Mental Health Counselors License in District of Columbia
Quick Answer
To become a licensed counselor in DC, you need a master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Most states also require supervised clinical experience.
- Exam
- NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (including supervised experience)
Requirements
Mental Health Counselors license in District of Columbia
Mental Health Counselors Salary in District of Columbia
Entry Level
$44,210
Median
$66,140
Experienced
$101,130
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselors in District of Columbia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience).
Mental Health Counselors Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know
Licensed as 'Mental Health Counselors' in DC. Education: Degree required. Exam: Third-party exam required. CE: Continuing education required to maintain license.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Mental Health Counselors license in District of Columbia?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Mental Health Counselors license in District of Columbia?
- You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Mental Health Counselors requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.