Chapter 246-810 WAC:

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Chapter 246-810 WAC

Last Update: 2/20/25

COUNSELORS

WAC Sections

COUNSELORS
HTML PDF	246-810-010	Definitions.
HTML PDF	246-810-011	Exempt activities and individuals.
HTML PDF	246-810-012	Application process.
HTML PDF	246-810-0121	Foreign transcript evaluation requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-013	State agency employee credentialing requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-0131	Requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.
HTML PDF	246-810-0132	Sexual misconduct regulations.
HTML PDF	246-810-0133	Mandatory reporting.
AGENCY AFFILIATED COUNSELORS
HTML PDF	246-810-015	Agency affiliated counselor: Scope of practice and application requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-0151	Registered agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-0152	Certified agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-0153	Coursework requirements for certified agency affiliated counselors.
HTML PDF	246-810-0154	Licensed agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-0155	Coursework requirements for licensed agency affiliated counselors.
HTML PDF	246-810-016	Agencies, facilities, federally recognized Indian tribes located within the state, or counties that can employ agency affiliated counselors.
HTML PDF	246-810-017	Process to become a recognized agency or facility.
HTML PDF	246-810-018	Reporting changes in employment or internship.
HTML PDF	246-810-019	Co-occurring disorder enhancement specialist eligibility.
CERTIFIED COUNSELORS, CERTIFIED ADVISERS, AND HYPNOTHERAPISTS
HTML PDF	246-810-0201	Practice scope and limits for certified counselors.
HTML PDF	246-810-021	Practice scope and limits for certified advisers.
HTML PDF	246-810-0221	Qualifications to become a certified counselor.
HTML PDF	246-810-023	Qualifications to become a certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-024	Counseling-related degrees that meet the requirements for certified counselor and certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-0241	Counseling-related coursework that meets the requirements for certified counselor and certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-025	Supervision and consultation requirements for certified counselors and supervision requirements for certified advisers.
HTML PDF	246-810-026	Qualifications to be a certified counselor supervisor, certified adviser supervisor, or a certified counselor consultant.
HTML PDF	246-810-027	Continuing education requirements for a certified counselor or certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-029	Acceptable continuing education courses for certified counselor and certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-0293	Accredited institutions of higher learning and local, state, national, and international organizations approved for continuing education.
HTML PDF	246-810-0295	Continuing education credit for preparing and presenting a lecture or course.
HTML PDF	246-810-0297	Continuing education documentation for certified counselor or certified adviser.
HTML PDF	246-810-0298	Suicide assessment training standards.
HTML PDF	246-810-0299	Health equity training standards.
HTML PDF	246-810-031	Disclosure statement to be provided to clients by certified counselors and certified advisers.
HTML PDF	246-810-032	Failure to provide client disclosure information.
HTML PDF	246-810-035	Record requirements.
HTML PDF	246-810-040	Requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-045	Requirements for client fees paid in advance.
HTML PDF	246-810-049	Sexual misconduct regulations. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-060	Mandatory reporting. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-061	Health care institutions. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-062	Counselor associations or societies. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-063	Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-064	Professional liability carriers. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-065	Courts. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-066	State and federal agencies. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
HTML PDF	246-810-090	Application process for hypnotherapists.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTERED COUNSELORS
HTML PDF	246-810-089	Transitional dates for a registered counselor credential. (Effective until July 1, 2025)
FEES
HTML PDF	246-810-990	Counselors fees and renewal cycle.

DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE


246-810-020	Expiration of registration or certification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-020, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 93-14-011, § 246-810-020, filed 6/24/93, effective 7/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-020, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: 1987 c 512 § 10. WSR 87-21-011 (Order PM 686), § 308-190-020, filed 10/9/87.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-810-022	Current address. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-022, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-810-030	Client disclosure information. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-030, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-030, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-040, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-024 (Order PM 728), § 308-190-040, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 10-14-096, filed 7/6/10, effective 8/6/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-810-031.
246-810-040	Requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-040, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-040, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-040, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-042, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-049	Sexual misconduct regulations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-049, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.155.040, 18.19.050, 18.225.040, 18.205.060, 18.130.050. WSR 08-07-090, § 246-810-049, filed 3/19/08, effective 4/19/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-049, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-050	General provisions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-050, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-060, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-060	Mandatory reporting. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-060, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-060, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-060, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-070, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-061	Health care institutions. [Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-061, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-061, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-061, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-080, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-062	Counselor associations or societies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-062, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-062, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-062, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-090, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-063	Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-063, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-063, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-100, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-064	Professional liability carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-064, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-064, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-110, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-065	Courts. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-065, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-065, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-120, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-066	State and federal agencies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-066, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-066, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-130, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-070	Cooperation with investigation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-070, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-070, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-140, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-080	What are the requirements for AIDS prevention and information education? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-080, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-810-080, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-080, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.270. WSR 88-22-077 (Order PM 786), § 308-190-200, filed 11/2/88.] Repealed by WSR 21-02-002, filed 12/23/20, effective 1/23/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.29.130, 18.29.210, 18.34.120, 18.46.060, 18.55.095, 18.84.040, 18.88B.060, 18.89.050, 18.130.050, 18.138.070, 18.155.040, 18.200.050, 18.205.060, 18.215.040, 18.230.040, 18.240.050, 18.250.020, 18.290.020, 18.360.030, 18.360.070, 70.41.030, 70.230.020, 71.12.670, and 18.108.085.
246-810-089	Transitional dates for a registered counselor credential. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-089, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.] Repealed by WSR 25-06-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-810-110	Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-110, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-120	Qualifications not met—Appeal. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-120, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-130	Expired credential. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-810-130, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-130, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-140	Temporary retirement. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-140, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-310	Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-310, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-310, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 89-04-003 (Order PM 817), § 308-220-010, filed 1/19/89; WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-010, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-320	Education requirements—Degree equivalents. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-320, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-320, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 89-04-003 (Order PM 817), § 308-220-030, filed 1/19/89; WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-030, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-321	Program equivalency. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-321, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-321, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-040, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-330	Supervision. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-330, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-050, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-331	Supervisor qualifications. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-331, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-060, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-332	Supervised postgraduate experience. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-332, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-332, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-070, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-334	Approved supervisor—Qualifications. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-334, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-340	Examination. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-340, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-340, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-079 (Order PM 729), § 308-220-020, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-345	Examination appeal procedures. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-345, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-348	Certification of persons credentialed out-of-state. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-348, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-350	General provisions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-350, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-090, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-360	Mandatory reporting. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-360, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-100, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-361	Health care institutions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-361, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-110, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-362	Marriage and family therapist associations or societies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-362, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-120, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-363	Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-363, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-130, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-364	Professional liability carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-364, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-140, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-365	Courts. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-365, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-150, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-366	State and federal agencies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-366, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-160, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-370	Cooperation with investigation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-370, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-220-170, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-380	AIDS prevention and information education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-380, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.270. WSR 88-22-077 (Order PM 786), § 308-220-200, filed 11/2/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-510	Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-510, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-510, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-010, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-025 (Order PM 730), § 308-210-010, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-520	Education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-520, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-520, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-025 (Order PM 730), § 308-210-020, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-521	Behavioral sciences—Program equivalency. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-521, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-521, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-050, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-025 (Order PM 730), § 308-210-050, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-530	Mental health counselors—Professional experience requirement prior to examination for certification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-530, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-045, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-532	Supervised postgraduate experience. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-532, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-534	Approved supervisor—Qualifications. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-534, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-540	Examination for certified mental health counselors. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-540, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-540, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-040, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-025 (Order PM 730), § 308-210-040, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-541	Applicants with graduate degree by January 26, 1989. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-541, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-046, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-542	Examination waiver eligibility. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-542, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.120. WSR 89-14-071 (Order PM 841), § 308-210-030, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-025 (Order PM 730), § 308-210-030, filed 5/11/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-545	Examination appeal procedures. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-545, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-548	Certification of persons credentialed out-of-state. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-548, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-550	General provisions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-550, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-080, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-560	Mandatory reporting. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-560, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-090, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-561	Health care institutions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-561, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-100, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-562	Mental health counselor associations or societies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-562, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-110, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-563	Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-563, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-120, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-564	Professional liability carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-564, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-130, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-565	Courts. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-565, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-140, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-566	State and federal agencies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-566, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-150, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-570	Cooperation with investigation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-570, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-210-160, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-580	AIDS prevention and information education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-580, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.270. WSR 88-22-077 (Order PM 786), § 308-210-200, filed 11/2/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-600	Who is required to have continuing education? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-600, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-600.
246-810-610	What courses are acceptable? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-610, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-610.
246-810-620	What are industry-recognized local, state, national, international organizations or institutions of higher learning? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-620, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-620.
246-810-630	How many hours do I need and in what time period? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-630, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-630.
246-810-640	How are credit hours determined for preparation and presentation of a lecture or an educational course? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-640, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-640.
246-810-650	How do I document my courses? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-650, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. Later promulgation, see WAC 246-809-650.
246-810-660	What are the continuing education requirements for returning to active status from a temporary retirement status? [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.170. WSR 00-03-075A, § 246-810-660, filed 1/19/00, effective 2/19/00.] Repealed by WSR 02-11-108, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-710	Definitions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-710, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-720	Education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-720, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-720, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-078 (Order PM 727), § 308-230-010, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-721	Education and experience equivalency. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-721, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-730	Supervision requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-730, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-078 (Order PM 727), § 308-230-040, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-731	Education and supervision equivalency. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-731, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-078 (Order PM 727), § 308-230-030, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-732	Supervised postgraduate experience. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-732, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-734	Approved supervisor—Qualifications. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-734, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-740	Examination required. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-740, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-740, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-078 (Order PM 727), § 308-230-020, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 02-09-041, filed 4/12/02, effective 5/13/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW.
246-810-741	Certification of persons credentialed out-of-state. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-741, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-078 (Order PM 727), § 308-230-050, filed 5/18/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-745	Examination appeal procedures. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-745, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-748	Certification of persons credentialed out-of-state. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-748, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.] Repealed by WSR 06-08-106, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050.
246-810-750	General provisions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-750, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-060, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-760	Mandatory reporting. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-760, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-070, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-761	Health care institutions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-761, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-080, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-762	Social worker associations or societies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-762, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-090, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-763	Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-763, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-100, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-764	Professional liability carriers. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-764, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-110, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-765	Courts. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-765, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-120, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-766	State and federal agencies. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-766, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-130, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-770	Cooperation with investigation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-770, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-230-140, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).
246-810-780	AIDS prevention and information education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-780, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.270. WSR 88-22-077 (Order PM 786), § 308-230-200, filed 11/2/88.] Repealed by WSR 97-17-113, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1).

