How do I become a licensed counselor in Washington state?
Mia Phillips
Updated on April 06, 2026
Certification Requirements
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a counseling-related field.
- Pass the Washington State Certified Adviser Examination in risk assessment, ethics and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral and Washington State law.
- Have a written supervisory agreement.
What is a certified counselor in Washington state?
New applicants for certified counselor category must have a (four year) bachelor’s degree in a counseling related field. Certified Counselors are authorized to do private practice counseling, but again, only within the limitations, restrictions and guidelines of RCW 18.19.
What is AAC credential?
AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Certification.
How do I become an affiliated counselor?
Applicants for agency affiliated counselors must be employed by, or have an offer of employment from an agency or facility that is licensed, operated, certified by Washington state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state or a county.
Do therapists make good money?
Typical therapist salaries range widely – from $30,000 to $100,000. For a therapist (who is not a psychiatrist or a psychologist), salaries depend in part on education and training, as well as clinical specialization. Individual therapists may make anywhere from $30,000 per year to over $100,000.
What’s the difference between LPC and Lmhc?
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – This is the license title used in 24 US states and the District of Columbia, according to this data from the American Counseling Association. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – This is used in seven states, the largest of which is New York.
Is counseling in demand?
According to the BLS, the demand for mental health counselors is expected to grow by 25% through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Can counselors diagnose in Washington state?
Yes. RCW 18.225. 010 describes the scope of practice for mental health counselors licensed by the state of Washington, which includes diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. factors that can only be determined on a case by case basis.
How do you become a mental health professional?
How to become a licensed mental health professional
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree from a qualifying university or college.
- Earn post-degree experience.
- Apply to take the licensure examination.
- After passing the examination, apply for initial licensure.
- Receive license.
What is an AAC specialist?
An AAC specialist is a speech language pathologist who has additional training and experience with AAC. Currently the American Speech Language and Hearing Association has not established a specialty certificate in AAC but that may be happening in the near future.…
What does it mean to be a counselor in Washington State?
(*No minimum education or experience requirements). An Agency Affiliated Counselor is a person who is employed (in a counseling role) by, or has an offer of employment from, an agency or facility that is licensed, operated, certified by Washington state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state or a county.
Who is an agency affiliated counselor in Washington State?
An Agency Affiliated Counselor is a person who is employed (in a counseling role) by, or has an employment offer with, an agency or facility that is licensed or certified by the State of Washington. The agency or facility sets the degree and experience requirements for employment, if any. No degree.
Where can I find a career counsellor in WA?
As career development is a lifelong process, career counsellors work with clients of all ages and may work in schools, TAFE colleges (or institutes of technology), universities, business organisations, government agencies and/or private practice. Career counsellors generally work standard office hours.
How to become a private practice counselor in Washington State?
To explain further, as this can be somewhat confusing, certification and licensure do not mean the same thing. Private practice counselors must have a minimum of a Master’s Degree to practice in Washington State. They are granted a license by the State of Washington to privately practice their profession.
