Life is full of struggles and challenges, and the journey to becoming a therapist in Washington State is no different. Becoming a therapist in Washington State requires dedication, hard work, and knowledge of the process. This article outlines the steps you need to take to become a licensed therapist in Washington State.
Steps to Become a Licensed Therapist in Washington State
Before you can become a licensed therapist in Washington State, you must first meet a few requirements. These requirements include:
- Possess a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field, from an accredited college or university
- Complete a supervised clinical experience as a counselor or therapist
- Pass a national exam approved by the state
Once you have met these requirements, you are ready to begin the process of becoming a licensed therapist in Washington State.
Applying for the License
The first step in becoming a licensed therapist in Washington State is to apply for a license. You can do this by submitting an application and all required documentation to the Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance.
In your application, you must include the following:
- Proof of your education and experience as a counselor or therapist
- Proof of your passing score on the national exam
- A completed background check
- A signed and notarized application form
Once you have submitted your application and all required documentation, the Washington State Department of Health will review your application and determine if you meet the requirements for licensure.
Background Check and Licensing Exam
Once your application has been approved, you will need to complete a background check and take the licensing exam. The background check is conducted to ensure that you have no criminal history that could affect your ability to practice therapy in Washington State.
Once your background check has been cleared, you will be able to take the licensing exam. The licensing exam is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of the practice of psychotherapy. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued a license to practice psychotherapy in the state of Washington.
Continuing Education
Once you have been licensed, you must complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your license. The Washington State Department of Health requires all licensed therapists to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their license.
These courses can include topics such as ethics, legal issues, clinical practice, and more. You can find a list of approved continuing education courses at the Washington State Department of Health website.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed therapist in Washington State is a long and arduous process, but it is well worth the effort. With dedication, hard work, and knowledge of the process, you can become a licensed therapist in Washington State. Once you have met all the requirements, you can begin practicing psychotherapy in the state of Washington.