COUNSELORS

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-010

Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the content clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Agency" means:

(a) An agency or facility operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington to provide a specific counseling service or services;

(b) A federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state; or

(2) "Agency affiliated counselor" means a person registered under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in counseling and employed by an agency listed in WAC 246-810-016 or an agency recognized under WAC 246-810-017 to provide a specific counseling service or services.

(3) "Certified adviser" means a person certified under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in WAC 246-810-021.

(4) "Certified counselor" means a person certified under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in WAC 246-810-0201.

(5) "Client" means an individual who receives or participates in counseling or group counseling.

(6) "Consultation" means the professional assistance and practice guidance that a certified counselor receives from a counseling-related professional credentialed under chapter 18.130 RCW. This may include:

(a) Helping the certified counselor focus on counseling practice objectives;

(b) Refining counseling modalities;

(d) Expanding the available decision-making resources; and

(e) Assisting in discovering alternative approaches.

(7) "Counseling" means employing any therapeutic techniques including, but not limited to, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and hypnotherapy, for a fee that offer, assist, or attempt to assist, an individual or individuals in the amelioration or adjustment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems, and includes therapeutic techniques to achieve sensitivity and awareness of self and others and the development of human potential. For the purpose of this chapter, nothing may be construed to imply that the practice of hypnotherapy is necessarily limited to counseling.

(8) "Counselor" means an individual who engages in the practice of counseling to the public for a fee, including for the purposes of this chapter, agency affiliated counselors, certified counselors, certified advisers, hypnotherapists, and until July 1, 2010, registered counselors.

(9) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.

(10) "Fee" as referred to in RCW 18.19.030 means compensation received by the counselor for counseling services provided, regardless of the source.

(11) "Hypnotherapist" means a person registered under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is practicing hypnosis as a modality.

(12) "Licensed health care practitioner" means a licensed practitioner under the following chapters:

(a) Physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW.

(b) Osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW.

(d) Naturopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW.

(e) Psychologist licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW.

(f) Independent clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or advanced social worker licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW.

(13) "Private practice counseling" means the practice of counseling by a certified counselor or certified adviser as specified in WAC 246-810-0201 or 246-810-021.

(14) "Psychotherapy" means the practice of counseling using diagnosis of mental disorders according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the development of treatment plans for counseling based on diagnosis of mental disorders in accordance with established practice standards.

(15) "Recognized" means acknowledged or formally accepted by the secretary.

(16) "Recognized agency or facility" means an agency or facility that has requested and been recognized under WAC 246-810-017 to employ agency affiliated counselors to perform a specific counseling service, or services for those purposes only.

(17) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee.

(18) "Supervision" means the oversight that a counseling-related professional credentialed under chapter 18.130 RCW provides.

(19) "Unprofessional conduct" means the conduct described in RCW 18.130.180.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 18.19.020. WSR 11-22-087, § 246-810-010, filed 11/1/11, effective 12/2/11; WSR 10-22-111, § 246-810-010, filed 11/2/10, effective 12/3/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-010, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-010, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-010, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-030, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-024 (Order PM 728), § 308-190-030, filed 5/11/88.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-010

Definitions.

The definitions in RCW 18.19.020 and this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Agency" means:

(a) An agency or facility operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington to provide a specific counseling service or services;

(b) A federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state;

(d) After January 1, 2028, a federally qualified health center as defined in WAC 182-548-1100 that is located in Washington state.

(2) "Agency affiliated counselor" means a person registered, certified, or licensed under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in counseling and employed by, or a student intern working in, an agency listed in WAC 246-810-016 or an agency recognized under WAC 246-810-017 to provide a specific counseling service or services.

(3) "Approved educational program" means any college or university accredited by an accreditation body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDOE).

(4) "Certified adviser" means a person certified under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in WAC 246-810-021.

(5) "Certified agency affiliated counselor" means an individual certified under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is practicing counseling with a recognized agency.

(6) "Certified counselor" means a person certified under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in WAC 246-810-0201.

(7) "Client" means an individual who receives or participates in counseling or group counseling.

(8) "Consultation" means the professional assistance and practice guidance that a certified counselor receives from a counseling-related professional credentialed under chapter 18.130 RCW and listed in WAC 246-810-026(2).

(9) "Counseling" means employing any therapeutic techniques including, but not limited to, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and hypnotherapy, for a fee that offer, assist, or attempt to assist, an individual or individuals in the amelioration or adjustment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems, and includes therapeutic techniques to achieve sensitivity and awareness of self and others and the development of human potential. For the purpose of this chapter, nothing may be construed to imply that the practice of hypnotherapy is necessarily limited to counseling.

(10) "Counselor" means an individual who engages in the practice of counseling to the public for a fee, including for the purposes of this chapter, agency affiliated counselors, certified counselors, certified advisers, and hypnotherapists.

(11) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.

