Applicants requiring examination must apply 90 days before scheduled exams or wait until the next exam is offered. It may take several months to a year for licensure. Currently, the Board uses questions from the National Counselor Examination and administers it twice a year, in April and October. The Board uses questions from a national marriage and family therapy examination developed by the Professional Examination Service for states use and administers it twice a year, in May and November. Beginning in February 1998, the Board offers intern registration to persons meeting the degree requirements, but who must complete the work experience requirements.
Registration allows an applicant to obtain prior approval of a clinical supervisor.
The Board serves the public by making sure the licensee has met the standards set by the state for education, supervised training, and has passed an examination to indicate that the licensee has the basic knowledge necessary to practice within the standards described in law and rules. Through regulation, the Board verifies that licensees continue their education and are providing the written disclosure of information to clients, including an explanation of the licensee s approach to counseling, training, and client rights. The Board investigates complaints regarding violations of the law and rules as well as the competency of its licensees. Forms are available by calling the Board office. The licensing law does not address insurance payments and licensees are not listed in statute as mandatory recipients of third-party payments.