The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy began issuing professional counselor licenses (LPC) on June 1, 2004. The application process can take several months to complete.  Forms listed on this page can be downloaded from the Application and Forms page on this website.

Process Notes, Applies to All Licensure Routes:

Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant for completion. Each applicant is asked to review their application thoroughly before submission to ensure that it is completely and accurately filled out. Attachments that must be mailed directly to the board office from the issuing source are not required to be received before the application in order for the application to be accepted. These documents include results from the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or different exam taken and passed in lieu of the NCE; proof of 700 practicum/internship hours; official transcripts; letters of standing/license verifications; Experienced Counselor Verification of Employment forms; and Experienced Counselor letters of reference (in relation to application section L). However, the application process will be delayed if these documents are not in the board office at the time the application is submitted.

Upon receipt of a completed application, any application materials that were submitted to the board office prior to receipt of the application (items sent from the issuing source) will be incorporated into the file.

Upon completion, files are forwarded to the board’s application and licensure committee for review. The Board has two committees that each meet approximately once a month.  Completed files are reviewed in the order in which they were completed. The committee may take the following action on applications:

1. Delay making a decision pending additional information.: If the committee has any questions or concerns related to the application, no action will be taken on the application. The applicant will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision and be asked to respond in writing to its concerns. Files that require re-review will be given priority at subsequent committee meetings.

2. Recommend that the application be denied: If the committee recommends denial of the application, the applicant will be notified in writing of all licensure options available.

3. Recommend that the application be approved: If the committee recommends approval of the application, it will be forwarded to the full board for final approval and the applicant will be notified in writing of his or her licensure.