(12) "Hypnotherapist" means a person registered under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is practicing hypnosis as a modality.

(13) "Licensed agency affiliated counselor" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is practicing counseling with a recognized agency.

(14) "Licensed health care practitioner" means a licensed practitioner under the following chapters:

(a) Physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW;

(b) Osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW;

(d) Naturopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW;

(e) Psychologist licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW; or

(f) Independent clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, or advanced social worker licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW.

(15) "Mental health professional" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 71.05.020.

(16) "Psychotherapy" means the practice of counseling using diagnosis of mental disorders according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the development of treatment plans for counseling based on diagnosis of mental disorders in accordance with established practice standards.

(17) "Recognized agency or facility" means an agency or facility that has requested and been authorized under WAC 246-810-017 to employ agency affiliated counselors to perform a specific counseling service, or services for those purposes only.

(18) "Registered agency affiliated counselor" means any individual registered under chapter 18.19 RCW, and this chapter, who is practicing counseling with a recognized agency. This includes student interns and juvenile probation counselors who are employees of the juvenile court under RCW 13.04.035 and 13.04.040 and juvenile court employees, providing functional family therapy, aggression replacement training, or other evidence-based programs approved by the department of children, youth, and families.

(19) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee.

(20) "Student intern" means a person currently completing an internship or practicum as a component of their educational degree program. A student intern may be a registered agency affiliated counselor.

(21) "Supervised experience" means any counseling experience that was attained with an active credential, during or after completion of a qualifying educational program, under the supervision of a credentialed mental health professional who can independently assess and diagnose as part of their scope of practice.

(22) "Supervision" means the oversight that a counseling-related professional credentialed under chapter 18.130 RCW provides.

(23) "Unprofessional conduct" means the conduct described in RCW 18.130.180.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-010, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 18.19.020. WSR 11-22-087, § 246-810-010, filed 11/1/11, effective 12/2/11; WSR 10-22-111, § 246-810-010, filed 11/2/10, effective 12/3/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-010, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-010, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-010, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-030, filed 6/30/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-024 (Order PM 728), § 308-190-030, filed 5/11/88.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-011

Exempt activities and individuals.

This chapter does not prevent or restrict:

(1) The practice of a profession by a person who is either registered, certified, licensed, or similarly regulated under the laws of this state and who is performing services within the person's authorized scope of practice, including any attorney admitted to practice law in this state when providing counseling incidental to and in the course of providing legal counsel;

(2) The practice of counseling by an employee or trainee of any federal agency, or the practice of counseling by a student of a college or university, if the employee, trainee, or student is practicing solely under the supervision of and accountable to the agency, college, or university, through which he or she performs such functions as part of his or her position for no additional fee other than ordinary compensation;

(3) The practice of counseling by a person for no compensation;

(4) The practice of counseling by persons offering services for public and private nonprofit organizations or charities not primarily engaged in counseling for a fee when approved by the organizations or agencies for whom they render their services;

(5) Evaluation, consultation, planning, policymaking, research, or related services conducted by social scientists for private corporations or public agencies;

(6) The practice of counseling by a person under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or organization, or the practice of religion itself;

(7) The practice of counseling by peer counselors who use their own experience to encourage and support people with similar conditions or activities related to the training of peer counselors; and

(8) Counselors who reside outside Washington state from providing up to ten days per quarter of training or workshops in the state, as long as they do not hold themselves out to be registered or certified in Washington state.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-011, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-011

Exempt activities and individuals.

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit or restrict the activities and individuals outlined in RCW 18.19.040.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-011, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-011, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-012

Application process.

(1) Applicants for agency affiliated counselor, certified counselor, certified adviser, or hypnotherapist must apply on forms established by the secretary.

(2) The application for agency affiliated counselor, certified counselor, or certified adviser, must include a description of the applicant's orientation, discipline, theory, or technique.

(3) The secretary may require additional documentation to determine whether an applicant meets the qualifications for the credential and if there are any grounds for denial of the credential.

(4) Each applicant must pay the applicable fee as identified in WAC 246-810-990.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-012, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-012

Application process.

(1) An applicant for an agency affiliated counselor, certified counselor, or certified adviser credential shall submit to the department:

(a) An application on forms provided by the department under RCW 18.19.090;

(b) Official transcripts to verify completion of any coursework and degrees necessary for the credential;

(d) Employment verification if necessary for the credential;

(e) Applicable fee(s) required under WAC 246-810-990; and

(f) Any additional supporting documentation requested by the department.

(2) A student intern may choose to practice:

(a) With a credential as a registered agency affiliated counselor, after applying under subsection (1) of this section; or

(b) Without a credential, under the student exemption in RCW 18.19.040.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-012, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-012, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0121

Foreign transcript evaluation requirements.

(1) For degree(s) obtained outside the United States and its territories, the applicant must have the transcript translated and evaluated by:

(a) An organization that is a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); or

(b) An organization that is a current member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

(2) The evaluating organization must validate the degree to determine its equivalence to an academic program approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDOE). The department shall determine if the degree satisfies the educational requirements of this chapter, depending on the degree's United States equivalent.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0121, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-013

State agency employee credentialing requirements.

(1) Until July 1, 2010, an employee of a state agency who is practicing counseling, as part of his or her position, must be credentialed as a registered counselor or an agency affiliated counselor unless they are exempt under WAC 246-810-011.

(2) On and after July 1, 2010, an employee of a state agency, practice counseling, as part of his or her position, must be credentialed as an agency affiliated counselor unless they are exempt under WAC 246-810-011.

(3) A person may not, for a fee or as a part of his or her position as an employee of a state agency, practice hypnotherapy without being registered to practice as a hypnotherapist unless they are exempt under WAC 246-810-011.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-013, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-013

State agency employee credentialing requirements.

(1) An employee of a state agency who is practicing counseling as part of their employment must be credentialed as an agency affiliated counselor unless they are exempt under WAC 246-810-011.

(2) A person may not, for a fee or as a part of their employment with a state agency, practice hypnotherapy without being registered to practice as a hypnotherapist unless they are exempt under WAC 246-810-011.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-013, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-013, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0131

Requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.

(1) As required by chapter 26.44 RCW, all counselors shall immediately report abuse or neglect of a child if the counselor has reasonable cause to believe that an incident has occurred.

(2) As required by chapter 74.34 RCW, all counselors must report suspected abandonment, abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult when there is reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect has occurred.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0131, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0132

Sexual misconduct regulations.

A counselor shall not engage, or attempt to engage, in sexual misconduct with a current or former patient, client, or key party, inside or outside the practice setting. The definitions and prohibitions on sexual misconduct described in WAC 246-16-100 apply to counselors, with the exception of (4) and (5) in WAC 246-16-100. A counselor shall never engage, or attempt to engage, in the activities listed in WAC 246-16-100(1).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0132, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0133

Mandatory reporting.

An individual credentialed under this chapter and other mandatory reporters under chapter 246-16 WAC must report unprofessional conduct in compliance with the Uniform Disciplinary Act in chapter 18.130 RCW and the standards of professional conduct in chapter 246-16 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0133, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

AGENCY AFFILIATED COUNSELORS

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-015

Agency affiliated counselor: Scope of practice and credentialing requirements.

(1) An agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services as part of his or her employment as an agency affiliated counselor for a recognized agency.

(2) An applicant for an agency affiliated counselor must be employed by, or have an offer of employment from, an agency or facility identified in WAC 246-810-016.

(3)(a) Applicants must submit an application to the department within the first thirty days of employment at an agency in order to continue working while the application is processed.

(b) Applicants must complete any outstanding deficiencies within ninety days of the date the department issues a deficiency letter. If the applicant does not satisfy the outstanding licensure requirements within ninety days, the applicant must stop working.

[Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-015, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-015, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-015

Agency affiliated counselor: Scope of practice and application requirements.

