Steps for Applying by Examination: Applicants for Licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor 1. Submit the completed application and the $125 non-refundable application fee, payable to the Vermont Secretary of State. 2. If applicable, have the state from which you obtained your initial license and your most recent state of licensure complete the "Verification of Licensure form, including the section on Licensing/Certification Standards. 3. Complete the Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet and attach syllabi or course descriptions to your application, including verification of 700 hours of practicum / internship. NOTE: The Vermont Board has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the following schools and programs. Applicants who graduated from one of these programs do not need to complete the Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet. Instead, contact your program and request them to send a signed copy of MOU Attachment E to the Office. Johnson State College Master of Arts in Counseling Effective Dates: 11/1/12 5/31/16 College of St. Joseph Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Effective Dates: 8/1/1/14 5/31/16 Southern New Hampshire University Master of Arts in Community Mental Health & Mental Health Counseling Effective Dates: 5/1/14 5/31/16 Antioch Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Effective Dates: 8/1/14 5/31/15 Antioch Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Effective Dates: 8/1/13 5/31/16 Springfield College Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Effective Dates: 2/1/15 5/31/16 NOTE: CACREP Program: An Acceptable Degree in clinical mental health counseling conferred by a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an acceptable degree which may be used toward licensure. Applicants who graduated with a degree in clinical mental health counseling from a CACREP program does not need to complete the Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet. Reminder: Each applicant who has an acceptable degree from a CACREP Program is still required to successfully complete 60 credits of graduate level course work in mental health counseling to qualify for licensure. 4. Request official transcripts (directly from the institution) to be sent to the Office. 5. Pass the examinations. Vermont requires applicants to pass both of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Examinations: the National Counselors Exam (NCE), and the National Clinical Mental Health Examination (NCMHCE). NOTES: Passing the examinations does not guarantee that you will be licensed. All other criteria must be met before licensure is granted. If you took the NCE during your graduate program, you will need to contact NBCC directly and have them send us official verification of the score. Once your education has been approved by the Board you will be sent information on how to apply to sit for the exams. The examinations are given on a monthly basis. 6. Have your supervisor(s) complete the Supervision Report form. Supervisors must also submit proof of their licensure by completing the "Verification of Supervisor Licensure form and sending it to their state of licensure.
NOTES: The "Verification of Supervisor Licensure form is not required if your supervisor is licensed in Vermont. If you engage in supervised practice in Vermont, you must be on the roster of non-licensed non-certified psychotherapists before you begin your supervised practice. Your supervision hours will not be accepted if you were not on the roster and the supervision took place after June 1, 2009. Your supervisor must be a licensed physician or a licensed osteopathic physician who has been certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Medical Specialties, a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a person licensed or certified in another jurisdiction in one of these professions, or in a licensed profession which is in the opinion of the Board their substantial equivalent. Supervisors must have been licensed for at least 3 years and be in good standing, when the supervision commenced. 7. Applicants need 3000 hours of post Master s supervised clinical experience (a minimum of 2 years), including: At least 2000 hours of direct service work; the remainder may be indirect service; 100 hours of supervision from someone licensed at least 3 years (1 hour of supervision for every 30 hours of practice); A minimum of 50 hours of individual supervision and no more than 50 hours of group supervision (with no more than 6 supervisees in the group); and Face-to-face supervision. NOTES: Post-masters supervised hours can begin as soon as you have completed all degree requirements (even if graduation is several months later) as long as we receive notification from the school that you have completed all of the required coursework. Your supervisor must be licensed and in good standing as a psychiatrist, psychologist, independent clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse practitioners or a clinical mental health counselor and must have been licensed for at least 3 years when the supervision commenced. Steps for Applying by Endorsement 1. Complete the application. 2. Submit the completed application and the $125 non-refundable application fee, payable to the Vermont Secretary of State. 3. Have the state from which you obtained your initial license and your most recent state of licensure complete the "Verification of Licensure form, including the section on Licensing/Certification Standards. 4. Provide a copy of the statutes and rules from the state(s) from which you are trying to be endorsed to this Office. Five-Year Rule Follow the steps above for endorsement and submit a letter indicating that you have met the active practice requirement as set forth in Board rule 3.27(c). Applicants in active practice in a United States or Canadian jurisdiction regardless of licensing standards: If the applicant has been licensed or certified as a clinical mental health counselor and is in good standing in another United States or Canadian jurisdiction, notwithstanding the jurisdiction s current licensing requirements, and has been in active practice no fewer than five years, the Board may issue a license. Active practice as used in this section means practicing clinical mental health counseling more than an average of 20 hours per week for 48 weeks per year over the five years before application for licensure in Vermont.
