How to become a
licensed
mental health clinician

Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is a rewarding journey that requires multiple steps including education, supervised experience, exams and a licensure application process. If you’re currently enrolled in a Master’s Program or interested, here’s everything you need to know. 

Footprints Mental Health Counseling helps our interns with every step of this proccess 

You must complete a Master’s Degree (or higher) in Mental Health Counseling from a program registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or equivalent 

Details

The program must include at least 60 semester hours or equivalent in graduate study that contains content but is not limited to the following areas:

• Human growth and development
• Counseling theory and practice
• Group dynamics
• Lifestyle and career development
• Assessment and appraisal of individuals, couples, families and groups
• Research and program development
• Foundations of mental health counseling and consultation
• Clinical instruction
• Include a minimum of one year supervised internship or practicum in Mental Health Counseling where one year means 600 clock hours

A limited permit allows an individual who has submitted an Application for Licensure and who in the determination of the department, has satisfied all the requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor except the examination and or experience requirements to practice Mental Health Counseling under supervision until they meet the requirements

• Limited permits are site specific and ony issued for approved practice locations in the state under a qualified supervisor approved by NYSED
• Practice settings must be authorized to employ licensed professionals and offer services that fall under Title VIII of NY education law
• Supervision requirements are the same as those for completing 3000 hours of post graduate experience
• A limited permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue
• You may not practice Mental Health Counseling in New York until your limited permit is officially issued 

• Completed after earning degree
• 100 hours of in person supervision
• Supervisor must be a licensed mental health counselor, psychologist, LCSW, psychiatrist or another qualified NYS licensed professional
• The 3000 hours must include direct client contact in a mental health setting

You must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for certified counselors

• Includes case simulations and measures your clinical problem solving and decision making skills
• You can take the test upon completion of degree requirements and your supervised hours are complete or in progress

Submit your LMHC application to the NYSED office of professions

• Application for licensure
• Your academic institution’s confirmation of graduation
• Documentation of your post graduate supervised hours
• Exam results from the NBCC