(1) An agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services within an agency and as defined in RCW 18.19.215.

(2) An applicant shall submit an application to the department within the first 30 days of employment, or student internship placement, at an agency in order to continue working while the application is processed.

(3) If the department requests additional information or documentation, the applicant shall resolve the request to continue working. If the credential is not issued within 90 days of the department's request, the applicant shall stop working.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-015, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-015, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-015, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0151

Registered agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.

An applicant for a registered agency affiliated counselor credential must:

(1) Be employed by, or have a current offer of employment from, an agency or facility identified in WAC 246-810-016; or

(2) Be a student intern working in an agency for the duration of their student internship or practicum under RCW 18.19.090.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0151, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0152

Certified agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.

(1) An applicant for a certified agency affiliated counselor credential must:

(a) Be employed by, or have a current offer of employment from, an agency or facility identified in WAC 246-810-016;

(b) Have a bachelor's degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an accredited college or university as specified in RCW 18.19.090;

(d) Have a minimum of five years' supervised experience gained in accordance with subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Supervised experience must be:

(a) In direct treatment of persons with a mental disorder;

(b) Gained under the supervision of a mental health professional who can independently assess and diagnose within the scope of practice of their credential;

(c) Obtained after the completion of their degree or through an internship or practicum that is part of their degree program requirements; and

(d) Obtained under a credential to practice counseling or through a supervised internship or practicum.

(3) For an applicant whose experience was obtained prior to January 1, 2025, the department accepts supervised experience provided by a registered agency affiliated counselor who was designated as a mental health professional.

(4) For an applicant who obtains supervised experience in private practice, supervision must be provided by a mental health professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020.

(5) Experience earned out-of-state may be considered if:

(a) The applicant held a credential in that state that was substantially equivalent to a counselor as defined in this chapter or a mental health professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020; and

(b) Supervised experience met the requirements described in subsection (2) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0152, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0153

Coursework requirements for certified agency affiliated counselors.

(1) An applicant for agency affiliated counselor certification shall complete a counseling or social science degree from an approved educational program. The degree must have included four courses from at least two knowledge areas listed in this subsection and shown in Table 1. The knowledge areas include:

(a) Human behavior and counseling, which includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Counseling;

(ii) Psychology;

(iii) Applied behavior science;

(iv) Social work;

(v) Social welfare;

(vi) Behavioral health care; and

(vii) Human development;

(b) Justice in society, which includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Ethics;

(ii) Political science;

(iii) Philosophy;

(iv) Criminal justice; and

(v) Social justice;

(i) Communications;

(ii) Gender studies;

(iii) Human services;

(iv) Ethnic studies;

(v) History of culture(s); and

(vi) Sociology.

Table 1

Knowledge Areas	Examples of Course Topics. Requirements may be met by courses in topic areas including, but not limited to, those listed below.
Human Behavior and Counseling	Counseling, psychology, applied behavior science, social work, social welfare, behavioral health care, human development
Justice in Society	Ethics, political science, philosophy, criminal justice, social justice
Cultural Competence	Communications, gender studies, human services, ethnic studies, history of culture(s), sociology

(2) An applicant who has a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or behavioral health care is considered to have met the coursework requirements outlined in this section.

(3) An applicant is deemed to have met coursework requirements under RCW 18.19.090(6) if they:

(a) Satisfy the requirements of RCW 18.19.090(3) by the effective date of this rule; and

(b) Apply for certification by July 1, 2027.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0153, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0154

Licensed agency affiliated counselor credentialing requirements.

(1) An applicant for a licensed agency affiliated counselor credential must:

(a) Be employed by, or have a current offer of employment from, an agency or facility identified in WAC 246-810-016;

(b) Have an advanced degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an accredited college or university as specified in RCW 18.19.090;

(d) Have a minimum of two years of supervised experience gained under subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Supervised experience must be:

(a) In direct treatment of persons with a mental disorder;

(b) Gained under the supervision of a mental health professional who can independently assess and diagnose within the scope of practice of their credential;

(c) Obtained after the completion of their degree or through an internship or practicum that is part of their degree program requirements; and

(d) Obtained under a credential to practice counseling or through a supervised internship or practicum.

(3) For an applicant whose supervised experience was obtained prior to January 1, 2025, the department accepts supervised experience provided by a registered agency affiliated counselor who was designated as a mental health professional.

(4) For an applicant who obtains supervised experience in private practice, the supervision must be provided by a mental health professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020.

(5) Supervised experience earned out-of-state may be considered if:

(a) The applicant held a credential in that state that was substantially equivalent to a counselor or a mental health professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020; and

(b) Supervised experience met the requirements described in subsection (2) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0154, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0155

Coursework requirements for licensed agency affiliated counselors.

An applicant for the agency affiliated counselor license shall meet one of the following coursework pathways by completing graduate-level classes, for credit, from an approved educational program:

(1) Completion of a course(s) that includes assessment and diagnosis in addition to one of the following courses:

(a) Counseling couples and families;

(b) Counseling groups; or

(2) Completion of at least five of the following courses:

(a) Assessment and diagnosis;

(b) Career development counseling;

(d) Counseling couples and families;

(e) Counseling groups;

(f) Counseling individuals;

(g) Developmental disabilities;

(h) Developmental psychology (including child, adolescent, adult, or life span);

(i) Domestic violence;

(j) Ethics and law;

(k) Group dynamics;

(l) Learning disabilities;

(m) Mental health consultation;

(n) Multicultural considerations in counseling;

(o) Organizational psychology;

(p) Physiological psychology;

(q) Psychopathology or abnormal psychology;

(r) Research and evaluation;

(s) Sexuality and lifestyle choices;

(t) Social and cultural foundations;

(u) Substance use disorders; or

(v) Treating special populations.

(3) An applicant is deemed to have met coursework requirements under RCW 18.19.090(4) if they:

(a) Qualified as a mental health professional under RCW 18.19.090(6) by the effective date of this rule; and

(b) Apply for licensure by July 1, 2027.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0155, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-016

Agencies, facilities, federally recognized Indian tribes located within the state, or counties that can employ agency affiliated counselors.

Agencies or facilities that may employ an agency affiliated counselor are:

(1) Washington state departments and agencies listed in the Agency, Commission & Organization Directory available on the state of Washington website.

(2) Federally recognized Indian tribes located within the state.

(3) Counties as listed in chapter 36.04 RCW.

(4) Community and technical colleges governed by the Washington state board for community and technical colleges.

(5) Colleges and universities governed by the Washington state higher education coordinating board.

(6) Hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW.

(7) Home health care agencies, home care agencies, and hospice care agencies licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW.

(8) Agencies and facilities licensed or certified under chapters 71.05 or 71.24 RCW.

(9) Psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, and alcohol and chemical dependency entities licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW.

(10) Other agencies or facilities recognized by the secretary as provided in WAC 246-810-017.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 18.19.020. WSR 11-22-087, § 246-810-016, filed 11/1/11, effective 12/2/11; WSR 10-22-111, § 246-810-016, filed 11/2/10, effective 12/3/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-016, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-016

Agencies, facilities, federally recognized Indian tribes located within the state, or counties that can employ agency affiliated counselors.

Agencies or facilities that may employ an agency affiliated counselor are:

(1) Washington state departments and agencies;

(2) Federally recognized Indian tribes located within the state;

(3) Counties as listed in chapter 36.04 RCW;

(4) Community and technical colleges governed by the Washington state board for community and technical colleges;

(5) Colleges and universities governed by the Washington state student achievement council;

(6) Hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW;

(7) Home health care agencies, home care agencies, and hospice care agencies licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW;

(8) Agencies and facilities licensed or certified under chapters 71.05 or 71.24 RCW;

(9) Psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, and alcohol and substance use disorder treatment entities licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW;

(10) After January 1, 2028, federally qualified health centers located in Washington state; and

(11) Other agencies or facilities recognized by the secretary as provided in WAC 246-810-017.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-016, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 18.19.020. WSR 11-22-087, § 246-810-016, filed 11/1/11, effective 12/2/11; WSR 10-22-111, § 246-810-016, filed 11/2/10, effective 12/3/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-016, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-017

Process to become a recognized agency or facility.

