Massachusetts offers one of the most respected mental health counseling licenses in the country. The Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential authorizes independent clinical practice, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. If you are pursuing this career path in the Bay State, understanding every requirement will help you plan effectively and avoid costly delays.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals oversees LMHC licensure. This comprehensive guide walks you through education requirements, supervised experience, examinations, and the application process so you can achieve your professional goals with confidence.
Massachusetts Licensing Board Overview
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals operates under the Division of Professional Licensure. This board regulates Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Rehabilitation Counselors (LRC), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP).
The board meets regularly to review applications, address disciplinary matters, and update regulations. All applications are submitted through the Massachusetts ePLACE online licensing portal, which also handles renewals and license verification.
Massachusetts Board Contact Information
- Board: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals
- Address: 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118
- Phone: (617) 727-3080
- Website: mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professionals
- Application Portal: ePLACE (elicensing.mass.gov)
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor License Types
Massachusetts uses a two-tier system for mental health counselors. Understanding both levels helps you plan your career trajectory and know what scope of practice applies at each stage.
LMHC Associate
Pre-Licensed/Supervised Practice
- Completed masters degree requirements
- Must practice under clinical supervision
- Accumulating post-degree supervised hours
- Cannot practice independently
- Working toward full LMHC licensure
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Full Independent License
- Full independent practice authority
- Can diagnose mental health conditions
- Eligible to accept insurance panels
- May supervise LMHC Associates
- Can open private practice
Education Requirements
Massachusetts requires a rigorous graduate education in mental health counseling. The state mandates a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours from a regionally accredited institution. Programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) are preferred and may simplify the credential evaluation process.
Degree Requirements
Your graduate program must be specifically in mental health counseling or a closely related field. The board evaluates transcripts carefully to ensure your coursework aligns with their content requirements. Here is what Massachusetts expects:
Core Coursework Areas
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Abnormal psychology/psychopathology
- Group counseling dynamics
- Social and cultural foundations
Additional Required Areas
- Assessment and testing
- Research methods and statistics
- Professional ethics and law
- Career and lifestyle development
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
Practicum and Internship
Massachusetts requires substantial supervised clinical experience as part of your graduate program. This hands-on training prepares you for post-graduate supervised practice and eventual independent licensure.
- Practicum: Minimum 100 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Internship: Minimum 600 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Both must include direct client contact under qualified supervision
- Experience must be in mental health counseling settings
Post-Degree Supervised Experience
After completing your masters degree, Massachusetts requires extensive supervised clinical experience before you can practice independently. This is one of the most demanding aspects of Massachusetts licensure, so careful planning is essential.
Massachusetts LMHC Supervision Requirements
Hours Required
- 3,360 total supervised hours
- 2 years minimum duration
- 1 hour supervision per 16 client hours
Supervision Structure
- Individual supervision strongly emphasized
- Supervisor must be licensed LMHC, LICSW, or psychologist
- Supervision must address clinical skills and ethics
- Documentation required for all supervision sessions
Finding a Qualified Supervisor
Your clinical supervisor must hold an active Massachusetts license as an LMHC, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), or licensed psychologist. The supervisor must have at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience.
Before beginning supervision, establish a formal supervision agreement that outlines:
- Frequency and format of supervision sessions
- Methods of evaluation and feedback
- Documentation and record-keeping procedures
- Emergency and crisis protocols
- Scope of practice limitations during supervised period
Examination Requirements
Massachusetts accepts two national examinations for LMHC licensure. You may take either the NCE or the NCMHCE, both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Many candidates choose the NCMHCE because it focuses specifically on clinical mental health counseling skills.
NCE (National Counselor Examination)
General counseling knowledge exam
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
- Passing Score: Set by NBCC
- Cost: Approximately $335
- Content: 8 CACREP core areas
NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)
Clinical simulation exam (preferred)
- Format: 10 clinical simulations
- Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
- Passing Score: Set by NBCC
- Cost: Approximately $335
- Content: Clinical assessment and treatment
Both examinations are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Massachusetts. You must receive authorization from the Massachusetts board before registering for the exam.
Application Process Step by Step
All applications are submitted through the Massachusetts ePLACE online licensing portal. Here is the complete process for obtaining your LMHC license:
Create ePLACE Account
Register at elicensing.mass.gov and create your professional profile. This account will be used for all future renewals and license management.
