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Alabama Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Associate Licensed Counselor

Associate license requiring Board-approved supervision.

Licensing authority: Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling · Application information

Endorsement of an associate counseling license
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Examination Timing
ALC issuance does not require passing the examination under §34-8A-8 and r. 255-X-6-.01(2). Under r. 255-X-3-.02(5), applicants may opt to take NCE after education or defer it until completion of supervised experience for LPC. The optional currently offered examination is retained as a leaf under this survey contract.
Examination Waiver
Any equivalence or examination waiver remains subject to Board review under r. 255-X-10-.02. NCE may be deferred as for other ALC applicants.
Existing License
A current associate counseling license from another United States jurisdiction must be substantially equivalent under §34-8A-15; supply Board-prescribed evidence and fee.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Six Year Limit
Under r. 255-X-2-.03, the ALC expires after six continuous years from original issuance and requires a new initial application with forfeiture of previously accrued supervision.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Designation of an existing license as inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
No more than six years before a new initial ALC application is necessary.
Existing License
A currently valid ALC license; request inactivation before its ending valid date.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Practice
Inactive status revokes practice privileges until reactivation; the Board will not inactivate a lapsed license retroactively.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial associate licensure
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Examination Timing
ALC issuance does not require passing the examination under §34-8A-8 and r. 255-X-6-.01(2). Under r. 255-X-3-.02(5), applicants may opt to take NCE after education or defer it until completion of supervised experience for LPC. The optional currently offered examination is retained as a leaf under this survey contract.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Six Year Limit
Under r. 255-X-2-.03, the ALC expires after six continuous years from original issuance and requires a new initial application with forfeiture of previously accrued supervision.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Renewal after lapse within six years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Timing
Submit a new Proposed Plan of Supervision; renewal expires twelve months after approval and remains subject to the six continuous-year rule.
Continuing Education
10 hours during the previous 12 months, including 2 ethics hours; at least 75% real-time interactive participation and documentation meeting Board requirements.
Existing License
An existing ALC license.
Lapsed License
Lapse of no more than six years; pay the renewal and lapsed-license fees.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Recent Education
10 hours during the previous 12 months, including 2 ethics hours immediately preceding the request.
Renewal Term
Annually on the anniversary of issuance, subject to the six-year ALC limit.
Submission
Submit Board renewal application and renewal fee.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New initial application after ALC expiration
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Examination Timing
ALC issuance does not require passing the examination under §34-8A-8 and r. 255-X-6-.01(2). Under r. 255-X-3-.02(5), applicants may opt to take NCE after education or defer it until completion of supervised experience for LPC. The optional currently offered examination is retained as a leaf under this survey contract.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Prior License
ALC expired at six continuous years, or lapsed/inactive beyond six years; reapply under current initial ALC rules and forfeit all previous supervised experience and client hours.
Six Year Limit
Under r. 255-X-2-.03, the ALC expires after six continuous years from original issuance and requires a new initial application with forfeiture of previously accrued supervision.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Initial ALC application following expired or inactive LPC
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Examination Timing
ALC issuance does not require passing the examination under §34-8A-8 and r. 255-X-6-.01(2). Under r. 255-X-3-.02(5), applicants may opt to take NCE after education or defer it until completion of supervised experience for LPC. The optional currently offered examination is retained as a leaf under this survey contract.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Prior License
A former LPC lapsed or inactive beyond six years must reapply for initial ALC licensure and forfeit prior supervision and client experience, except for the separate statutory reinstatement route in §34-8A-6(f).
Six Year Limit
Under r. 255-X-2-.03, the ALC expires after six continuous years from original issuance and requires a new initial application with forfeiture of previously accrued supervision.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Reactivation of an inactive license within six years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
10 hours during the previous 12 months, including 2 ethics hours immediately preceding reactivation; required participation and documentation apply.
Inactive License
Prior Board approval of inactive ALC status for no more than six years.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Submission
Written request/application, inactive-status approval letter, citizenship evidence, reactivation and renewal fees, and Board approval.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
Appear before the Board; reinstatement requires a favorable majority Board decision and compliance with the applicable order.
Prior License
Revoked ALC license.
Waiting Period
At least three years after the revocation or denial became legally effective.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
The Board reevaluates a one-year suspension; it may reinstate, extend suspension by no more than one year or revoke. Appear before the Board and comply with the applicable order and Board decision.
Prior License
Suspended ALC license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
10 hours during the previous 12 months, including 2 ethics hours; at least 75% real-time interactive participation and documentation meeting Board requirements.
Existing License
An existing ALC license.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Renewal Term
Annually on the anniversary of issuance, subject to the six-year ALC limit.
Submission
Submit Board renewal application and renewal fee.
Supervision
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Revalidation after approved supervision resumes
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior License
ALC invalidated because Board-approved LPC-S supervision ended.
