Licensure and Certification Information

The Counseling and Psychology programs lead to two types of credentials: licensure as mental health counselors and initial licensure as school counselors.

Licensure has helped to define the professional identity of counselors by ensuring appropriate academic and clinical competencies for professional counselors and allowing for independent practice. Currently, 48 states and the District of Columbia credential mental health professionals with master's degrees.

In August 1996, vendorship for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) was signed into law by the Governor of Massachusetts. The passage of this legislation means that LMHCs are authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to receive third-party (insurance) reimbursement from commercial insurers. Further, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) must consider LMHCs when their panels are opened.

In Massachusetts, after July 1, 1998, 60 credits of graduate study are required to meet the educational eligibility requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor. The Division of Counseling and Psychology meets the educational requirements of Massachusetts and most state licenses. Our faculty maintain on-going contact with the licensing board in Massachusetts to assure that graduates meet the educational requirements for licensure eligibility. If you plan to practice in a state other than Massachusetts, please contact the state licensing board for practice requirements.

The School Counseling degree programs lead to initial licensure for school counselors in School Guidance and School Adjustment. The Division of Counseling and Psychology has also been given permission by the Massachusetts Department of Education to determine, for students entering with a master's degree in counseling or a related field, their individualized program of studies for initial licensure as school counselors.

NOTE: Lesley University reserves the right to revise courses, credits or programs of study to strengthen the academic integrity of the program and/or satisfy external accrediting agencies. Licensure programs will be revised from time to time, to be in compliance with the regulations of the Massachusetts Deparment of Education and the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure. All students should contact their faculty advisors to obtain current information regarding program requirements.

For information on Massachusetts educator licensure (school counselor licensure), see: http://www.lesley.edu/certification.html
For information on Massachusetts mental health counselor licensure, see: http://www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/mh/default.htm