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners Application for Licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org Applying on the basis of: Examination Licensed in another state (Endorsement) 5-Year Rule (Use Ink or Typewritten only) First Name (Legal name; no nicknames) MI Last Name Previous Name(s) (Maiden) Social Security Number: / / (Providing your social security number (SSN) is mandatory, and requested under the authority granted by 42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C). It will be used by the Departments of Taxes, Child Support, and the Department of Labor in the administration of Vermont law, to identify individuals affected by such laws. Your SSN is not disclosed as part of a public records request); OR Passport Number: (If you do not have a social security number you must provide a passport number as evidence that there is no attempt to procure a license fraudulently (3 V.S.A. 129a) P.O. Box Mailing Address: Street/Apt # City/State/Zip Country Box Street/Apt # 911 Address: (if different than mailing) Suite/Department/Floor City/State/Zip Phone ( ) - Cell Phone ( ) - Fax ( ) - E-Mail Date of Birth Gender (Circle One) Female Male List below every state in which you now hold, or have ever held, a license/certification to practice STATE LICENSE # DATE ISSUED DATE EXPIRES(D)
Section B: Vermont Mandatory Good Standing Declarations CHILD SUPPORT: Child Support Orders, 15 V.S.A. 795(b): Good standing for child support is defined by 15 V.S.A. 795(d). You must check the appropriate box. As of the date of this application: I am not subject to a child support order. I am subject to a child support order and I am in good standing or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all child support. I am subject to a child support order and I am NOT in good standing or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all child support. Please contact the Office of Child Support at (802) 241-2319. OCS must report your compliance to this office before you may be issued a license. TAXES: Taxes Due to the State of Vermont, 32 V.S.A. 3113(b): Good Standing for taxes due is defined by 32 V.S.A. 3113(g). You must check the appropriate box. As of the date of this application: I am in good standing with respect to, or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all taxes due to the Vermont Department of Taxes. I am NOT in good standing * with respect to or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all taxes due to the Vermont Department of Taxes. Please contact the Vermont Department of Taxes at (802) 828-2515 for more information. The Tax Department must report your compliance to this office before you may be issued a license. DISTRICT COURT FINES/JUDICIAL BUREAU: Court judgments for fines or penalties, 4 V.S.A. 1110(b): Good standing for court judgments is defined by 4 V.S.A. 1110(c). You must check the appropriate box. As of the date of this application: I have no unpaid judgments issued by the judicial bureau or criminal division of the superior court for fines or penalties for a violation or criminal offense. I am in good standing with respect to any unpaid judgment issued by the judicial bureau or criminal division of the superior court for fines or penalties for a violation or criminal offense. I am NOT in good standing with respect to any unpaid judgment issued by the judicial bureau or criminal division of the superior court for fines or penalties for a violation or criminal offense. You must provide this office documentation of compliance before you may be issued a license. RESTITUTION ORDERS: Unpaid Judgments, 13 V.S.A. 7043a: Good standing for restitution orders is defined by 13 V.S.A. 7043a(c). You must check the appropriate box. As of the date of this application: I have no restitution order. I am in good standing with respect to any restitution order. I am NOT in good standing with respect to any restitution order. You must provide this office documentation of compliance before you may be issued a license.