(1) To become a recognized agency or facility, an agency or facility must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the secretary that it is operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington to provide specific counseling services.

(2) When reviewing requests for recognition, the secretary may:

(a) Require forms and documentation;

(b) Consult with other state agencies and entities.

(3) In determining whether or not to recognize the agency or facility, the secretary may consider multiple criteria, including, but not limited to:

(a) Counseling quality assurance standards and requirements that are applicable to the agency or facility;

(b) Protections for ensuring patient safety in the delivery of supervised counseling services by counselors employed by the agency or facility; and

(c) Mechanisms for receiving and reporting complaints regarding counselors, investigating counselor conduct and practices, and taking corrective and disciplinary actions against counselors.

(4) The department will maintain a list of recognized agencies and facilities that may employ agency affiliated counselors to perform a specific counseling service or services under this section.

(5) Recognized agencies or facilities that cease to be operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington will no longer be recognized and will be removed from the list of recognized agencies.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-017, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-017

Process to become a recognized agency or facility.

(2) When reviewing requests for recognition, the secretary may:

(a) Require an agency or facility to complete forms and documentation as requested by the secretary; and

(b) Consult with other state agencies and entities.

(3) In determining whether or not to recognize the agency or facility, the secretary may consider multiple criteria, including, but not limited to:

(a) Counseling quality assurance standards and requirements that are applicable to the agency or facility;

(b) Protections for ensuring patient safety in the delivery of supervised counseling services by counselors employed by the agency or facility; and

(c) Mechanisms for receiving and reporting complaints regarding counselors, investigating counselor conduct and practices, and taking corrective and disciplinary actions against counselors.

(4) The department will maintain a list of recognized agencies and facilities that may employ agency affiliated counselors to perform a specific counseling service or services under this section.

(5) Recognized agencies or facilities that cease to be operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington will no longer be recognized.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-017, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-017, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-018

An agency affiliated counselor must report an employment change.

Agency affiliated counselors must notify the department within thirty calendar days if they are no longer employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both. Agency affiliated counselors may not practice counseling unless they are employed by an agency.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-018, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-018

Reporting changes in employment or internship.

(1) An agency affiliated counselor shall notify the department within 30 calendar days if they are no longer employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both. An agency affiliated counselor may not practice counseling unless they are employed by, or a student intern working in, an agency.

(2) A student intern practicing as a registered agency affiliated counselor shall notify the department within 30 days of the completion of their internship or practicum.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-018, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-018, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-019

Co-occurring disorder enhancement specialist eligibility.

Agency affiliated counselors licensed under chapter 18.19 RCW and this chapter who meet the conditions of RCW 18.205.105 (1)(e) are eligible to apply for a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement to their existing credential according to the conditions of RCW 18.205.160 and chapter 246-804 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-019, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-019

Co-occurring disorder enhancement specialist eligibility.

An agency affiliated counselor who meets the conditions of RCW 18.205.105 (1)(e) is eligible to apply for a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement to their existing credential according to the conditions of RCW 18.205.160 and chapter 246-804 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-019, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-019, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0201

Practice scope and limits for certified counselors.

The scope of practice of certified counselors consists exclusively of the following:

(1) Appropriate screening of the client's level of functional impairment using the global assessment of functioning as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognition of a mental or physical disorder or a global assessment of functioning score of sixty or less requires that the certified counselor refer the client for diagnosis and treatment to a licensed health care practitioner.

(2) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score greater than sixty, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards.

(3) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score of sixty or less, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards if:

(a) The client has been referred to the certified counselor by a licensed health care practitioner and care is provided as part of a plan of treatment developed by the referring practitioner who is actively treating the client. The certified counselor must adhere to any conditions related to the certified counselor's role as specified in the plan of care; or

(b) The certified counselor referred the client for diagnosis and treatment from a licensed health care practitioner and the client refused, in writing, to seek diagnosis and treatment from the other provider. The certified counselor may provide services to the client consistent with a treatment plan developed by the certified counselor and the consultant or supervisor with whom the certified counselor has a written consultation or supervisory agreement.

(4) A certified counselor must not be the sole treatment provider for a client with a global assessment of functioning score of less than fifty.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0201, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0201

Practice scope and limits for certified counselors.

The scope of practice for a certified counselor is found in RCW 18.19.200 and consists exclusively of the following:

(1) Appropriate screening of the client's level of functional impairment using the global assessment of functioning as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognition of a mental or physical disorder or a global assessment of functioning score of 60 or less requires that the certified counselor refer the client for diagnosis and treatment to a licensed health care practitioner unless otherwise permitted in this section.

(2) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score greater than 60, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards.

(3) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score of 60 or less, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards if:

(b) The certified counselor referred the client to a licensed health care practitioner for diagnosis and treatment and the client refused, in writing, to seek diagnosis and treatment from the other provider. The certified counselor may provide services to the client consistent with a treatment plan developed by the certified counselor and their consultant or supervisor.

(4) A certified counselor must not be the sole treatment provider for a client with a global assessment of functioning score of less than 50.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0201, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0201, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-021

Practice scope and limits for certified advisers.

The scope of practice of certified advisers consists exclusively of the following:

(1) Appropriate screening of the client's level of functional impairment using the global assessment of functioning as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognition of a mental or physical disorder or a global assessment of functioning score of sixty or less requires that the certified adviser refer the client to a licensed health care practitioner.

(2) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score greater than sixty, a certified adviser may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-021, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-021

Practice scope and limits for certified advisers.

The scope of practice for a certified adviser is outlined in RCW 18.19.200 and consists exclusively of the following:

(1) Appropriate screening of the client's level of functional impairment using the global assessment of functioning as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognition of a mental or physical disorder or a global assessment of functioning score of 60 or less requires that the certified adviser refer the client to a licensed health care practitioner.

(2) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score greater than 60, a certified adviser may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-021, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-021, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0221

Qualifications to become a certified counselor.

(1) Until July 1, 2010, an applicant for certified counselor who has been a registered counselor for a minimum of five years must:

(a) Hold a valid, active registration that is in good standing or be in compliance with any disciplinary process and orders;

(b) Show evidence of having completed at least six clock hours of course work that included risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law;

(c) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law; and

(d) Have a written consultation agreement which meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-025 with a credential holder who meets the qualifications to be a consultant in WAC 246-810-026.

(2) Unless eligible for certification under subsection (1)(a) of this section, applicants for a certified counselor must:

(a) Have a bachelor's degree in a counseling-related field, as defined in WAC 246-810-024;

(b) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law; and

(c) Have a written supervisory agreement which meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-025 with a credential holder who meets the qualifications to be a supervisor in WAC 246-810-026.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0221, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0221

Qualifications to become a certified counselor.

(1) An applicant for a certified counselor credential shall:

(a) Have a bachelor's degree in a counseling-related field, as defined in WAC 246-810-024;

(b) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law; and

(c) Have a written supervisory agreement which meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-025 with a credential holder who meets the qualifications to be a supervisor in WAC 246-810-026.

(2) An individual who obtained a certified counselor credential prior to July 1, 2010, may practice under a consultation agreement as described in WAC 246-810-025.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0221, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0221, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-023

Qualifications to become a certified adviser.

