How to become a licensed therapist in Washington, WA

To become a licensed therapist in Washington, WA, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Bachelor's degree: You must have a Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field to pursue a career in therapy.

2. Earn a Master's degree: You must have a Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: You must complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 100 hours of supervision.

4. Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE): You must pass the NCE, which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

5. Apply for licensure: You must apply for licensure with the Washington State Department of Health. You will need to submit your transcripts, proof of clinical experience, and passing scores on the NCE.

6. Complete continuing education: You must complete continuing education courses to maintain your license.

7. Obtain additional certifications: You may choose to obtain additional certifications in specialized areas of therapy, such as marriage and family therapy or addiction counseling.