State Licensing for Pastoral Counselors | American Association of Pastoral Counselors

State Licensing for Pastoral Counselors

State Licensing For Pastoral Counselors

Pastoral Counselors are able to work with a state license in most states today. Only six states actually license the title Pastoral Counselor. They are: Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In many other states Pastoral Counselors may qualify for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists or as Professional Counselors. They may have to take supplemental courses to match a model curriculum, or take a certified Post-graduate program. Read the regulations for a specific state to see what equivalencies are allowed.

This document gives contact addresses, phone numbers, and web sites, if available.

Abbreviation Legend

CCPT - Certified Clinical Pastoral Therapist
CpastC - Certified Pastoral Counselor
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor
LPP - Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist
LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LpastC - Licensed Pastoral Counselor
LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
CPC - Certified Professional Counselor
LMFC - Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
LPCMH - Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health
LCMHC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

To locate The Board near you,
click on your state or country:

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: Law, Rules and Regulations may be accessed at website.
Address: Board of Examiners in Counseling, 950 22nd St N., Suite 670,
Birmingham, AL 35203
Board of Examiners in MFT, 610 S. McDonough St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 205-458-8716 or 800-822-3307
For Counseling: wcox@abec.state.al.us
Email for MFT: abemft@aol.com

Region: Northwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT
Comments: Masters or Doc. in MFT or allied MH field.
Must have specified courses. Exam.
Address: Board of Professional Counselors Division of Occupational Licensing, P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Phone: 907-465-2551
Website: http://www.dced.ak.us/occ/pmft.cfm
Email: olivia_orsborn@dced.state.ak.us

Region: Pacific
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): CPC
Address: Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, 1400 W. Washington St., Rm 350, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602)542-1830
Email: behavioral_health@pop.state.az.us
Webpage: http://aspin.asu.edu/~azbbhe/

Region: Central
Address: Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (CPC), P.O. Box 70, Magnolia, AR 71754-0070
Phone: (870)901-7055
Email: arboec@sbcglobal.net

Region: Pacific
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFC, MFT
Comments: MA with specific course requirements; 3,000 hrs. supervised experience. Exam.
Address: Marriage and Family and Child Therapist Bd. of Behavioral Science Examiners, 400 R St, Suite 3150, Sacramento, CA 95814-6240
Phone: (916)445-4933
Webpage: http://www.bbs.ca.gov

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): PC, MFT
Comments:
Address: State Bd. of LPC Examiners, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1370, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-7766
Email: joan.seggerman@state.co.us
Webpage: http://www.dora.state.co.us/Mental-Health/

CONNECTICUT

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT, LMHC
Comments: M.Div. does not qualify, after grandfather period ended.
Address: Dept. of Public Health Services - State of Connecticut, 410 Capitol Ave. MS-12APP, PO Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Phone: 860-509-7561
Webpage: http://www.state.ct.us/dph/

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPCMH
Address: Board of Professional Counselors of Mental Health, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Canon Building, Suite 203, Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-739-4522

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC
Address: DC Board of Professional Counseling Dept. of Health, 825 N. Capital Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-442-4775 or 202-442-9200

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: See website for rules & statutes. Masters must have "emphasis in MFT," or specified Counseling courses.
Address: Bd. of Clinical Social Work, MFTs & Mental Health Counselors, 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin #C08, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3250
Phone: 850-245-4444 ext. 3434
Email: carole_timin@doh.state.fl.us
Webpage: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: M.Div. accepted if required courses have been taken. See website
Address: Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and MFT's, 237 Coliseum Dr., Macon, GA 31217
Phone: 478-207-1670
Email: fajayi@sos.state.ga.us
Webpage: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/ebd-counselors/

Region: Pacific
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT
Address: Prof. & Voc. Licensing Division, Dept. of Comm. & Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96811
Phone: 808-586-2693

Region: Northwest
Licensing Available: yes
Title(s): LPC
Comments: M.Div. or Doctorate, with 60 counseling hours (defined), plus supervision and experience; natl. exam.
Address: Idaho State Counselor Licensure Board, 1109 Main St., Suite 220, Boise, ID 83702-5642
Phone: 208-334-3233
Email: jwiedric@ibol.state.id.us

Region: Central
Licensing Available: yes
Title(s): LPC, LCPC, LMFT
Comments: AAPC Fellow or Diplomate may sit for counselor exam.
Address: Illinois Dept. of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217-782-0458
Webpage: http://www.dpr.state.il.us/

Region: Midwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT, LMHC, LCSW
Comments: With MDiv, or MA in Pastoral Counseling or MFT, must also match courses of model curriculum plus exam. (Approved Program at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.)
Address: Indiana SW, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Mental Health Counselor Bd., Health Professions Bureau, 402 W. Washington St., Room 041, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-234-2064
Email: hpb5@hpb.state.in.us
Webpage: http://www.state.in.us/hpb