Section C: Vermont Mandatory Credential and Fitness Questions Circle or for each of these questions. If the answer is, follow the instructions provided. Has Vermont or any other state, federal authority, or other jurisdiction (US or elsewhere) denied an application by you for a license, certificate, or registration to practice a profession or occupation? If, you must attach a copy of the order or official notification of the action(s). Has Vermont or any other state, federal authority, or other jurisdiction (US or elsewhere) taken any disciplinary action (restricted, suspended, revocation or conditioned) against a license, certificate, or registration that you hold or held in any profession or occupation? If, you must provide a copy of the order or official notification of the action. Have you ever surrendered a license, certificate or registration to a licensing authority in Vermont or any other state, federal authority or other jurisdiction (US or elsewhere)? If, you must provide a detailed written explanation and copies of any applicable documentation. Are you currently under investigation by a licensing authority in Vermont or any other state, federal authority or other jurisdiction (US or elsewhere)? If, you must provide a detailed written explanation and a copy of any available information from the licensing authority. Have you EVER been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation? (Driving While Intoxicated and Driving Under the Influence are not minor traffic violations. ) If, you must provide a detailed written explanation and attach the official court documents (i.e., affidavit of probable cause, the information and/or the docket report.) Do you have any criminal charges pending against you in any jurisdiction (US or elsewhere)? If, you must provide a detailed written explanation and attach a copy of the charging documents. te: Vermont law requires that you report to the Office of Professional Regulation a felony conviction or any conviction of a crime related to the practice of your profession within 30 days. 3 V.S.A. 129a(a)(11). The answers to the following questions are not subject to public disclosure: Do you have a physical or mental condition or disorder which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice this profession with reasonable skill and safety? If, you must have your health care provider submit a detailed statement explaining how you are able to practice safely. Does your use of alcohol, substances, or prescription medications impair or limit your ability to practice this profession with reasonable skill and safety? If, you must provide a detailed written explanation. Are you currently addicted to or in any way dependent on alcohol or habit forming drugs? If, you must provide a detailed written explanation.
Graduate Education: Name, City & State of College/University attended. If applying by examination the institution must send official transcripts. Degree Earned Date Graduated (mm/dd/yy) Supervised Experience List your supervisors, their license type and the dates (From/To) of your post-master s supervised clinical experience. Supervisor s Full Name License Type Supervision Dates (From/To) Statement of Applicant I certify, under the pains and penalties of perjury, that all information I have provided in this application is true and accurate. I understand that furnishing false information may constitute unprofessional conduct and result in the denial of my application or further disciplinary action. The maximum penalty for perjury is fifteen years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. (13 V.S.A. 2901) Signature of Applicant Date
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org VERIFICATION OF LICENSURE Complete the applicant section of this form and have the state from which you obtained your initial license and your most recent state of licensure complete the rest. Licensed as a: Date of Birth: Applicant First Name MI Last Name & Title (Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.) Former/Maiden P.O. Box Mailing Address Street/Apt # City/State/Zip Country I hereby authorize the License Agency to furnish to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation the information requested below. Signature Date Information Below To Be Completed by the Licensing Agency: License # Date Issued Date Expired License as a: Licensed By Examination/Education Endorsement/Reciprocity Waiver License Status Has this license ever been encumbered in anyway (revoked, suspended, limited, surrendered, restricted, placed on probation)? If,, attach a copy of the decision. Active Inactive Lapsed LICENSING/CERTIFICATION STANDARDS What are your State's current standards for Licensure? Do you require that an applicant take a state board written examination? If, list the subjects and the passing score for each subject.
Do you require that an applicant take the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Examination: the National Counselors Exam (NCE)? If, indicate the passing score: Do you require that an applicant take the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Examination: the National Clinical Mental Health Examination (NCMHE)? If, indicate the passing score: Do you require applicants to have a master's or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution? Did the course of study leading to the degree include 3 credits in each category below? Diagnosis, Assessment & Treatment Human Growth & Development Theories Counseling Skills Groups Measurement Ethics Treatment Modalities Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling Human Sexuality for Counselors Crisis Intervention Addictive Disorders Psychopharmacology Multi-Cultural Studies Research & Evaluation Career Development / Lifestyle Appraisal Do you require a supervised counseling practicum/internship/or field experience of 700 hours in a clinical mental health counseling setting? Do you accept programs accredited by other accrediting bodies? If, what bodies?
