LMHCs address mental health disorders and conditions related to grief and loss, poverty, physical pain or illness, disability, involvement with the legal system, and substance use or addiction.
View Massachusetts LMHC licensure regulations
LMHCs are trained to work with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of clinical environments.
- Graduate from a 60-credit accredited master’s program
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE)
- Complete over 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
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LMHCs & allied professionals:
MA EOHHS License Verification -
Medical doctors:
MA Board of Registration in Medicine
- Psychology Today
- Therapy Den
What statutes and regulations govern LMHCs in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts General Law 262 CMR 2 governs LMHC licensure
and professional practice in the Commonwealth.
Which board oversees LMHC licensure in Massachusetts?
The Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services
Professions oversees LMHC licensure under the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health.
LMHCs may also interact with the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission in certain circumstances.
I am a recent graduate. How do I learn more about getting licensed?
Congratulations on completing the first step toward independent licensure.
Begin by reviewing MGL CMR 262 2 and explore MaMHCA resources for students and new professionals.
I’m licensed in another state, but I want to get licensed in Massachusetts. How do I do that?
The At the time of this writing, Massachusetts does not at present have reciprocity with other states for LMHCs, nor is it part of the Counseling Compact. Please see the MGL CMR 262 2 to learn about requirements you will need to meet to attain licensure. You can also take part in one of our license application support clinics.
How can I find a contract supervisor?
If you are looking for a supervisor to meet licensure requirements as an LMHC, make sure a potential supervisor satisfies the requirements for an Approved Supervisor in the definitions section of the MGL CMR 262 2. An easier way to go about this is to search for a certified supervisor via our directory then use our supervision forms can help you guarantee compliance for your supervision contract.
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License renewal is based on completion of required continuing education units (CEUs) during each renewal cycle, including any prorated requirements outlined in the Guidelines. LMHC licenses renew on December 31 of odd-numbered years, following a biennial cycle. For example, the current cycle runs from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025. CE requirements are prorated based on when you received your confirmatory email from the Board.
At a minimum, the training must be clinically relevant to professional mental health counseling practice. Yes. All CEUs may be completed online. CEUs may be approved by MaMHCA or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). No. Categories used in previous renewal cycles are no longer used to distinguish educational content. No. This policy changed in 2023. All CEUs may now be obtained in any format. Live virtual workshops—such as those offered by MaMHCA—are considered synchronous and count as “in person.” No. Continuing education credits may not be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next. Submit a Retroactive Certification Application, your certificate of completion, and the required payment as outlined on the form. Maintain copies of all certificates for at least 10 years. Keep two backups (physical and electronic, or two electronic—local and cloud). Complete evaluations immediately if required to receive credit. The Licensing Board conducts random audits and may request proof of compliance for up to two prior renewal cycles. Failure to comply can result in license suspension and a permanent notation on your license. |
I Did One of These. Can I Use It for CEUs?
Main Areas of Mental Health Counselor StudyCounseling TheoryTheories, principles, and techniques of counseling and their application to professional settings. Human Growth & DevelopmentDevelopment across the lifespan, personality theory, normal and abnormal behavior within cultural contexts. Social & Cultural FoundationsMulticultural trends, societal influences, discrimination, stress, abuse, and related interventions. The Helping RelationshipHelping skills, counseling techniques, consultation theory, self-development, and mind/body approaches. Group DynamicsGroup development, leadership styles, counseling methods, and facilitation strategies. Appraisal of IndividualsPsychometrics, testing, assessment tools, interpretation, and career appraisal. Research & EvaluationResearch design, statistics, program evaluation, needs assessments, and ethics in research. Clinical ServicesAssessment and treatment procedures, addictions, abuse, and psychopharmacology. Law & EthicsApplication of ethical and legal standards in clinical practice. Professional OrientationProfessional roles, credentialing, standards, and trends in mental health counseling. |