Professional Counseling Licensing

2025 Public Notice:
Identifying Public Health Issues for Continuing Education (PDF)
Effective October 1, 2025

Licensure Renewals are LIVE

Board of Professional Counseling Online Renewals:

2024 Renewal Notice

RENEWAL NOTICE

Please note that due to the large number of licensees seeking renewal and the need to complete the required review (of criminal background check, etc.), the issuance of the renewed license is taking longer than expected.

Licensees who submit the renewal application before the expiration date of the license/certification/registration (DECEMBER 31, 2024) are permitted to continue to work while their application is pending. Currently, DC Health is processing the renewal applications from a number of licensees who applied timely for the renewal of their licenses. The subject matters under review vary from Continuing Education compliance to disciplinary history. However, when the renewal applications are approved, the licenses will be renewed and active as of January 1, 2025.

For individuals who have applied for their renewal prior to the December 31, 2024, deadline, their status will be “Renewal in process – review pending”. For those who apply after the deadline, their status will be “Expired - renewal eligible".

Licensees may not work beyond February 28, 2025, without an active license.

PROCESSING CENTER Hours:
The DC Health Processing Center is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 am – 1 pm, and Wednesday, 9 am - 3:30 pm (except holidays).

Office Hours:
Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am - 4:45 pm (except holidays).

If you require assistance from the Board of Professional Counseling, please contact the Board at [email protected]

Term of License, Certificate, and Registration – Effective June 16, 2024

DC Health is transitioning all professional licenses, certificates, and registrations to a birth‑month renewal cycle. All credentials issued on or after June 16, 2024, will expire on the last day of the holder’s birth month. This will also apply to renewing licensees beginning September 2024.

Your new expiration date will always fall on the last day of your birth month.
If your birthday is in an odd year, your future renewals will occur in odd years (and the same for even years).
Applies to all new and renewal applicants.

ALERT: PHONE SCAM

DC HEALTH has become aware of a PHISHING PHONE SCAM
in which individuals pose as DC Health representatives to request money.
Please be advised that DC Health representatives will never
contact you with a request for money.

LICENSURE WAIVER PERIOD HAS ENDED:

Please review Important Notices regarding
Temporary Licensure Requirements

Note: DC Health No Longer Accepting Paper Applications (Beginning June 14, 2021)

Please review the application checklist and regulations prior to applying for a license.

Graduate Professional Counselor Checklist

Examination (PDF)

Re-Examination (PDF)

Endorsement (PDF)

Professional Counselor Checklist

Examination (PDF)

Re-Examination (PDF)

Endorsement (PDF)

Updated Endorsement Policy- Internship Practicum (PDF)

Licensure By Endorsement Policy (PDF)

Addiction Counselor I and Certified Addiction Counselor II Checklist

Examination (PDF)

Re-Examination (PDF)

Endorsement (PDF)

Marriage and Family Therapy Checklist

Examination (PDF)

Endorsement (PDF)

ONLINE LICENSING APPLICATIONS

DC Health’s online licensing application system is now LIVE.

DC Health is excited to announce the opening of our new online licensing system. Effective immediately, any healthcare provider who is interested in applying for a new health professional license, or to renew, reinstate, or reactivate an existing license, may do so by submitting an online application. All users are strongly encouraged to review the instructions prior to beginning the process.

Status of Application

If you need an update on the status of your application, please send an email to the appropriate inbox:

Professional Counselor applicants: [email protected]
Graduate Professional Counselor applicants: [email protected]
Art Therapist applicants: [email protected]
Graduate Art Therapist applicants: [email protected]
Addiction Counselor I applicants: [email protected]
Certified Addiction Counselor II applicants: [email protected]
Marriage and Family Therapy applicants: [email protected]
Dance Therapy applicants: [email protected]

Individuals may also call the Processing Center at 1 (877) 672-2174 to get an update on their pending applications.

The Board of Professional Counseling ("the Board") regulates the practice of professional counseling in DC. The Board administers and enforces the law. The Board also evaluates applicants' qualifications, recommends standards and procedures, and issues licenses. Moreover, the Board receives and reviews complaints, requests investigations, and conducts hearings. The Board consists of five members appointed by the Mayor: four professional counselors licensed in the District of Columbia and one consumer member.

Continuing Education Adjustment During Transition
All Boards have approved acceptance of 50% of the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for licensees who have received less than two (2) years on their license term during this transition period. This applies only to this one‑time transition into the birth‑month renewal cycle. License holders are still responsible for the two (2) LGBTQ Cultural Competency and the 10% Public Health Priorities.

BOARD MEETINGS (2026)
The Board meets on the third Friday of the month at 10 am. Please note that meeting dates can change. You may access the meeting via the link provided below:

https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/j.php?MTID=mb7db2da02f1ac65acba8e248dc72d81a

The Board plans to meet on the following dates:

2026 Board Meetings