Navigating Online Clinical Mental Health Degree Requirements

Quick Highlights:

Clinical mental health counselors earn an average salary of $80,701, with the potential to earn up to $127,807 annually.
Licensure requirements for clinical mental health counselors vary by state, including education, clinical hours, and exams.
Accredited online CMHC programs, such as those approved by CACREP, offer flexibility and can meet state licensure standards.
States with more stringent requirements, like New York and California, demand additional coursework and supervised clinical hours compared to states like Texas or Florida.

Did you know that clinical mental health counselors earn $80,701 per year, on average? But you can earn as high as $127,807 per year with extensive work experience.

Clinical mental health counselors are in high demand as well. The projected demand for these professionals is 19% or 48,900 openings (2023-2033) per year.

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Why is there a high demand? There’s an increasing number of people seeking mental health counseling services. More jurisdictions also demand offenders to complete counseling as part of their sentence.

Indeed, now is the best time to become a clinical mental health counselor. Here’s what you need to know first about state licensure for mental health counselors.

What is a clinical mental health counselor? You will help individuals, families, and groups improve and maintain their mental health. Being one means working with people to resolve their issues.

Being a licensed clinical mental counselor is a must if you want to practice the profession. Your license demonstrates your professional competence and, thus, builds trust among your patients.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss these license requirements. This way, you can start on the right foot and earn your license ASAP.

Related:

What Is State Licensure for Clinical Mental Health Counselors?

State licensure for mental health counselors has the following characteristics:

Granted by state regulatory boards upon compliance with license requirements
Proves that the licensed professionals have met specific educational, professional, and ethical standards
Allows licensed professionals to provide clinical mental health counseling services to their patients

With a license, you have the right and responsibility to perform these tasks.

Assess your client’s physical and mental health and mental illness, among others
Develop, recommend, and assess treatment plans and goals with clients and their families
Guide and support clients in their treatment journey
Work with a client’s family members and caregivers in at-home interventions
Maintain detailed records of their client’s progress
Provide information to clients and their families about relevant services and resources
Prepare clients and their families for their transition (i.e., discharge from treatment)

Licensure requirements by state for counselors vary. Differences in their legislative process and their regulatory independence make it so.

Online Clinical Mental Health Degrees: Meeting Licensure Requirements

Earning an online CMHC degree is a popular pathway toward licensure. Here’s what you need to know about online clinical mental health degree requirements.

Overview of Online CMHC Degree Programs

Look for CACREP programmatic accreditation first. Accredited online CMHC programs feature the same curriculum as on-campus programs.

Online programs feature flexibility, convenience, and affordability for candidates. You continue working while pursuing your online CMHC degree.

Typical Coursework Needed For Licensure

You want a well-balanced education with core and specialization courses. Look for these courses in an online CMHC degree program’s curriculum.

Core courses cover fundamental principles and practices, including:

Theories of psychology and counseling
Mental health counseling tools and techniques
Assessment and diagnosis in mental health counseling
Research methods in counseling
Ethics in counseling

Specialized courses address specific areas, including:

Substance abuse counseling
Crisis and trauma counseling
Marriage and family
Counseling LGBTQ+ clients
Psychopharmacology for counselors

Practicum and Internship Requirements

CACREP accredited counseling programs have a clinical experience component. These include practicum and internships in real-world counseling settings. You have opportunities to use your knowledge and turn them into practical skills.

Keep in mind that you have the responsibility to find appropriate field placements. Work with your program’s clinical coordinator in this regard. Note that your field placement must meet state licensure requirements.

State-Specific Licensure Requirements

You must understand the specific licensure requirements for CMHCs in your state. This way, you can ensure that your education and training comply.

Overview Of Different State Requirements

States usually follow general guidelines about training and education. However, there are differences in the number of hours in courses and clinicals.