Do you require an applicant complete 3,000 hours (with at least 2,000 hours being direct service), post master s, supervised practice, over a period of no less than 2 years. If, what do you require? Do you require that the 3,000 hours include 100 hours of face-to-face supervision, at least 50 hours of which must be in an individual setting? If, what do you require? Do you require the clinical supervision to be under either a licensed physician or a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, or a licensed independent clinical social worker, or a licensed marriage and family therapist? Do you accept supervision by other supervisors? If, who: Signature of person completing form Date State Completing this form Telephone STATE LICENSING AUTHORITY: Mail to: Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-3402 (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org Dear Supervisor: SUPERVISION REPORT INSTRUCTIONS We appreciate your assistance in our evaluation of your supervisee for licensed and independent practice as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the State of Vermont. We attach considerable importance to the Supervision Report when we evaluate applicants for licensure. We ask you to give us a thorough description of your supervisee's experience, performance, and character as well as the specific nature of the supervision you provided. Feel free to add additional pages if the space provided is not sufficient for you to give an adequate account of your supervisee's work. In completing the attached form, we ask that you: 1. Type or write your responses clearly and legibly. 2. Respond to all questions or provide an explanation for any omissions. If omissions are not explained the form will be returned. 3. Provide any additional information which you feel is relevant to our evaluation of your supervisee's ability to engage in the independent practice of marriage and family therapy. 4. Provide verification of your license. The Verification of Supervisor Licensure form must be sent to this Office directly from the licensing authority of the state in which you were licensed at the time you provided supervision. This form only needs to be completed if you are not licensed in Vermont, or if you were licensed in another jurisdiction when the supervision took place. 5. Retain a copy of everything you submit. 6. Forward the completed form and supporting documentation to the address below. Sincerely, Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist NOTE: The supervision requirement is 3,000 hours of supervised practice over a minimum two-year period, commencing no earlier than the completion of the graduate program. Of the 3,000 practice hours, 2000 hours must be direct service, with the additional 1,000 hours in either continued clinical practice or a combination of related services in a clinical supervisory setting. Please refer to 26 V.S.A. 3261(2) for the definition of a clinical mental health counseling setting. The supervised practice must include 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Face-toface supervision is conducted in the formal setting of an office, clinic, or institution and may be either in an individual setting, between the supervisor and the applicant, or in a group setting, including the supervisor and up to six trainees. Of the100 hours, 50 must be in an individual setting. The required ratio of supervision to supervised practice is 1:30; one hour of supervision per 30 hours of supervised practice. The 1:30 ratio applies to each supervisor and practice setting. Mail to: Diane Lafaille or AMHP Board, Office of Professional Regulation, 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org SUPERVISION REPORT Applicant's name in full: The following information is to be completed by the supervisor. Please write legibly. Please mail to Diane Lafaille at the address above. Last Name First Name MI Mailing Address Street City State Zip Code Telephone Fax E-Mail List below every state in which you held a license to practice three years prior to and during the time the supervision took place. Title of your professional license: State License Number Date of Initial License Date Expires(d)
SUPERVISION REPORT PAGE 2 Name of practice setting Address Type of practice setting (Check One) Clinic Hospital Private Practice Other Dates and hours of practice and supervision. If the supervision is ongoing state the current date do not state: In Progress. Supervision Began MM/DD/YY: Supervision Ended MM/DD/YY: Total number of months. Total number of direct practice hours worked. Total number of indirect practice hours worked. Grand Total number of direct and indirect practice hours worked. Total number of hours of individual supervision received. Total number of hours of group supervision received. Total number of individual and group supervision received.
SUPERVISION REPORT PAGE 3 DESCRIPTION OF SUPERVISION - Please describe in detail the specific nature of supervision. Describe the supervisory methods and the nature of the issues dealt with in supervision. ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE - Please provide a critical evaluation of the applicant's performance and competence, noting strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
