How to Get Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Florida

In this 1-hour webinar recorded with a live audience of members of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA), Aaron Norton, the President-Elect of FMHCA, provides an overview of the current requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, as well as the definition of mental health counseling in Florida, scope of practice, and licensure portability issues.

Disclaimers: Laws and rules change with time. The requirements covered in this webinar were current as of the recording on 12/14/18, but viewers should check the 491 Board's website to determine whether there have been any changes since the recording (www.floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov).

UPDATE (8/4/23): Since this video was recorded, legislation was passed accomplishing the following:
1. Effective 7/1/25, pursuant to F.S. 491.005(4)(b)1, an individual must have a CACREP- or MPCAC-accredited degree in clinical mental health counseling to be eligible for licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida (though we have been advised that those who are approved as registered mental health counselor interns prior to that date will not have their educational requirement re-assessed when they apply for independent licensure).
2. Pursuant to F.S. 491.006, the licensed by endorsement requirements (for individuals licensed as a counselor in a state other than Florida) have been revised such that their specific graduate-level coursework is no longer reviewed.
3. Florida has now joined the Counseling Compact (www.counselingcompact.org), which will enable individuals licensed in any state that is part of the compact to apply for the privilege to practice in any other state that is part of the compact without having to get a license in any other state.