How to become a certified counselor in King County
To become a certified counselor in King County, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, an individual must obtain a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or counseling. After completing their undergraduate degree, they must then enroll in a master's degree program in counseling or a related field. During their graduate studies, they will need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours to gain practical experience in the field.
Once they have completed their graduate studies, they will need to pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed counselor. This exam will test their knowledge of counseling theories, ethics, and legal issues. After passing the exam, they can then apply for certification through the Washington State Department of Health.
To maintain their certification, counselors must complete continuing education courses and renew their certification every two years. They must also adhere to ethical standards and guidelines set forth by their professional organizations.