Submission
Return the certificate during invalidity; obtain an approved LPC-S, submit a new PPoS and receive a new certificate before providing clinical services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Professional counseling license; statutory specialty designations are additions to this license and are represented by its routes.

Licensing authority: Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling · Application information

Full LPC issuance after provisional deficiencies are cured
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Examination Waiver
The Board may waive its formal examination requirement for a documented passing written counseling examination it considers substantially equivalent. Other jurisdictions’ own examinations are applicant evidence, not Alabama exam leaves.
Existing License
Hold a current comparable counseling license in good standing obtained by direct qualification, not endorsement or reciprocity.
Historical Equivalence
Meet Alabama education and supervised-experience standards in effect when the original license was applied for. Supply the original licensing rules, official license verification, transcripts and experience documentation.
Implementation Demand
The May 2026 LPC endorsement application asks for 3,000 supervised hours including 2,250 direct and 750 indirect and states that an applicant without NCE must document the licensure exam taken, including date and score, or take and pass NCE.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Provisional Plan
Fulfill the Board-approved provisional plan, submit progress and completion documentation, and request Board review for full LPC. The general LPC NCE requirement remains subject to endorsement-equivalence waiver.
Licensure by endorsement
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Examination Waiver
The Board may waive its formal examination requirement for a documented passing written counseling examination it considers substantially equivalent. Other jurisdictions’ own examinations are applicant evidence, not Alabama exam leaves.
Existing License
Hold a current comparable counseling license in good standing obtained by direct qualification, not endorsement or reciprocity.
Historical Equivalence
Meet Alabama education and supervised-experience standards in effect when the original license was applied for. Supply the original licensing rules, official license verification, transcripts and experience documentation.
Implementation Demand
The May 2026 LPC endorsement application asks for 3,000 supervised hours including 2,250 direct and 750 indirect and states that an applicant without NCE must document the licensure exam taken, including date and score, or take and pass NCE.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Designation of an existing license as inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
No more than six years before a new initial ALC application is necessary.
Existing License
A currently valid LPC license; request inactivation before its ending valid date.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Practice
Inactive status revokes practice privileges until reactivation; the Board will not inactivate a lapsed license retroactively.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure from ALC
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Associate License
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Continuing Education
When an ALC applies for LPC, submit prorated CE of 0.83 hours per month or part thereof since the last renewal, rounded up, with the required ethics hours.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Exam Score
Have NBCC send the passing NCE score directly to ABEC; an existing passing score remains an examination leaf.
Experience
3,000 Board-approved supervised hours (2,250 direct and 750 indirect) accrued after ALC issuance. Eligible additional graduate credits may reduce the total, but not below 1,000 hours; reductions require approval.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Initial LPC licensure with an approved specialty designation
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the applicable signed and notarized Board application, official transcripts, supporting records, application fee and, after approval, licensure fee.
Associate License
An approved Proposed Plan of Supervision and exclusive ABEC-approved LPC-S supervision are required before counseling practice; maintain valid supervision and licensure throughout experience.
Character
Good moral character, compliance with the governing law and Board rules, and required references and background disclosures.
Continuing Education
When an ALC applies for LPC, submit prorated CE of 0.83 hours per month or part thereof since the last renewal, rounded up, with the required ethics hours.
Education
A conferred counseling master’s degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours or 90 graduate quarter hours, CACREP/CORE accreditation or equivalent content, required academic areas, 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship under r. 255-X-3-.01(2).
Exam Score
Have NBCC send the passing NCE score directly to ABEC; an existing passing score remains an examination leaf.
Experience
3,000 Board-approved supervised hours (2,250 direct and 750 indirect) accrued after ALC issuance. Eligible additional graduate credits may reduce the total, but not below 1,000 hours; reductions require approval.
Lawful Presence
United States citizen or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Specialty
Demonstrate recognized minimum standards of a nationally recognized certification agency and provide its credentials and examination evidence as the Board approves. The statute names no particular additional certification examination; that unnamed slot is a condition. Do not claim or advertise an unapproved specialty.
Renewal after lapse within six years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Timing
The Board rule requires receipt by July 31 for LPC; the statute states August 1. Meet the Board’s earlier submission date.
Continuing Education
40 hours during the previous 24 months, including 6 ethics hours; at least 75% real-time interactive participation and documentation meeting Board requirements.
Existing License
An existing LPC license.
Lapsed License
Lapse of no more than six years; pay the renewal and lapsed-license fees.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Recent Education
40 hours during the previous 24 months, including 6 ethics hours immediately preceding the request.
Renewal Term
Biennially, expiring July 31 of the renewal year.
Submission
Submit Board renewal application and renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive license within six years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
40 hours during the previous 24 months, including 6 ethics hours immediately preceding reactivation; required participation and documentation apply.
