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New York licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Applicants generally complete a qualifying graduate degree, accrue post-degree supervised clinical experience, and pass a national examination. Verify current education, supervised-experience, examination, renewal, and continuing education requirements directly with the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
A qualifying master's or higher mental health counseling program (CACREP-accredited under the 2009 clinical standards) including a supervised internship/practicum of at least 600 hours. Verify current requirements with the NYSED Office of the Professions.
Applicants must pass the required licensing examination (the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, NCMHCE). Verify the current exam with NYSED.
At least 3,000 hours of supervised mental health counseling experience after completing the education requirement, of which not less than 1,500 hours are direct client contact, with at least one hour weekly or four hours monthly of supervision. Verify current requirements with NYSED.
License portability may be available by endorsement/reciprocity and, where the state participates, through the Counseling Compact. Verify Counseling Compact participation and endorsement eligibility with the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in New York. Each links to its own full state guide — always verify current requirements with the relevant official board.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Counselor licensing laws, board rules, education and supervised-experience requirements, examinations, and renewal requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state counseling licensing board or applicable regulatory agency.