Applicants for certified adviser must:

(1) Have an associate degree which included a supervised internship in a counseling-related field as defined in WAC 246-810-024;

(2) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law; and

(3) Have a written supervisory agreement which meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-025 with a credential holder who meets the qualifications to be a supervisor in WAC 246-810-026.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-023, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-023

Qualifications to become a certified adviser.

An applicant for a certified adviser credential shall:

(1) Have an associate degree which included a supervised internship in a counseling-related field as defined in WAC 246-810-024;

(2) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral, and Washington state law; and

(3) Have a written supervisory agreement which meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-025 with a credential holder who meets the qualifications to be a supervisor in WAC 246-810-026.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-023, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-023, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-024

Counseling-related degrees that meet the requirements for certified counselor and certified adviser.

(1) A counseling-related bachelor's degree must be from a recognized educational program or institution. The degree must have required the equivalent of at least four years of full-time study and at least one third of the courses must have included one or more of subjects listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(2) A counseling-related associate degree must be from a recognized educational program or institution. The degree must have the equivalent of at least two years of full-time study and a supervised internship. At least one fourth of the required courses must have included one or more of the subjects listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) An advanced or graduate degree from a recognized educational program or institution in any of the subject areas listed in subsection (4) of this section will meet the education requirements for certified counselor or certified adviser.

(4) Counseling-related subjects:

(a) Addiction counseling;

(b) Adolescent and child counseling;

(d) Applied behavioral science;

(e) Behavior management or behavior modification;

(f) Biofeedback;

(g) Child development;

(h) Clinical social work;

(i) Community mental health;

(j) Counseling persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities;

(k) Counseling ethics;

(l) Developmental psychology;

(m) Domestic violence counseling;

(n) Elder counseling;

(o) Grief counseling;

(p) Human development;

(q) Human services counseling;

(r) Learning disabilities counseling;

(s) Marriage and family counseling;

(t) Mental health counseling;

(u) Ministerial or pastoral counseling;

(v) Multicultural counseling;

(w) Organizational psychology;

(x) Personality theory;

(y) Physiological psychology;

(z) Psychiatry and psychiatric nursing;

(aa) Psychological measurement and research;

(bb) Psychology;

(cc) Psychopathology and abnormal psychology;

(dd) Sexual disorder counseling;

(ee) Social work;

(ff) Special education;

(gg) Stress disorder counseling;

(hh) Substance and chemical abuse counseling; and

(ii) Transpersonal psychology.

(5) The secretary may accept other equivalent counseling-related education or training programs in the subjects listed in subsection (4) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-024, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-024

Counseling-related degrees that meet the requirements for certified counselor and certified adviser.

(1) An applicant for a certified counseling credential shall have a counseling-related bachelor's degree in a field specified in subsection (3) of this section from an approved educational program or institution. The degree must have required the equivalent of at least four years of full-time study.

(2) An applicant for a certified adviser credential shall have a counseling-related associate degree in a field specified in subsection (3) of this section from an approved educational program or institution. The degree must have the equivalent of at least two years of full-time study and include a supervised internship.

(3) Fields recognized as related to counseling include, but are not limited to:

(a) Behavioral science;

(b) Counseling;

(d) Psychology;

(e) Social work;

(f) Special education;

(g) Substance use disorders; and

(h) Other counseling-related fields as determined by the department under WAC 246-810-0241, based on coursework completed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-024, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-024, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0241

Counseling-related coursework that meets the requirements for certified counselor and certified adviser.

When a certified counselor applicant or certified adviser applicant's counseling-related degree is not listed in WAC 246-810-024, the department uses the following coursework standards to determine whether the degree contained enough counseling coursework to qualify the applicant for certification.

(1) For certified counselors, an applicant's degree must be considered as counseling-related if the degree contains at least 45 quarter, or 30 semester, college credits in counseling-related subjects listed in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) For certified advisers, an applicant's degree must be considered as counseling-related if the degree contains at least 23 quarter, or 15 semester, college credits in counseling-related subjects listed in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) Counseling-related subjects include:

(a) Addictive behavior counseling;

(b) Anger management counseling;

(d) Behavior management or behavior modification;

(e) Biofeedback;

(f) Career counseling;

(g) Child development;

(h) Clinical social work;

(i) Community mental health;

(j) Counseling children and adolescents;

(k) Counseling ethics;

(l) Crisis counseling and abuse;

(m) Developmental disability counseling;

(n) Developmental psychology;

(o) Elder counseling;

(p) Grief counseling;

(q) Human growth and development;

(r) Human services counseling;

(s) Marriage and family counseling;

(t) Mental health counseling;

(u) Ministerial or pastoral counseling;

(v) Multicultural considerations in counseling;

(w) Organizational psychology;

(x) Personality theory;

(y) Physiological psychology;

(z) Psychiatry and psychiatric nursing;

(aa) Psychological measurement and research;

(bb) Psychology;

(cc) Psychopathology and abnormal psychology;

(dd) Sexuality and counseling;

(ee) Social work;

(ff) Special education;

(gg) Stress disorder counseling;

(hh) Substance use disorder counseling; and

(ii) Transpersonal psychology.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0241, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-025

Supervision and consultation requirements for certified counselors and supervision requirements for certified advisers.

(1) Supervision. Certified counselors who do not meet the requirements in WAC 246-810-0221(1) and certified advisers must meet the following supervision requirements:

(a) Written agreement. A written agreement between a qualified supervisor and the certified counselor or certified adviser is required and must be reviewed and renewed at least every two years. The agreement must address:

(i) The agreement duration;

(ii) Expectations of both parties;

(iii) Frequency and modalities of supervision;

(iv) Recordkeeping;

(v) Financial arrangements;

(vi) Client confidentiality; and

(vii) Potential conflict of interest.

(b) Frequency of supervision.

(i) During the first five years of practice, a minimum of two hours of supervision is required in any calendar month in which the certified counselor or certified adviser has had forty or more client contact hours.

(ii) After five years of practice, a minimum of one hour of supervision is required in any calendar month in which the certified counselor or certified adviser has forty or more client contact hours.

(iii) A minimum of two hours of supervision is required in any calendar quarter, regardless of the years in practice or number of client contact hours.

(iv) Up to half of the required supervision time may be supervision of practice in a group setting.

(c) Recordkeeping. A written record of supervision hours and topics must be maintained by both the supervisor and the certified counselor or certified adviser.

(2) Consultation. Certified counselors who meet the requirements of WAC 246-810-0221(1), must meet the following consultation requirements:

(a) Written agreement. A written agreement between a consultant who meets the requirements in WAC 246-810-026 and the certified counselor is required, and must be reviewed and renewed at least every two years. The agreement must address:

(i) The agreement duration;

(ii) Expectations of both parties;

(iii) Frequency and modalities of consultation;

(iv) Recordkeeping;

(v) Financial arrangements;

(vi) Client confidentiality; and

(vii) Potential conflict of interest.

(b) Frequency. The certified counselor will determine the consultation he or she needs. However, a minimum of one hour of consultation is required during any calendar quarter in which the certified counselor has forty or more client contact hours.

(c) Recordkeeping. A written record of consultation hours and topics must be maintained by the consultant and the certified counselor.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-025, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-025

Supervision and consultation requirements for certified counselors and supervision requirements for certified advisers.

Certified counselors and certified advisers shall meet the following supervision or consultation requirements:

(1) Written agreement. A certified counselor or certified adviser shall have a written agreement with a qualified supervisor or, for a certified counselor eligible under WAC 246-810-0221(2), a qualified consultant. Both parties shall review, update, and renew the agreement at least every two years. The agreement must address:

(a) The agreement duration;

(b) Expectations of both parties;

(d) Potential conflict of interest;

(e) Financial arrangements;

(f) Frequency and modalities of supervision or consultation under subsection (2) of this section; and

(g) Recordkeeping under subsection (3) of this section.

(2) Frequency and modalities of supervision or consultation.