Inactive License
Prior Board approval of inactive LPC status for no more than six years.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Submission
Written request/application, inactive-status approval letter, citizenship evidence, reactivation and renewal fees, and Board approval.
Supervision
An LPC reactivates independent licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
Appear before the Board; reinstatement requires a favorable majority Board decision and compliance with the applicable order.
Prior License
Revoked LPC license.
Waiting Period
At least three years after the revocation or denial became legally effective.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
The Board reevaluates a one-year suspension; it may reinstate, extend suspension by no more than one year or revoke. Appear before the Board and comply with the applicable order and Board decision.
Prior License
Suspended LPC license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
40 hours during the previous 24 months, including 6 ethics hours; at least 75% real-time interactive participation and documentation meeting Board requirements.
Existing License
An existing LPC license.
Military Exceptions
For an active-duty service member or spouse, the Board reviews individual circumstances and may accept alternative verification or grant education, supervised-experience or examination exceptions under r. 255-X-1-.10. Verification of military status must accompany the request.
Renewal Term
Biennially, expiring July 31 of the renewal year.
Submission
Submit Board renewal application and renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after lapse for a qualifying counseling related professional
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior License
Prior LPC license lapsed for fifteen years or less.
Professional Experience
At least eight years in a profession where counseling forms part of the daily routine.
Submission
$500 fee and 40 hours of continuing education; appear before the Board under its reinstatement policy.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Counselor Examination

Provider
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); administered through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online through OnVUE
Format
200-question, multiple-choice, non-sectioned examination; scored and unscored items appear in jumbled order; a different form is compiled for each administration
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice questions: 160 scored and 40 unscored field-test items
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after question #100)
Passing score
Criterion passing score set by a modified Angoff method and adjusted for each form by statistical equating; passing scores may vary slightly for each version
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Assess your (the counselor) competency to work with a specific client
    • B. Understand statistical concepts and methods in research
    • C. Practice legal and ethical counseling
    • D. Clarify counselor–client roles
    • E. Discuss client’s rights and responsibilities
    • F. Discuss limits of confidentiality
    • G. Explain counselor agency policies
    • H. Review payment, fees, and insurance benefits
    • I. Explain counseling processes, procedures, risks, and benefits
    • J. Explain uses and limits of social media
    • K. Inform clients about the legal aspects of counseling
    • L. Obtain informed consent
    • M. Discuss confidentiality as it applies to electronic communication
    • N. Establish group rules, expectations, and termination criteria
    • O. Assess competency to provide informed consent
    • P. Monitor the therapeutic relationship and build trust as needed
    • Q. Review client records
    • R. Provide adequate accommodations for clients with disabilities
    • S. Provide information to third parties
    • T. Provide referral sources if counseling services are inadequate/ inappropriate
    • U. Advocate for professional and client issues
    • V. Seek supervision/consultation
    • W. Create and maintain documentation appropriate for each aspect of the counseling process
    • X. Awareness and practice of self-care
  • 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct client intake, assessment, and diagnosis. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Conduct a biopsychosocial interview
    • B. Conduct a diagnostic interview
    • C. Conduct cultural formulation interview
    • D. Conduct an initial interview
    • E. Determine diagnosis
    • F. Perform a Mental Status Exam (MSE)
    • G. Consider co-occurring diagnoses
    • H. Determine level of care needed
    • I. Determine the appropriate modality of treatment
    • J. Assess the presenting problem and level of distress
    • K. Evaluate an individual’s level of mental health functioning
    • L. Screen clients for appropriate services
    • M. Select, use, and interpret appropriate assessment instruments
    • N. Use formal and informal observations
    • O. Assess for trauma
    • P. Assess substance use
    • Q. Obtain client self-reports
    • R. Evaluate interactional dynamics
    • S. Conduct ongoing assessment for at-risk behaviors (i.e., suicide, homicide, self/other injury, and relationship violence)
    • T. Use pre-test and post-test measures to assess outcomes
    • U. Evaluate counseling effectiveness
  • 3. Areas of Clinical Focus — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge and skills related to areas of clients’ concern(s). (29% of items; 47 scored items) (29%)
    • A. Adjustment related to physical loss/injury/medical condition
    • B. Aging/geriatric concerns
    • C. Behavioral problems
    • D. Bullying
    • E. Caregiving concerns
    • F. Cultural adjustments
    • G. End-of-life issues
    • H. Fear and panic
    • I. Financial issues
    • J. Gender identity development
    • K. Grief/loss
    • L. Hopelessness/depression
    • M. Loneliness/attachment
    • N. Hyper/hypo mental focus
    • O. Intellectual functioning issues
    • P. Insomnia/sleep issues
    • Q. Maladaptive eating behaviors
    • R. Remarriage/recommitment
    • S. Developmental processes/tasks/issues
    • T. Obsessive thoughts/behaviors
    • U. Occupation and career development
    • V. Physical issues related to anxiety
    • W. Physical issues related to depression
    • X. Physical/emotional issues related to trauma
    • Y. Process addictions (pornography, gambling)
    • Z. Racism/discrimination/oppression
    • AA. Religious values conflict
    • AB. Retirement concerns
    • AC. Ruminating and/or intrusive thoughts
    • AD. Separation from primary care givers
    • AE. Sexual functioning concerns
    • AF. Sleeping habits
    • AG. Spiritual/existential concerns
    • AH. Stress management
    • AI. Substance use/addiction issues
    • AJ. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
    • AK. Terminal illness issues
    • AL. Visual/auditory hallucinations
    • AM. Worry and anxiety
    • AN. Adoption issues
    • AO. Blended family issues
    • AP. Child abuse-related concerns
    • AQ. Child development issues
    • AR. Dating/relationship problems
    • AS. Divorce
    • AT. Family abuse/violence (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional)
    • AU. Interpersonal partner violence concerns
    • AV. Marital/partner communication problems
    • AW. Parenting/co-parenting conflicts
    • AX. Emotional dysregulation
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (9% of items; 14 scored items) (9%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with clients’ diagnoses
    • C. Identify barriers affecting client goal attainment
    • D. Identify strengths that improve the likelihood of goal attainment
    • E. Refer to different levels of treatment (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, residential, etc.)
