Massachusetts Counseling License

Counselor Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Counselor Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts should be followed closely. We want to make sure that you have lots of great information about Counselor Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts in making your decisions regarding becoming a professional counselor in Massachusetts.

To become an accredited Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), the following components are needed:

  • properly supervised experience
  • satisfactory professional and legal background
  • appropriate graduate level education
  • passing examination scores
The process varies based on whether you are already an accredited Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or if you are trying to adhere to counseling requirements for the first time in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Counseling License

Massachusetts Counselor Educational Requirements

Minimum of 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

This includes a minimum 48-semester credit master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field, including a practicum (100 hours), an internship (600 hours), and coursework in each of the 10 content areas as defined by the board. Or Hold a current Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential issued by NBCC.

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you. (It’s fast and free!)

FIND PROGRAMS

Massachusetts Experiential Counselor Requirements

2 years/3,360 hours of full-time post-masters supervised clinical experience in mental health counseling after obtaining 60 graduate semester hours.

To include 960 hours of direct client contact (250 hours may be group client contact) and 130 hours of supervision (75 hours must be individual supervision and 25 hours must be under an LMHC).

These hours do not include the pre-masters practicum and internship supervision requirements.

Click here and discover what online counseling and psychology educational opportunities are a match for you!

Salary Expectations for Counselors in Massachusetts

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average counselor in Massachusetts earns between $34,580 and $77,580 per year. Now that you are familiar with the counselor licensing requirements in Massachusetts, visit our How to Become a Counselor in Massachusetts page for a more detailed look into the steps you will need to take to make your dream of becoming a counselor a reality.

Additional Information About Counselor Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

MA Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals 100 Washington St. Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118-6100 617-727-3080 http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/mh/ Application fee: $117