Candidates must have a master's degree in counseling or a related field to meet the educational requirements for certification.
Most certification boards require applicants to complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is often a requirement for psychotherapist certification in many jurisdictions.
Proof of good character ensures that the applicant upholds ethical standards required for practicing psychotherapy.
Applicants must typically provide a clean criminal background check to ensure legal eligibility for certification.
Renewal is typically required every 2-5 years and includes continuing education requirements.