SMU home
Academics home
MAC program home
Alumni student home

MAC alumni handbook

(Table of Contents)
Chpt 1: Introduction
Chpt 2: Counselor credentials in WA
Chpt 3: Licensed mental health counselor
Chpt 4: Licensed marriage and family therapist
Chpt 5: Other counseling credentials in WA
Chpt 6: Supervision options for licensure
Chpt 7: Examination options for licensure
Chpt 8: Continuing education requirement

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC Alumni Handbook:
Chapter 2:  Counselor credentials in Washington

MAC students and even alumni are often confused about the many counseling credentials offered by the State of Washington. This section will introduce the various credentials.

You may obtain a free copy of the WA State RCWs and WACs by calling or writing the Washington State Department  of Health (DOH).

You may also visit the DOH Counselor Programs website directly and read, on-line, the exact wording of the various RCWs relating to mental health counseling and marriage and family. Simply select the web address below:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/rcw/

You may also gain valuable information by speaking to MAC alumni who have already gone through the licensure process.

Before getting into the specific credentials available, it may be helpful to discuss the need to register as a counselor and the various levels of counselor credentials in the State of Washington. Washington State law requires that virtually all practicing mental health professionals register as counselors with the Department of Health (DOH) before working with any clients. Specifically, the law reads:

There are several exemptions to the registration requirement (follow http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/rcw/ to 18.19.040).  However, there is really no reason not to register as a counselor (except for the cost factor). Registration; is rather simple. It involves filling out an application and paying a fee of $40.00. The application form can be obtained by calling DOH or writing to the address above.

DOH registration does not imply any assurance of quality or standards; it merely means that your name has been placed on a list of those who counsel others. Registration says nothing about your academic qualifications.  In that respect, registering as a counselor is a lot like registering a dog or a bicycle — it doesn't imply that you can fetch or navigate through traffic....  You could theoretically be in high-school and still obtain registration as a counselor.  There are no qualifications other than:

a) verification that any previous personal problems (such as ethical violations, legal action, chemical abuse, mental illness, or physical impairments) have been corrected or controlled and

b) that you have completed four hours of approved AIDS education and training.

Registration, then, is a low level of credentialing. It implies no standard or expertise. There are actually several levels of credentials available from various credentialing agencies. Registration, as we've said, is the lowest. After that, there is qualification and licensure. The terminology can be somewhat confusing.

• Registration (granted through DOH) is not really a "credential" in the strict sense of the word since it merely represents having your name placed on a list or registry. Registration is "the least restrictive" level of professional credentialing offered and is required, by law, of most persons practicing in a mental health profession.

• Qualification is a credentialing level that is unique to the chemical dependency field. CD counselors are considered "qualified" if they have met certain educational and experiential requirements and work in a "qualified agency" -- thus "qualification really comes with the agency, rather than being a credential given to an individual that the therapist takes with him or her. In terms of rigor, qualification would logically fall between registration and certification since it has clear educational requirements but does not require a master's degree.

• Certification is a more restrictive credentialing level. The dictionary says that certification is, "an official endorsement that one has fulfilled certain requirements (as of a course or school)." DOH certification is available in a number of areas including mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical social work, etc., and each one of those is briefly discussed below. As of July 2000, certification for counselors no longer exists in the state of Washington.

• Licensure is considered by DOH to be the "most restrictive" credentialing level available. A license is simply "legal permission to engage in a business, occupation, or activity." In Washington, licensure is granted for a wide variety of health professionals Therefore, your only option for credentialing is to become licensed.

The Dept. of Health educational requirements are listed under  WAC 246-810-521 (for MHC) and WAC 246-810-321  (for MFT) at their website. Look under "Title 246" after going to: http://slc.leg.wa.gov/wacbytitle.htm

Following is a brief overview of the major certifications offered by the State of Washington and the extent to which the MAC Program addresses each one. Of course, students may certify in several areas, although that's a rather expensive proposition! Not only does the State require a one-time application and licensure fee of $50 for LMHC, $75 for LMFT, and $500 for a Sex Offender Treatment Provider, but each certification has an annual renewal fee ($29 for LMHC, $83 for LMFT, and  $800 for a SOTP). (The variance in costs is due to dividing the costs of administering the programs among those certified and there are many more CMHCs than SOTPs.)

Next Alumni Chapter