Region: Central
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMHC, LMFT
Address: Board of Behavior Science Examiners, Dept of Pub. Health, Br. of Prof. Licensing Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-4413
Webpage: http://idph.state.ia.us/

Region: Central
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Behavioral Science Regulatory Board, 712 S. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66603-3817
Phone: 785-296-3240
Email: lvawter@ink.org
Webpage: http://www.ksbsrb.org/index.cfm

Region: Midwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: New: Certified Fee Based Pastoral Counselor. M.Div. + 1yr. min; + 1375 supervised hours; exam.
Address: KY Bd of Certification of Fee Based Pastoral Counselors, PO Box 1360, Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone: 502-564-3296 ext. 226
Webpage: http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/finance/occupations/pastoralcounselor/

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC
Comments: Must meet specified degree requirements.
Address: Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, 8631 Summa Ave., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 504-765-2515

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LpastC, LMFT, LPC
Comments: MAINE licenses Pastoral Counselors by Title.
Address: Maine Board of Counseling Professionals, Licensure State House Station #35, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207-624-8603
Webpage: http://www.state.me.us/pfr/led/counsel/

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Board of Professional Counselors & Therapists, Metro Executive Center, 3rd Floor, 4201 Patterson Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215-2299
Phone: 410-764-4732

MASSACHUSETTS

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMHC, LMFT
Comments: M.Div. does not qualify, nor does D.Min. for doctoral level.
Address: Bd. of Allied Mental Health and Human Service Professionals, 239 Causeway St, 5th Flr., Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-727-3080
Email: jodi.b.rubin@state.ma.us
Webpage: http://www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/mh/

Region: Midwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: D.Min. may not qualify; but may take post graduate MFT program and take national MFT exam.
Address: Bd. of MFT or Bd. of Counseling, Bureau of Health Services, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-335-0918
Webpage: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/bhser

Region: Central
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT
Comments: Approved MFT Program or equivalent. Exam.
Address: Bd. of Marriage and Family Therapy, 2829 University SE, Suite 330, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-617-2220
Webpage: http://www.bmft.state.mn.us

MISSISSIPPI

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Bd. of Examiners for Licensed Prof. Counselors, 319 South Main Street, Yazoo City, MS 39194
Phone: 601-362-0616

Region: Central
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: Must have taken required courses in Masters Program; Accredited post-graduate program permitted.
Address: Division of Professional Registration Committee for Professional Counselors, 3605 Missouri Blvd., PO Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-0018
Email: couns@mail.state.mo.us
Webpage: http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/mft

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LCPC
Address: Bd. of Social Work Examiners and Prof. Counselors, 301 South Park, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
Phone: 406-841-2369
Email: dlibsdswp@state.mt.us

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: Post masters courses are allowed to meet specific degree requirements
Address: The Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-9486
Phone: 402-471-2117
Webpage: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/lis/lis.asp

Region: Pacific
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT
Address: Marriage and Family Therapist Bd. of Examiners, PO Box 72758, Las Vegas, NV 89170
Phone: 702-486-7388
Webpage: http://marriage.state.nv.us/

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPP, LMFT
Comments: Parallels AAPC Fellow and Diplomate requirements. D.Min. in Pastoral counseling OK.
Address: NH Board of Mental Health Practice, 49 Donovan St., Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-271-6762
Email: plynch@dhhs.state.nh.us
Webpage: http://www.state.nh.us/mhpb/

Region: Eastern
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LMFT, LPC
Address: Bd. of MFT Examainers/ or PC Examiner's Committee, P.O. Box 45007, Newark, NJ 07101
Phone: 973-504-6415
Webpage: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical.cfm

Region: Southwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPCC, LMFT
Comments: Masters degree must "have focus in MFT or meet the requirements of the core curriculum in marriage and family therapy from an accredited institution; 1000 hrs. experience. Will change in 2006
Address: New Mexico Therapy Practice Board Regulation & Licensings Dept., 2055 Pacheco Street, Suite 300, PO Box 25101, Sante Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-476-7100
Webpage: http://www.rld.state.nm.us/b&c/counseling/counselingtherapypracticeboard.cfm

Region: Eastern
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): CSW, Clinical Psychologist
Comments: A Bill has been introduced to license MFT's, Professional Counselors, Psychoanalyists, Art Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers. Presently only Psychologists, Certified Social workers, and Psychiatric Nurses can be licensed and only graduates of approved programs may sit for the exams.