Most states require a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Check out Walden University and Lamar University. The number of hours varies between 48 and 60 credits. Programs with 60 credits usually have specialized courses.
The number of supervised clinical hours varies between 1,500 and 3,000 hours. You may meet the requirements after completing the courses or after graduation. This can take two years to complete.
Many states require passing scores on either the NCMHCE or NCE. There may also be state-specific and ethics exams.

Once you earn your license, you must also meet continuing education requirements.

States With The Most Stringent Licensure Requirements

These states usually require 60 credits and 2,000-3,000 hours in clinicals. Candidates for licensure also take additional exams besides the national exams.

New York
California
Colorado
Oregon
New Jersey
Washington

States With More Flexible Licensure Requirements

These states offer more flexibility, such as a lower number of credits or clinical hours. Candidates for licensure don’t have to pass other exams besides the NCE or NCMHCE.

Texas
Florida
Alabama
Ohio
North Carolina

How To Find Your State’s Specific Licensure Requirements

Check with your state’s licensing board. Use the NBCC state board directory.
Take advantage of national resources. The NBCC and the American Counseling Association (ACA) are excellent examples.
Use the CACREP website to find accredited programs.
Read the state licensure guidelines.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Follow these steps to complete the state licensure for mental health counselors process.

1. Complete an accredited online degree program.

You must complete a CACREP-accredited CMHC degree program. This way, you have the guarantee that your coursework meets licensure requirements.

2. Gain supervised clinical experience.

Your online counseling degree practicum can be in or near your campus or community. Check with your state board about the number of hours required. Ask your program coordinator to find field placements. Get guidance on working with your supervisor, too.

3. Pass the required licensing exams.

Depending on your state, you must pass either the NCE or NCMHCE. Ask about state-specific exams, too.

4. Apply for licensure in your state.

Understand the licensure requirements, application process, and deadlines first. Submit your application with its supporting documents, including:

Completed application form
Application fee proof of payment
Proof of master’s degree and supervised clinical experience
Passing scores on national and state licensure tests
Background check

5. Be aware of the application deadlines and timelines.

Common Challenges in Navigating Online Degree and Licensure Requirements

Becoming a licensed mental health counselor has its challenges. You will likely encounter these issues in your journey.

Understanding complex state-specific regulations

If you’re planning on earning a license in only one state, it isn’t a big issue. Research the state-specific requirements and follow them. But if you’re seeking a license in two or more states, seek professional guidance.

Finding accredited programs that meet all state requirements

Enroll in a CACREP-accredited program only. Verify that, indeed, its CACREP accreditation is current and valid.

Balancing online learning with practicum/internship placements

Meeting the supervised clinical experience for licensure purposes while studying is challenging. Time management is the key to your success. Talk to your professors and supervisor, too, for accommodations.

Preparing for and passing licensure exams

Think of your structured study time as preparation for the licensure exams. Studying well is the best mental health licensure exam preparation. Passing the exams for state board licensure for counselors starts on your first day.

Tips for Success in Meeting Licensure Requirements

1. Research and choose the right online program.

Always do your research on the online CMHC degree programs, especially accreditation. Choose based on your needs and goals.

2. Plan your practicum and internship early.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Talk to the program coordinator on your first day or ASAP.

3. Keep track of your state’s requirements and deadlines.

State boards can change their licensure requirements, processes, and deadlines. Stay on top of these changes.

4. Seek support and guidance from academic advisors and mentors.

Your success also depends on their support and guidance. Learn from them.

5. Stay organized with licensure documentation.

Keep your license documents in a single folder. Arrange them for easy access.

Resources for Navigating Licensure and Online Education

Professional organizations, particularly ACA and NBCC
State licensure boards and websites
Online communities and forums for mental health students
University resources and academic advisors

Conclusion

Your willingness to understand state licensure for mental health counselors will make a do-or-die difference. Be sure to perform thorough research about these requirements. Then, complete the educational and clinical requirements and pass the licensure exams. This isn’t an easy road, but the rewards – personal and professional fulfillment – are well worth it.