(a) Supervision frequency and modalities:

(i) During the first five years of practice, a minimum of two hours of supervision is required in any calendar month in which the certified counselor or certified adviser has had 40 or more client contact hours.

(ii) After five years of practice, a minimum of one hour of supervision is required in any calendar month in which the certified counselor or certified adviser has 40 or more client contact hours.

(iii) A minimum of two hours of supervision is required in any calendar quarter, regardless of the years in practice or number of client contact hours.

(iv) Up to half of the required supervision time may be supervision of practice in a group setting;

(b) Consultation frequency and modalities for certified counselors eligible under WAC 246-810-0221(2). When a certified counselor has 40 or more direct client contact hours per calendar quarter they must complete at least one hour of consultation. The certified counselor is responsible for determining the appropriate frequency of additional consultation.

(3) Recordkeeping. A certified counselor or certified adviser and supervisor or consultant shall maintain a written record of meeting hours and topics. This written record must be maintained by both the supervisor or consultant and the certified counselor or certified adviser.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-025, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-025, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-026

Qualifications to be a certified counselor supervisor, certified adviser supervisor, or a certified counselor consultant.

The following qualifications are required to be a certified counselor supervisor, certified adviser supervisor, or a certified counselor consultant.

(1) The supervisor or consultant must have held a Washington state credential in counseling-related fields for a minimum of five years. All credentials held by the supervisor or consultant must be in good standing. At least one credential must be active.

(2) For purposes of this section, counseling-related fields means a credential issued under chapter 18.130 RCW for:

(a) Certified counselor;

(b) Hypnotherapist;

(d) Marriage and family therapist;

(e) Independent clinical social work;

(f) Advanced social work;

(g) Psychologist;

(h) Substance use disorder professional;

(i) Sex offender treatment provider;

(j) Sex offender treatment provider affiliate;

(k) Medical physician;

(l) Osteopathic physician;

(m) Advanced registered nurse practitioner;

(n) Naturopathic physician; and

(o) Until July 1, 2010, registered counselor.

Additional credentials may be accepted by the secretary as counseling-related.

(3) The supervisor or consultant may not be a blood or legal relative or cohabitant of the credential holder, or someone who has acted as the credential holder's counselor within the past two years. A supervisor or consultant may not have a reciprocal supervisory or consultant arrangement with another credential holder.

(4) Prior to the commencement of any supervision or consultation, the supervisor or consultant must provide the certified counselor or certified adviser with a declaration on a form provided by the department.

(5) The supervisor must have completed education and training in:

(a) Supervision or management of individuals who provide counseling or mental health services;

(b) Risk assessment;

(d) Professional ethics; and

(e) Washington state law.

(6) The consultant must have completed education and training in:

(a) Risk assessment;

(b) Screening using the global assessment of functioning scale;

(d) Washington state law.

[Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-026, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-026, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-026

Qualifications to be a certified counselor supervisor, certified adviser supervisor, or a certified counselor consultant.

(1) The following qualifications are required to be a certified counselor supervisor, certified adviser supervisor, or a certified counselor consultant.

(a) The supervisor or consultant for a certified counselor shall have held a Washington state credential in counseling-related fields for a minimum of five years.

(b) All credentials held by the supervisor or consultant must be in good standing and at least one credential must be active.

(2) For purposes of this section, counseling-related fields include the following credentials issued under chapter 18.130 RCW:

(a) Advanced practice registered nurse;

(b) Advanced social worker;

(d) Hypnotherapist;

(e) Independent clinical social worker;

(f) Marriage and family therapist;

(g) Medical physician or physician assistant;

(h) Mental health counselor;

(i) Naturopathic physician;

(j) Osteopathic physician;

(k) Psychologist or psychological associate;

(l) Sex offender treatment provider or affiliate; and

(m) Substance use disorder professional.

Additional credentials may be accepted by the secretary as counseling-related.

(4) Prior to the commencement of any supervision or consultation, the supervisor or consultant shall provide the certified counselor or certified adviser with a declaration on a form provided by the department.

(5) A supervisor shall have completed education and training in:

(a) Supervision or management of individuals who provide counseling or mental health services;

(b) Risk assessment;

(d) Professional ethics; and

(e) Washington state law.

(6) A consultant must have completed education and training in:

(a) Risk assessment;

(b) Screening using the global assessment of functioning scale;

(d) Washington state law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-026, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-026, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-026, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-027

Continuing education requirements for a certified counselor or certified adviser.

(1) A certified counselor or a certified adviser must complete 36 credit hours of continuing education every two years.

(2) At least six hours of the 36 credit hours must be in law and professional ethics related to counseling.

(3) At least once every six years a certified counselor or a certified adviser must complete three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral, as specified in WAC 246-810-0298.

(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the first training must be completed during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial licensure.

(b) An individual applying for initial certification as a certified counselor or a certified adviser may delay completion of the first required training for six years after initial certification if they can demonstrate successful completion of a three-hour training in suicide assessment, screening, and referral that:

(i) Was completed no more than six years prior to the application for initial certification; and

(ii) Meets the requirements listed in WAC 246-810-0298.

(4) Beginning January 1, 2024, at least once every four years, a certified counselor or certified adviser must complete two hours of health equity training as specified in WAC 246-810-0299.

(5) Nothing in this section is intended to expand or limit the existing scope of practice of a certified counselor or a certified adviser as defined by WAC 246-810-0201 and 246-810-021.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-027, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-027, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-027, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-027

Continuing education requirements for a certified counselor or certified adviser.

(1) A certified counselor or a certified adviser shall complete 36 credit hours of continuing education courses every two years.

(2) At least six hours of the 36 credit hours must be in law and professional ethics related to counseling.

(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the initial suicide assessment training must be completed during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial certification.

(i) Was completed no more than six years prior to the application for initial certification; and

(ii) Meets the requirements listed in WAC 246-810-0298.

(4) At least once every four years, a certified counselor or certified adviser must complete two hours of health equity training as specified in WAC 246-810-0299.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-027, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-027, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-027, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-027, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-029

Acceptable continuing education courses for certified counselor and certified adviser.

(1) A continuing education program or course must be relevant to counseling and must contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the credential holder. Relevant courses include those that are related to counseling theory and practice, modality(ies) of the counseling services the credential holder will provide, professional ethics, courses related to risk assessment, screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, referral of clients, and Washington state law applicable to counseling.

(2) Continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, training programs, and institutes must have a featured instructor, speaker(s), or panel approved by an industry-recognized institution of higher learning, or a local, state, national, or international organization.

(3) Distance learning programs approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or educational organization may meet these requirements. The programs must require a test of comprehension upon completion. Distance learning programs are limited to twenty hours per reporting period.

(4) Other learning experiences, such as serving on a panel, board or council, community service, research, peer consultation, or publishing articles for professional publications are acceptable if the experience contributes to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional competence of the certified counselor or certified adviser. The experience is limited to six hours per reporting period.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 19-05-020, § 246-810-029, filed 2/11/19, effective 3/14/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-029, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-029

Acceptable continuing education courses for certified counselor and certified adviser.

(1) Continuing education courses must:

(a) Be directly related to counseling; and

(b) Contribute to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional competence of the credential holder.

(2) Relevant courses include those that are related to counseling theory and practice, modality(ies) of the counseling services the credential holder will provide, professional ethics, courses related to risk assessment, screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, referral of clients, and Washington state law applicable to counseling.

(3) Acceptable continuing education courses (including distance learning), seminars, workshops, training programs, and institutes are those which have a featured instructor, speaker(s), or panel approved by an accredited institution of higher learning or an industry-recognized local, state, national, or international organization.

(4) Distance learning programs approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national, or international organization or accredited educational institution must require a test of comprehension upon completion.