Submit Application and Transcripts
Complete the online application and arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from your graduate institution. Include course descriptions if requested.
Submit Supervision Documentation
Provide detailed documentation of your 3,360 supervised hours, including supervisor verification forms and logs of supervision sessions.
Pay Application Fee
The LMHC application fee is approximately $262. Additional fees may apply for transcript evaluation if your program was not CACREP-accredited.
Complete Background Check
Massachusetts requires a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. The board will provide instructions for completing this requirement.
Pass Examination
Once approved, register for and pass either the NCE or NCMHCE through Pearson VUE. Scores are reported directly to the board.
Receive License
After all requirements are verified, your LMHC license will be issued and posted to the ePLACE portal. You can download your license certificate immediately.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Massachusetts LMHC licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on your birthday. All licensees must complete continuing education to maintain their license in good standing.
Continuing Education Requirements
- 30 CE hours per renewal cycle
- 3 hours must be in ethics
- CE must be from board-approved providers
- Retain certificates for 4 years
Renewal Fees
- LMHC License Renewal $262
- Late Renewal (within 60 days) $393
- Reinstatement (lapsed license) $393+
- License Verification Letter $25
Reciprocity and Endorsement
If you hold a mental health counseling license in another state, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Massachusetts. The board evaluates each application individually to determine if your credentials meet Massachusetts standards.
To qualify for endorsement, you generally must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted license in another state
- Have completed education substantially equivalent to Massachusetts requirements (60 hours)
- Have completed supervised experience meeting Massachusetts standards
- Have passed the NCE or NCMHCE
- Have no disciplinary actions against any professional license
Counseling Compact Status
As of 2025, Massachusetts has not yet joined the Counseling Compact. This means you cannot practice in Massachusetts using a compact privilege. You must obtain a full Massachusetts LMHC license to practice in the state. Monitor the board website for updates on compact participation.
Scope of Practice
The Massachusetts LMHC license authorizes a broad scope of clinical mental health practice. Understanding your scope helps you practice confidently within legal boundaries while serving your clients effectively.
LMHC Authorized Activities
Clinical Services
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Mental health assessment and evaluation
- Diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders
- Treatment planning and implementation
- Crisis intervention and stabilization
Practice Settings
- Private practice (solo or group)
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Substance abuse treatment programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the application process take?
Complete applications are typically processed within 6-8 weeks. Applications requiring additional documentation review or credential evaluation may take longer. The board recommends applying well in advance of when you need to begin practicing.
Can I start accumulating supervised hours before graduation?
The 3,360 supervised hours required for LMHC are post-masters hours. However, your practicum and internship hours (approximately 700 hours) are completed during your graduate program and count toward your overall clinical training.
What if my graduate program was fewer than 60 credits?
If your program was fewer than 60 semester hours, you may need to complete additional graduate coursework to meet Massachusetts requirements. The board will review your transcripts and specify which content areas need additional credits.
Can an LMHC prescribe medication?
No. LMHCs in Massachusetts cannot prescribe medication. If your clients need medication management, you will need to coordinate care with a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other prescribing provider.
Is telehealth practice allowed for Massachusetts LMHCs?
Yes. Massachusetts LMHCs can provide telehealth services to clients located in Massachusetts. If you want to provide telehealth to clients in other states, you must hold licensure in those states as well.
How do I verify my license status?
License status can be verified online through the Massachusetts License Verification portal. This is free and provides real-time license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts requires significant commitment to education and supervised training. The rigorous requirements ensure that Massachusetts LMHCs are among the most qualified mental health professionals in the country.
Massachusetts LMHC Licensure Essentials
- Complete 60 graduate semester hours in mental health counseling from an accredited program
- Accumulate 3,360 post-degree supervised clinical hours over a minimum of 2 years
- Pass the NCE or NCMHCE examination through NBCC
- Apply through the ePLACE online portal with all required documentation
- Renew biennially with 30 CE hours, including 3 in ethics
- Practice independently with full diagnostic and treatment authority
Simplify Your Massachusetts Practice
Whether you are completing your supervised hours or building an established LMHC practice, TheraFocus helps you manage scheduling, documentation, billing, and compliance in one HIPAA-compliant platform designed for Massachusetts mental health professionals.
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