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Professional Counseling Licensing

 

2025 Public Notice Identifying Public Health Issues for Continuing Education Effective October 1, 2025

 

Licensure Renewals are LIVE

Board of Professional Counseling Online Renewals:

Login to Licensing Portal

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] 

 

Change to the Term of License, Certificate and Registration

Effective Date June 16, 2024

DC Health has always operated with fixed renewal windows for each profession. In response to feedback from the health professional community, the Director has moved to change the renewal system to align with each licensee’s month of birth. As such, all applicable licenses, certificates, or registrations issued on or after June 16, 2024, will expire on the last day of the birth month of the license holder. This will apply to all new applicants and will become applicable to licensees renewing later this year. For those renewing, this will not take effect until September 2024. For all current holders of a license, certificate, or registration additional information will be provided at a later date. This authority is pursuant to Chapter 40 Section 4006.3 DCMR Chapter 40 General Rules.

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 

Re-Examination 

Endorsement 

Professional Counselor Checklist 

Examination

Re-Examination

Endorsement

Licensure By Endorsement Policy

Addiction Counselor I and Certified Addiction Counselor II Checklist 

Examination

Re-Examination

Endorsement

 

Marriage and Family Therapy Checklist

Examination and Endorsement

 

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:

 

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. All licenses expire on December 31 of even years. 

BOARD MEETINGS (2025)
The Board meets on the third Friday.  Please note that meeting dates can change.
The Board plans to meet on the following dates:

2025 Board Meetings

  • October 18, 2024 (virtual)
  • November 15, 2024 (virtual)
  • December 13, 2024 (virtual)
  • January 17, 2025 (virtual)
  • February 21, 2025 (virtual)
  • March 21, 2025 (virtual)
  • April 18, 2025 (virtual)
  • May 16, 2025 (virtual)
  • June 20, 2025 (virtual)
  • July 18, 2025 (virtual)
  • Septemeber19, 2025 (in-person)

Applications

Additional Information

Regulations

Continuing Education

Policy Statements

Marriage and Family Therapy Policy Statements

Announcements and Newsletters

Discipline

Licensure Search

Meeting Materials

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