NORTH CAROLINA

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): CpastC, LMFT, LPC
Comments: Pastoral Counselors have their own specific title in NC. There are also boards for LMFT's and Licensed Practicing Counselors
Address: NC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, P.O. Box 1369, Garner, NC 27529-1369 or North Carolina Board of Examiners of Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors, Ms. Shelia Beck, Administrative Secretary, P.O. Box 2227, Welcome, NC 27374.
Phone: (NCBLPC) 919-661-0820 (NCBFBPPC) 336-794-3470
Fax: (NCBFBPPC) 336-794-3116
Email: (NCBFBPPC) ncbfbppc@aol.com

NORTH DAKOTA

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC
Address: ND Board of Counselor Examiners, 2112 10th Avenue, SE, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: 701-667-5969
Fax: 701-667-5969
Email: ndbce@btigate.com

Region: Midwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC
Comments: Tight degree requirements; best if from Ohio school; contact Ashland Theological School
Address: Counselor and Social Work Board, 77 South High St., Columbus, OH 43266
Phone: 614-466-0912

Region: Southwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Licensed Professional Counselors Advisory Board, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299
Phone: 405-271-6030

Region: Northwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: May take supplemental courses to meet specified curriculum.
Address: Bd. of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, 3218 Pringle Rd, SE, #160, Salem, OR 97302-6312
Phone: 503-378-5499
Email: lpc.lmft@state.or.us

PENNSYLVANIA

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: 60 hr. MA in "closely related field", 3600 hrs. sup. experience; exam. (Grandfather period in effect now)
Address: Bd. of SWs, MFTs, and PCs; Dept. of State, PO Box 2469, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone: 717-783-1389
Email: socialwo@pados.state.pa.us
Webpage: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/socwkbd/mainpage.cfm

RHODE ISLAND

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Bd of MHCs & MFT's, 3 Capital Hill, Room 104, Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: 401-222-2827 ext 106
Email: donnad@doh.state.ri.us

SOUTH CAROLINA

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: SC Board of Licensed Practicing Counselors, PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329
Phone: 803-896-4658
Webpage: http://www.llr.state.sc.us

SOUTH DAKOTA

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: 48 hr. approved Masters, or course equivalents.
Address: SD Bd of Counselor Examiners, P.O. Box 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57101
Phone: 605-331-2927
Webpage: http://www.dhs.sd.gov/brd/counselor

Region: Southeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): CCPT, LMFT, LPC
Comments: M.Div., D Min qualify, if 60 or more hours of specified courses; AAMFT certification is endorsed; May take AAPC exam.
Address: Bd. of Prof.Counselors, MFTs and Clinical Pastoral Therapy, Dept. of Health, 1st Floor, Cordell Hull Bldg, 425 5th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37247-1010
Phone: 615-532-3202 / 888-310-4650
Webpage: http://www.state.tn.us/health

Region: Southwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: Need MA, D Min or PHD in specified counseling Field (or substantial equiv.) 3 yrs. exp.
Address: Bd. of Examiners of PCs, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756-3183
Phone: 512-834-6658
Webpage: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hcqs/plc/mft.cfm

Region: Rocky Mountain-Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: PC or MFT Board, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Dept. of Commerce,160 East 300 South, Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Phone: 801-530-6720
Email: dsjones@utah.gov
Webpage: http://www.commerce.state.ut.us

Region: Northeast
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LCMHC, MFT
Comments: For MHC, must have master's meeting required courses; MFT needs accredited MA, or equivalent; Exam.
Address: Bd. of Allied MH Practitioners, Office of Professional Regulation, Redstone Bldg,109, State St.,Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
Phone: 802-828-2390
Email: dlafaill@sec.st.vt.us
Webpage: http://www.sec.state.vt.us/opr/oprdex.cfm

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: 60 hr.MA approved by COAMFTE or CACREP; or equiv. meeting course requirements. Exam.
Address: Virginia Bd. of Prof. Counselors, 6606 W. Broad St, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-662-9912
Webpage: http://www.dhp.state.va.us/counseling/counseling_laws_regs.cfm

Region: Northwest
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LCMHC, CMHT
Comments: Masters or Doctoral Degree in MFT or "behavioral science" plus 2 years supervision and exam
Address: Mental Health Quality Assurance Division, Health Prof. Section Two, 1300 SE Quince Street, Olympia, WA 98504-7869
Phone: 360-644-4111
Email: karen.sweet@doh.wa.gov
Webpage: http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/hpqad/Coun/default.cfm

WEST VIRGINIA

Region: Atlantic
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC
Address: WV Bd. of Examiners in Counseling, Marshall University Graduate College, P.O. Box 129, Ona, WV 25545
Phone: 304-767-3061 or 800-520-3852
Email: jajohnson@marshall.edu

Region: Central
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Comments: MA in MFT or Prof. Counseling or substantial equivalent. Exam.
Address: Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing, PO Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708
Phone: 608-266-0145
Webpage: http://badger.state.wi.us:80/agencies/drl/Regulation/html/dod1047.cfm

Region: Rocky Mountain- Plains
Licensing Available: Yes
Title(s): LPC, LMFT
Address: Mental Health Professions Licensure Board, First Bank Plaza, 2020 Carey Ave., Suite 201, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 3007-777-7788
Webpage: http://soswy.state.wy.us/director/ag-bd/mental.cfm