduate school. Applicants must arrange for this document to be sent directly to the Board; offering a personal copy will not suffice.
Finally, it is essential for applicants to complete board-approved training in domestic and sexual violence prior to applying. Skipping this training can prevent an application from moving forward.
Documents used along the form
When applying for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license, several additional forms and documents are commonly required to support the application process. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose related to verifying qualifications, experiences, and adherence to state regulations.
- Pre-Master's Degree Experience and Education Form: This form details the applicant's educational background and relevant experience prior to obtaining a master's degree. It ensures that candidates meet the educational requirements set forth by the licensing board.
- Post-Master's Degree Clinical Experience Form: Applicants must submit this document to outline their clinical experience post-mastery. It includes specific details about supervised practice, ensuring they have gained essential skills before licensure.
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Score Report: This document demonstrates that the applicant has passed the NCMHCE, a critical step for anyone seeking LMHC licensure in Massachusetts. The score report confirms the candidate's competency in mental health counseling.
- Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Form: This notarized document is essential for background checks. It helps to ensure that applicants have no disqualifying criminal history which could affect their practice as mental health counselors.
- Official Transcript from Graduate School: A complete transcript from the applicant's graduate education must be provided to the Board. It confirms that the education meets the state's standards for mental health counseling practice.
- License Verification: If the applicant holds or has held a license in another jurisdiction, they must submit verification of that license. This document confirms the status and legitimacy of their prior licensing history.
- Course Completion Document for Domestic and Sexual Violence Training: This form indicates that the applicant has completed the required training regarding domestic and sexual violence, an essential component of mental health practice training.
These documents collectively establish the qualifications needed for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. By submitting the appropriate forms, applicants can demonstrate that they meet all necessary educational, experiential, and ethical standards required by the state of Massachusetts.
Similar forms
- Professional Counselor Application: Similar in function to the LMHC form, the Professional Counselor Application requires documentation of education, supervised experience, and examination scores to ensure competency in providing mental health services.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Application: This application typically emphasizes credentials related to clinical experience and examination outcomes, reflecting standards similar to those outlined in the LMHC form.
- Licensed Professional Counselor Application: This document verifies that candidates have met educational requirements and accumulated supervised experience, much like the LMHC form, promoting standards in mental health practice.
- Social Worker License Application: This document assesses educational and experiential qualifications, including background checks and verification of supervised hours, paralleling the requirements of the LMHC form.
- Marriage and Family Therapist Application: This application shares common ground with the LMHC form by requiring records of supervised practice and proof of relevant education in counseling or therapy.
- Substance Abuse Counselor Application: This application requires proof of formal education and supervised experience in addiction counseling, mirroring key elements found in the LMHC form.
- Psychologist License Application: Similar to the LMHC, this application involves documentation of supervised experience, examination scores, and educational background aligned with mental health practices.
- Behavioral Analyst License Application: This document shares similarities with the LMHC form in that it requires verification of relevant training, education, and practical hours under supervision.
- Certified Addiction Counselor Application: Like the LMHC form, this application necessitates the submission of comprehensive educational background and verification of supervised experience in addiction treatment.
- Rehabilitation Counselor License Application: This document, too, mandates proof of qualified educational achievement and supervised practice, paralleling the tracking of qualifications in the LMHC form.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the LMHC form, careful attention to detail is essential. Below is a list highlighting eight key practices to adopt and avoid.
- Do: Apply only through the official ePlace portal to ensure your application is processed.
- Do: Prepare all required documents in advance, such as transcripts and identification.
- Do: Double-check that your submitted application includes all legible and accurately filled forms.
- Do: Utilize your personal email to correspond with the Board; it should be checked regularly for updates.
- Don't: Submit incomplete applications; this can delay the review process.
- Don't: Forget to check the expiration dates of your exam scores to ensure they are valid.
- Don't: Ignore the requirement for notarized documents; they are critical for your application’s completeness.
- Don't: Wait until the last minute to gather your supporting documents; this could lead to unnecessary stress.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate the application process with greater confidence and efficiency.
Misconceptions
Many individuals seeking information about the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) form encounter misunderstandings. Below are some common misconceptions and their clarifications.
- All applications can be submitted by mail. Applications must be submitted online through the ePlace portal. Other methods are not accepted.
- You don't need any documents to apply. Several documents must be uploaded during the online application process, including a photo and transcripts. Failing to include these may delay the application.
- Past exam scores are always valid. National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) scores expire after five years unless you hold an equivalent license elsewhere.
- The application fee is refundable. The application fee of $117 is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.
- Experience hours can be completed in any private practice. Only specific clinical field experience sites count. Individual private practices do not qualify.
- All supervisors are accepted. Supervision must come from an approved supervisor as defined by the state regulations. Not all licensed professionals qualify.
- Educational requirements are the same for everyone. Requirements vary depending on when you started your degree program. Different rules apply based on the date of initial enrollment.
- If I am licensed in another state, I am automatically licensed in Massachusetts. You may apply for reciprocal recognition, but specific documentation and verification are necessary to establish equivalency.
Understanding these misconceptions can help streamline the application process and ensure compliance with Massachusetts regulations for mental health counselors.
Key takeaways
When filling out and using the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) application form in Massachusetts, here are key points to keep in mind:
- Apply Online Only: Access the ePlace portal exclusively for submitting your application. Do not send paper applications.
- Required Documentation: Ensure you have essential documents ready for upload, including a photo and experience forms.
- Exam Scores: The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) scores must be recent. They expire after five years unless you already hold a license in another state.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $117 is required. Use a credit or debit card for payment.
- Email and Mail Requirements: Certain documents, such as official transcripts or license verifications, must be mailed or emailed directly to the Board.
- Supervisor Approval: Be aware that all clinical experiences need to be supervised by professionals who meet specific licensing criteria.
- Completed Training: Additional training on domestic and sexual violence is mandatory before you can apply. This training is available online.
- Reciprocal Recognition: If you are licensed in another state, the process may be different, and certain forms can be exempt.
- Educational Standards: Your degree should meet specific educational requirements based on when you began your studies, including required coursework.
- Practicum and Internship Hours: The application necessitates documented hours for clinical experiences—ensure these meet the outlined requirements.
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