    • F. Refer to others for concurrent treatment
    • G. Guide treatment planning
    • H. Discuss termination process and issues
    • I. Discuss transitions in group membership
    • J. Follow-up after discharge
    • K. Use assessment instrument results to facilitate client decision making
    • L. Review and revise the treatment plan
    • M. Engage clients in review of progress toward treatment goals
    • N. Collaborate with other providers and client support systems (documentation and report writing)
    • O. Discuss with clients the integration and maintenance of therapeutic progress
    • P. Educate client to the value of treatment plan compliance
  • 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct effective counseling. (30% of items; 48 scored items) (30%)
    • A. Align intervention with client’s developmental level
    • B. Align intervention with counseling modality (individual, couple, family, or group)
    • C. Align intervention with client population (e.g., veterans, minorities, disenfranchised, disabled)
    • D. Implement individual counseling in relation to a plan of treatment
    • E. Establish therapeutic alliance
    • F. Apply theory-based counseling intervention(s)
    • G. Address addiction issues
    • H. Address cultural considerations
    • I. Address family composition and cultural considerations
    • J. Evaluate and explain systemic patterns of interaction
    • K. Explore family member interaction
    • L. Explore religious and spiritual values
    • M. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
    • N. Help clients develop support systems
    • O. Help facilitate clients’ motivation to make the changes they desire
    • P. Improve interactional patterns
    • Q. Provide crisis intervention
    • R. Educate client about transference and defense mechanisms
    • S. Facilitate trust and safety
    • T. Build communication skills
    • U. Develop conflict resolution strategies
    • V. Develop safety plans
    • W. Facilitate systemic change
    • X. Provide distance counseling or telemental health
    • Y. Provide education resources (e.g., stress management, assertiveness training, divorce adjustment)
    • Z. Provide psychoeducation for client
    • AA. Summarize
    • AB. Reframe/redirect
    • AC. Facilitate empathic responses
    • AD. Use self-disclosure
    • AE. Use constructive confrontation
    • AF. Facilitate awareness of here-and-now interactions
    • AG. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
    • AH. Use linking and blocking in a group context
    • AI. Management of leader–member dynamics
    • AJ. Model giving and receiving of feedback
    • AK. Address impact of extended families
    • AL. Contain and manage intense feelings
    • AM. Explore the influence of family of origin patterns and themes
    • AN. Address the impact of social support network
    • AO. Use “structured” activities
    • AP. Promote and encourage interactions among group members
    • AQ. Promote and encourage interactions with the group leader
    • AR. Use psychoeducation as a part of the group process
    • AS. Explain phases in the group process
    • AT. Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
    • AU. Create intervention based on the stage of group development
    • AV. Challenge harmful group member behaviors
    • AW. Address the potential interaction of members outside of the group
  • 6. Core Counseling Attributes — This section encompasses behaviors, traits, and dispositions of effective counselors. (8% of items; 13 scored items) (8%)
    • A. Awareness of self and impact on clients
    • B. Genuineness
    • C. Congruence
    • D. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to gender orientation and gender issues
    • E. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural issues
    • F. Demonstrate conflict tolerance and resolution
    • G. Empathic attunement
    • H. Empathic responding
    • I. Foster the emergence of group therapeutic factors
    • J. Non-judgmental stance
    • K. Positive regard
    • L. Respect and acceptance for diversity
    • M. Use foundational listening, attending, and reflecting skills
Examination sources