How to Become a Registered Counselor
The process for becoming a registered counselor in the United States varies according to each state's registration and licensing requirements. There are also a wide variety of specialized certifications that mental health counselors can obtain, including national and state certifications. The California Registry of Professional Counselors, for example, lists twelve specialized certifications that counselors can hold from national and state registries. Each of these specialized certificates requires academic studies and training in addition to the requirements outlined by each state's licensing authority. Most state licenses require a minimum of a master's degree and a supervised internship that fulfills the state guidelines.
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Things You'll Need
- Master's degree or PhD in Counseling Psychology or related program
- Academic transcripts
- Documentation of professional internship
- Application for state license
- Passing score on state licensing exam
Instructions
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Enroll in an academic degree program designed to train counselors. These programs can be master's degrees or PhD level programs. It is essential to closely review various academic program because they can range widely in the academic requirements and length of study. The National Mental Health Association has excellent resources for researching and selecting the appropriate academic degree program.
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Complete an academic degree program and secure a supervised internship. Complete the internship hours required by the state's licensing board. The requirements for internships and supervision vary by state. In California, for example, a post-masters internship can last up to three years, and an intern must complete 3000 hours of supervised counseling work experience. The internship process is an essential aspect of the certification process because it provides experiential practice after completion of an academic program.
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Take the required written examinations, and apply for a criminal background check. Provide confirmation of degrees and academic performance and complete the written application required by the state licensing agency. An individual who wishes to pursue a career as a mental health clinician should review the requirements in the state in which he or she wishes to practice for a full explanation of courses of study, internships, and licensing process.
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References
Resources
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