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Connecticut Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CT · License preparation

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Professional Counselor

License for independent professional counseling. The 2026 Supplement removes initial application fees. The 120-day graduate authorization issues no license or permit; DPH has no inactive license status.

Licensing authority: Connecticut Department of Public Health · Application information

Annual renewal with active duty military fee exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty
Currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and a legal Connecticut resident.
Documentation
Submit the signed renewal application, commanding-officer letter and proof of Connecticut residence; request the fee exemption for each renewal.
Renewal
Maintain the ordinary annual renewal and continuing education requirements; the exemption concerns the renewal fee only.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 qualifying contact hours in the preceding registration period; include at least one hour of cultural competency, three hours of professional ethics each period, and two hours on veterans/family mental health during the first applicable renewal period and at least every six years thereafter.
Records
Retain completion certificates for at least three years and provide them to DPH on request.
Renewal
Renew annually during the birth month; the LPC renewal fee is $200. Submit renewal information and attestation; hours do not carry forward.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with a CACREP clinical mental health counseling degree
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Connecticut supervised practice
Connecticut supervised practice must be under a professional counselor associate license, except for the statutory graduate authorization lasting at most 120 days after completion of the qualifying course of study.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
Graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from a CACREP-accredited program or successor organization.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Experience
3,000 hours of postgraduate practice under professional supervision over at least two years, including at least 100 hours of direct professional supervision.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Licensure by examination with a CACREP clinical mental health counseling degree with the three year licensed work substitution
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
Graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from a CACREP-accredited program or successor organization.
Employment verification
A letter sent directly by the appropriate employer authority must verify professional counselor employment and dates.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Existing license
Currently licensed or certified as a professional counselor or equivalent in another U.S. state, territory or commonwealth.
Experience
Three years of licensed or certified professional counseling work may replace only the postgraduate supervised experience in section 20-195dd(a)(2), if the commissioner finds it equal to or greater than Connecticut requirements; the degree and examination requirements remain.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Reinstatement following suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
DPH may impose the disciplinary or corrective measures authorized by section 19a-17, including practice restrictions, reporting, probation and continuing professional education.
Hearing
After a hearing, DPH must be satisfied the practitioner can practice with reasonable skill and safety.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

First renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Annual birth-month renewal, $200; first renewal is exempt from continuing education requirements until the next registration period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on at least four years of licensed U.S. practice under section 19a 14d
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e).
Background
Satisfy any background or character-and-fitness check applicable to other applicants.
Department discretion
Section 19a-14d(b) permits DPH to require all or part of another applicant examination, but its published four-year application instructions exercise that discretion by stating no examination is required. Section 19a-14d(d) reserves denial in the best interest of the state.
Documentation
Apply online, affirm at least four years of licensed work, and arrange direct verification of all current and expired licenses.
Existing license
A valid license in the corresponding profession in at least one other U.S. jurisdiction, at a practice level determined by DPH.
Experience
At least four years of practice under that license.
Good standing
All licenses must be in good standing, without revocation, imposed discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct complaint/allegation/investigation or voluntary surrender during such investigation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination for a qualifying matriculating student on or before July 1, 2017
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Connecticut supervised practice
Connecticut supervised practice must be under a professional counselor associate license, except for the statutory graduate authorization lasting at most 120 days after completion of the qualifying course of study.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
A regionally accredited graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field and 60 graduate semester hours in the applicable counseling subjects.
Education exception
The applicant was a matriculating student in good standing on or before July 1, 2017. Section 20-195dd(a) exempts addiction/substance abuse counseling, trauma/crisis counseling, diagnosis/treatment coursework, the practicum and the internship; it does not waive the examination. The DPH pre-2017 page uses "prior to July 1, 2017"; the statute includes that date.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Experience
3,000 hours of postgraduate practice under professional supervision over at least two years, including at least 100 hours of direct professional supervision.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Licensure by examination for a qualifying matriculating student on or before July 1, 2017 with the three year licensed work substitution
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
A regionally accredited graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field and 60 graduate semester hours in the applicable counseling subjects.
Education exception
The applicant was a matriculating student in good standing on or before July 1, 2017. Section 20-195dd(a) exempts addiction/substance abuse counseling, trauma/crisis counseling, diagnosis/treatment coursework, the practicum and the internship; it does not waive the examination. The DPH pre-2017 page uses "prior to July 1, 2017"; the statute includes that date.
Employment verification
A letter sent directly by the appropriate employer authority must verify professional counselor employment and dates.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Existing license
Currently licensed or certified as a professional counselor or equivalent in another U.S. state, territory or commonwealth.
Experience
Three years of licensed or certified professional counseling work may replace only the postgraduate supervised experience in section 20-195dd(a)(2), if the commissioner finds it equal to or greater than Connecticut requirements; the degree and examination requirements remain.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Renewal of a license that became void during qualifying military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete CE/refresher training that would be required for renewal of the same nonvoid license and provide the DPH application and requested documentation.
Exclusions
Routine annual reservist or National Guard training outside mobilization is excluded; no issuance where professional discipline is pending or there is an unresolved complaint.
Military service
License became void under section 19a-88 while the holder was on U.S. active duty or was a National Guard member ordered out by the Governor.
Time limit
Apply no later than one year after discharge from active duty or ordered service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with non CACREP education
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Connecticut supervised practice
Connecticut supervised practice must be under a professional counselor associate license, except for the statutory graduate authorization lasting at most 120 days after completion of the qualifying course of study.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
A graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally accredited institution, at least 60 graduate semester hours with all 12 areas in section 20-195dd(a)(1)(B)(i), a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling internship taught by an appropriately licensed or certified faculty member.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Experience
3,000 hours of postgraduate practice under professional supervision over at least two years, including at least 100 hours of direct professional supervision.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Licensure by examination with non CACREP education with the three year licensed work substitution
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e), as amended in the 2026 Supplement.
Criminal history
Submit to the state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check required by section 20-195ii.
Documentation
Apply online; submit transcripts and course-of-study verification, experience verification, and verification from every licensing authority where a professional counselor license has ever been held directly from the source.
Education
A graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally accredited institution, at least 60 graduate semester hours with all 12 areas in section 20-195dd(a)(1)(B)(i), a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling internship taught by an appropriately licensed or certified faculty member.
Employment verification
A letter sent directly by the appropriate employer authority must verify professional counselor employment and dates.
Exam score
Pass either NCE or NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC submission of the score report; a currently offered examination passed before applying remains an alternative examination for this route.
Existing license
Currently licensed or certified as a professional counselor or equivalent in another U.S. state, territory or commonwealth.
Experience
Three years of licensed or certified professional counseling work may replace only the postgraduate supervised experience in section 20-195dd(a)(2), if the commissioner finds it equal to or greater than Connecticut requirements; the degree and examination requirements remain.
Supervision
Use a supervisor within section 20-195aa(6); direct supervision is face-to-face individual consultation including at least a monthly review and written evaluation.
Renewal with a medical continuing education waiver or extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Medical verification
Submit a verifying document signed by a licensed physician; a waiver or extension lasts at most one calendar year and must be reapplied for if the condition continues.
Renewal
Keep the license current; DPH may grant a waiver or extension for disability or illness.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with a continuing education waiver during nonpractice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Keep the ordinary license current and renew annually; this is a CE waiver, not an inactive or retired license.
Waiver
Before the registration period expires, submit a notarized waiver application and undertake not to resume active practice until the applicable return-to-practice requirements are met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice after a nonpractice continuing education waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Successfully complete seven qualifying contact hours before resuming practice; these count toward the current registration-period CE requirement.
License
The existing license remains current; no new inactive-status credential is issued.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement under section 20 195dd(c)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
No initial application fee under section 20-195cc(e).
Disciplinary status
No disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints pending.
Documentation
Provide direct license verification from each jurisdiction; the prior license is an applicant qualification and section 20-195dd(c) does not require an identifiable currently offered examination.
Equivalence
The other jurisdiction has substantially similar or higher requirements for the corresponding capacity, satisfactory to the commissioner.
Existing license
Licensed or certified in another state or jurisdiction as Professional Counselor or entitled to provide similar services under a different designation.

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

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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
11 clinical case studies, each with one narrative in three sections (initial intake summary and two counseling sessions) followed by 9–15 four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions; one case study is unscored
Exam questions
130–150 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after the fifth case study)
Passing score
Cut score set through standard setting and applied to other forms through statistical equating; the total score is the number of correctly answered scored items
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • 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. Supervision
    • 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. (25% of scored items) (25%)
    • 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
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with client’s diagnosis
    • 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)
    • 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 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. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • 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