SUPERVISION REPORT PAGE 4 RECOMMENDATION FOR INDEPENDENT PRACTICE - Please indicate below whether or not you recommend this applicant for independent practice. Please note if you would restrict this applicant to particular areas of clinical practice. Do you recommend this applicant for independent practice? STATEMENT OF SUPERVISOR I hereby certify that I am not a spouse, life partner, former spouse, or family member, or an employer, financial partner, or shareholder in the same counseling enterprise, or a person who gains financially from the practice of the applicant. I hereby certify that I have been licensed and have been in good standing, no fewer than three years, in a permitted supervisory profession before commencing supervision toward this applicant s licensure. I hereby certify that all information I have provided herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. (Signature of Supervisor) (Date) Mail to: Diane Lafaille or AMHP Board, Office of Professional Regulation, 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org VERIFICATION OF SUPERVISOR LICENSURE Name of applicant applying for licensure: Supervisor: Complete the first section of this form and have the state in which you performed the supervision complete the rest. Licensed as a: Date of Birth: First Name MI Last Name & Title (Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.) Former/Maiden P.O. Box Mailing Address: Street/Apt # City/State/Zip Country I hereby authorize the License Agency to furnish to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation the information requested below. Signature Date: Information Below To Be Completed by the Licensing Agency: License # Date Issued: Date Expired: License as a: Licensed By: Examination/Education Endorsement/Reciprocity Waiver License Status Has this license ever been encumbered in anyway (revoked, suspended, limited, surrendered, restricted, placed on probation)? If yes, attach a copy of the decision. Active Inactive Lapsed Signature of person completing form: Date: State Completing this form: City/State: Telephone: STATE LICENSING AUTHORITY: Mail to: Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-3402 (OFFICIAL SEAL)
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet Instructions (Page 1) In order to be eligible for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor, an applicant must satisfy the educational coursework requirements below, as stated in Rule 3.8 and 3.9. You must submit syllabi or course descriptions with this worksheet. An applicant must have completed a minimum of 60 graduate hours of coursework and received a master s degree or higher degree, in clinical mental health counseling, from an accredited educational institution, after successfully completing a course of study which meets all of the following criteria. This means that the counseling degree conferred upon the student by the educational institution and submitted to the Board for review may contain less than 60 graduate hours of coursework. But it must still cover all of the required coursework listed in Rule 3.8. If the degree contains 3 graduate credits in every section (1) through (7) as listed below, it meets both the degree requirement and the Group 1 requirement for licensure. If necessary, up to six graduate credits may be taken post degree to satisfy this section s requirement. If the degree lacks more than 6 credits from sections (1) through (7) (after the post degree supplementation permitted in this rule), the degree cannot count as a counseling or related degree necessary for licensure. If the counseling degree conferred contains less than 60 graduate hours of coursework, the applicant must acquire enough additional graduate hours of coursework to reach at least 60 graduate hours of coursework. A 48 credit degree will be accepted from an accredited school, but must be supplemented to meet the 60 credits requirement for licensure. In such instances you may supplement the 12 additional licensure credits post-degree. For example, an applicant may present for Board review a counseling degree consisting of 48 graduate hours of coursework covering all of the categories listed in Rule 3.8 below. In this example, the applicant would then also be required to show successful completion of an additional 12 graduate hours of coursework, at the same or at another educational institution, beyond the counseling degree conferred, to satisfy the requirement of minimum of 60 graduate hours of coursework. In addition, if the counseling degree conferred in this example does not contain coursework listed under Rule 3.8, the applicant would be allowed to supplement up to 6 credits. NOTE: If your degree conferred does not include a course in Diagnosis, Assessment & Treatment, your degree will not be considered a counseling or related degree and you will not be eligible for licensure by examination.
Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet Instructions (Page 2) Sub-Part A: n-cacrep degrees Essential Coursework: Rule 3.8 Within your degree conferred you must have no fewer than 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment. If your degree does not contain this, it will not be considered a counseling or related degree and you will not be eligible for licensure by examination. Within your degree conferred you must have at least 5 of the 7 (3 credit) courses below. If your degree does not contain 5 of the 7, your degree will not be considered a counseling or related degree and you will not be eligible for licensure by examination. If you have 5 of the 7, the remaining 2 may be supplemented postmaster s degree. 1. Human Growth & Development 2. Theories 3. Counseling Skills 4. Groups 5. Measurement 6. Professional Orientation & Ethics 7. Treatment Modalities Sub-Part B: n-cacrep degrees Courses Required for Licensure: Rule 3.9(b) and (c) You must take a course (3 credits) in each of the following areas. These can be taken post-master s degree. 1. Multi-cultural studies 2. Research & Evaluation 3. Career & Lifestyle Appraisal You must take 2 (6 credits) out of 5 of the following courses. These can be taken post-master s degree. 1. Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling 2. Human Sexuality for Counselors 3. Crisis Intervention 4. Addictive Disorders 5. Psychopharmacology Internship Rule 3.8(f) and (g) and Rule 3.12: You must have at least 700 hours of internship to be eligible for licensure. The 700 hours can include up to 100 hours of practicum. And, within the degree conferred you must have at least 600 hours of internship. You can supplement up to 100 hours to meet the 700 hour requirement. However, if the internship is less than 600 hours it is not considered a counseling or related degree and you will not be eligible for licensure by examination. A letter from your school or internship site verifying the completion of 700 hours is also required. Supervised Practice Hours: Supervised practice hours may begin after your Master s degree. If you are practicing in Vermont, you must be in the roster of non-licensed non-certified psychotherapists.
Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation 89 Main Street, 3 rd Floor Montpelier VT 05620-3402 Diane Lafaille Licensing Board Specialist (802) 828-2390 diane.lafaille@sec.state.vt.us www.vtprofessionals.org Education and Coursework Requirements Worksheet Applicant s Name Degree Received Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment. To qualify as a counseling or related degree the degree must contain no fewer than 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment. Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment means: studies that provide an understanding of psychopathology. Studies in this area would include the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and its use in counseling, and assessing psychopathology. The course shall also include the development of treatment plans and the use of related services, and the role of assessment, intake interviews, and reports, if that material is not covered in another treatment course. Group 1 Courses - These courses, in addition to Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, define a counseling or related degree. fewer then 15 of the 21 credits in this category must be completed within the degree conferred. more then 6 may be supplemented after the degree is conferred. (1) Human Growth and Development: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels throughout the life span. Studies in this area would include theories of individual and family development and transitions across the life span, and theories of learning and personality development.
(2) Theories: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that survey counseling theories (e.g. Psychodynamic, Humanist, Behavioral, Transpersonal) and their historic and functional relationship to specific counseling approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy). (3) Counseling Skills: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of the counseling and consultation processes, development of student self-awareness, and the skills necessary for developing a positive therapeutic relationship. (4) Groups: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of group development and group dynamics. Studies in this area would include group counseling theories, group counseling methods and skills, group leadership styles, and other group work approaches.
(5) Measurement: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories and approaches to measurement. Coursework would cover data and information-gathering methods, validity, reliability, psychometric statistics, factors influencing measurements, and use of measurement results in the helping process. (6) Professional Orientation and Ethics: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of the professional counselor's roles and functions. Coursework would cover professional counseling organizations and associations, history and trends within the counseling profession, ethical and legal standards, and counselor preparation standards and credentialing. (7) Treatment Modalities: 3 Graduate credits. Studies that provide an understanding of specific treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Studies will focus on one or more modalities. Emphasis will be placed upon the application of theories to practice, including case conceptualization and corresponding therapeutic interventions.
Group 2 Courses - The applicant must have at least three graduate credits in at least two of the following areas of study (for a total of six credits). These courses may be taken as part of the counseling degree conferred or as supplemental courses taken after completion of the counseling degree. (1) Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling: Studies that provide an understanding of the structure and dynamics of the family, and methods of marital and family intervention and counseling. (2) Human Sexuality for Counselors: Studies that provide an understanding of human sexual function and dysfunction, the relationship between sexuality, self-esteem, sex and gender roles and life styles over the life cycle, and counseling treatment approaches and techniques. (3) Crisis Intervention: Studies that provide an understanding of the theory and practice of crisis intervention, short-term crisis counseling strategies, and the responsibilities of all those involved in the intervention.
(4) Addictive Disorders: Studies that provide an understanding of the stages, processes, and effects of addiction, social and psychological dynamics of chemical dependency, and the professional's role in prevention, intervention, and aftercare. (5) Psychopharmacology: Studies that provide an understanding of the basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for the purpose of identifying effective dosages and side effects of such medications. Group 3 Courses - The applicant must have at least three graduate credits in each of the following courses. These courses may be taken as part of the counseling degree conferred or as supplemental courses taken after completion of the counseling degree. (1) Multi-cultural Studies: Studies that provide an understanding of issues and trends in a multi-cultural and diverse society. Coursework would cover attitudes and behaviors based on such factors as age, role, religion, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, gender, socioeconomic status, and intellectual ability.
(2) Research and Evaluation: Studies that provide an understanding of research in the field of clinical mental health counseling. Coursework would cover the types of research, basic statistics, research report development, research implementation, program evaluation, needs assessment, and ethical and legal considerations associated with research and evaluation. (3) Career Development and Lifestyle Appraisal: Studies that provide an understanding of career development theories, occupational and educational information services, career counseling, and career decision making. Internship or Field Experience The counseling degree conferred must include graduate coursework in a supervised practicum, internship, or field experience. A supervised practicum, internship, or field experience requires a student to complete not less than a full academic year of at least 700 clocked hours in a mental health counseling setting as set forth in 26 V.S.A 3261(2). However, the first 100 hours of the 700 clocked hours may be completed in a practicum as defined by the student s educational institution, with the remaining 600 hours to be completed as set forth in this rule. If the original degree provides at least 600 hours, but less than the required 700 hours internship, practicum, or field experience, then the applicant may supplement a maximum of 100 hours by adding those hours to those required for post degree supervised practice, or acquiring the remaining hours in an internship which occurs in conjunction with a formal internship seminar class from an accredited graduate program (Rule 3.12). The internship provides an opportunity for the student to perform all the activities that a regularly employed clinical mental health counselor would be expected to perform. NOTE: You must attach syllabi or course descriptions.