Idaho law requires the licensure of all persons who practice or offer to practice counseling and therapy in the State of Idaho.  Licensure is also required for those engaged in clinical practice. The Idaho Board issues licenses for Counselors (LPC), Clinical Practice Counselors (LCPC), and Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT).  A license may be obtained through endorsement or examination.   All applicants must certify under oath that they have reviewed and will abide by the laws, rules, and ethics governing the practice of counseling and marriage & family therapy. Exam Dates.

Supervised Experience

Supervised experience that includes postgraduate supervision is required for Idaho licensure. Specific rules concerning intern and supervisor registration have been implemented and should be reviewed prior to making application.  A list of approved supervisors is also available.

Marriage & Family Therapy

Idaho does provide specific licensure for those who wish to practice solely as Marriage & Family Therapists.  The qualifications for this individual discipline, and its scope of practice, is outlined in law and rule.

A frequently asked question is, "If I have a current Counselor license and wish to practice marriage & family therapy, am I required to obtain a Marriage & Family Therapy license as well?"

The definition of the practice of professional counseling under Section 54-3401.(8), Idaho Code, reads in part as follows:
"The practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited to:
    (a) Individual, group, marriage and family counseling and therapy;
....The use of specific methods, techniques, or modalities within the practice of  professional counseling is restricted to professional counselors appropriately trained in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities."

Based on that definition, an additional marriage & family therapy license would not be required.  The licensee should, however, bear in mind the requirement of being "...appropriately trained in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities." 

The application for a marriage & family therapy license may be downloaded below.

Examination

All applicants for an Idaho counselor license must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) given by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).   Applicants who have taken the NCE examination in another state must contact NBCC and authorize the transmittal of scores to the Idaho Board.  Scores must be received directly from NBCC before applications for licensure will be processed. 

All applicants for Clinical licensure must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).  Applicants who have taken the NCMHCE examination in another state must contact NBCC and authorize the transmittal of scores to the Idaho Board.  Scores must be received directly from NBCC before applications for licensure will be processed. 

Those who have not completed the required examination must submit the "Notification of Intent to Sit" form 45 days prior to the chosen examination date in order to be scheduled for the examination.  A "Notification of Intent to Sit" form must be received by the Board no less than 45 days before the date of the exam being requested.  If your form is received within 45 days of the requested exam, you will be scheduled for the next following exam date.

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PLEASE ATTACH A COMPLETED ADA ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF ANY DISABILITY AND A WRITTEN REQUEST IDENTIFYING ANY SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY.

You may download an application for Supervisor Registration, Intern Registration, Additional Supervisor Registration, Licensure, and Verification of Supervision form or request them by writing or e-mailing:

Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main St., Suite 220
Boise, ID 83702-5642

Please provide your name, address, & phone number with your request.

application downloads require

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