(5) Other learning experiences, such as serving on a panel, board or council, community service, research, peer consultation, or publishing articles for professional publications are acceptable if the experience contributes to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional competence of the credential holder. The "learning experience" category is limited to six hours per reporting period.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-029, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 19-05-020, § 246-810-029, filed 2/11/19, effective 3/14/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-029, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0293

Recognized institutions of higher learning and local, state, national, and international organizations.

Activities that meet the requirements of WAC 246-810-029 and are offered by the following entities are eligible for continuing education credit:

(1) Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;

(2) Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work;

(3) Washington Chapter of the National Association of Social Work;

(4) American Mental Health Counselors Association;

(5) American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;

(6) Clinical Social Work Association;

(7) National Association of Social Workers;

(8) Washington Mental Health Counselors Association;

(9) National Board for Certified Counselors;

(10) Association for Humanistic Psychology;

(11) The Association for Integrative Psychology;

(12) Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care;

(13) Institutions of higher learning that are accredited by a national or regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation;

(14) Washington Professional Counselors Association;

(15) State Association and National Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers;

(16) National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors; and

(17) Other organizations recognized by the secretary and included on a list maintained by the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-0293, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0293, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0293

Accredited institutions of higher learning and local, state, national, and international organizations approved for continuing education.

Activities that meet the requirements of WAC 246-810-029 and are eligible for continuing education must be provided by institutions of higher learning or industry-recognized local, state, national, or international organizations. These organizations include, but are not limited to:

(1) American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;

(2) American Counseling Association;

(3) American Mental Health Counselors Association;

(4) American Psychological Association;

(5) Association for Humanistic Psychology;

(6) Association for Integrative Psychology;

(7) Association of Social Work Boards;

(8) Clinical Social Work Association;

(9) Institutions of higher learning that are accredited by a national or regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation;

(10) National Association of Social Workers;

(11) National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors;

(12) National Board for Certified Counselors;

(13) Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care;

(14) State Association and National Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers;

(15) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;

(16) Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;

(17) Washington Chapter of the National Association of Social Work;

(18) Washington Mental Health Counselors Association;

(19) Washington Professional Counselors Alliance;

(20) Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work; and

(21) Other organizations recognized by the secretary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0293, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-0293, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0293, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0295

Continuing education credit for preparing and presenting a lecture or course.

A certified counselor or certified adviser who prepares and presents lectures or education that contributes to the professional competence of other counselors or mental health providers may accumulate the same number of hours obtained for continuing education purposes by attendees. The hours for presenting a lecture or education on a specific topic may only be used for continuing education credit once during each reporting period.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0295, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0295

Continuing education credit for preparing and presenting a lecture or course.

(1) A certified counselor or certified adviser who prepares and presents lectures or education that contributes to the professional competence of other counselors or mental health providers may accumulate the same number of continuing education hours obtained by attendees.

(2) The hours for presenting a lecture or education on a specific topic may only be used for continuing education credit once during each reporting period.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0295, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0295, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0297

Continuing education documentation for certified counselor or certified adviser.

(1) Acceptable continuing education documentation for certified counselor or certified adviser includes transcripts, signed letters from course instructors, certificate of completion, or other formal certification, as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.

(2) The credential holder must provide documentation which demonstrates fulfillment of continuing education requirements if requested by the secretary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0297, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0297

Continuing education documentation for certified counselor or certified adviser.

(1) Acceptable continuing education documentation for a certified counselor or certified adviser includes transcripts, signed letters from course instructors, certificate of completion, or other formal certification, as required in chapter 246-12 WAC.

(2) The credential holder shall provide documentation of completing continuing education requirements if requested by the secretary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0297, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-0297, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0298

Suicide assessment training standards.

(1) Approved qualifying training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral must be on the department's model list developed in accordance with RCW 43.70.442.

(2) A certified counselor or certified adviser who is an employee of a state or local government employer is exempt from the requirements of this section if they receive a total of at least three hours of training in suicide assessment including screening and referral from their employer every six years.

(3) A certified counselor or certified adviser who is an employee of a licensed or certified behavioral health agency under chapter 71.05 or 71.24 RCW is exempt from the requirements of this section if they receive a total of at least three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral from their employer every six years.

(4) For purposes of this section, the training may be provided in one three-hour block or shorter training sessions.

(5) A certified counselor or certified adviser that obtained training under the exemptions listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section may obtain continuing education credit subject to documentation as defined in WAC 246-810-0297.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-0298, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-0298, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 43.70.442. WSR 17-07-025, § 246-810-0298, filed 3/7/17, effective 4/7/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-0298, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0298

Suicide assessment training standards.

(1) Approved qualifying training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral, must be on the department's model list developed in accordance with RCW 43.70.442.

(4) For purposes of this section, the training may be provided in one three-hour block or shorter training sessions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0298, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-0298, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-0298, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and 43.70.442. WSR 17-07-025, § 246-810-0298, filed 3/7/17, effective 4/7/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7). WSR 14-09-102, § 246-810-0298, filed 4/22/14, effective 4/22/14.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0299

Health equity training standards.

(1) Beginning January 1, 2024, a certified counselor or certified adviser must complete training in health equity as a part of their continuing education requirements. The certified counselor or certified adviser must complete at least two hours of health equity trainings every four years. The training may be in person or virtual but must meet the course requirements in WAC 246-12-830, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the providers ability to apply health equity concepts into practice.

(2) The hours spent completing training in health equity education count towards the total of 36 hours of continuing education.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-0299, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-0299

Health equity training standards.

(1) A certified counselor or certified adviser must complete training in health equity as a part of their continuing education requirements. The certified counselor or certified adviser must complete at least two hours of health equity trainings every four years. The training may be in person or virtual but must meet the course requirements in WAC 246-12-830, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the providers ability to apply health equity concepts into practice.

(2) The hours spent completing training in health equity education count towards the total of 36 hours of continuing education.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-0299, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.100, and 43.70.613. WSR 23-23-033, § 246-810-0299, filed 11/3/23, effective 1/1/24.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-031

Disclosure statement to be provided to clients by certified counselors and certified advisers.

(1) Certified counselors and certified advisers must provide a disclosure statement to each client prior to starting a program of treatment.

(2) The following must appear in the disclosure statement:

(a) The name of the certified counselor or certified adviser and the name of their firm, agency, or business, if any.

(b) The certified counselor's or certified adviser's business address and telephone number.

(d) The certified counselor's or certified adviser's education, training, and experience.

(e) The name and description of the types of counseling provided by the certified counselor or certified adviser, including the therapeutic orientation, methods, and techniques employed in their practice, and a list of resources relevant to the therapeutic orientation.

(f) The type and duration of counseling expected, if known at the time of providing the disclosure information.

(g) Fee information, including:

(i) The cost for each counseling session;

(ii) Billing practices, including any advance payments and refunds;

(iii) A statement that clients are not liable for any fees or charges for services rendered prior to receipt of the disclosure statement.

(h) The limits of confidentiality under RCW 18.19.180.

(i) Disclosure of the certified counselor's or certified adviser's supervisory or consultation agreement as defined in WAC 246-810-025.

(j) Disclosure that the certified counselor or certified adviser is not credentialed to diagnose mental disorders or to conduct psychotherapy as defined in WAC 246-810-010(14).

(k) All of the following:

(i) Counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be credentialed with the department of health for the protection of the public health and safety.

(ii) Credentialing of an individual with the department of health does not include a recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily imply the effectiveness of any treatment.

(iii) The purpose of the Counselor Credentialing Act, chapter 18.19 RCW, is to:

(A) Provide protection for public health and safety; and

(B) Empower the citizens of the state of Washington by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct.

(iv) Clients have the right to choose counselors who best suit their needs and purposes.

(l) A copy of the acts of unprofessional conduct in RCW 18.130.180 and the name, address, and contact telephone number within the department of health for complaints.

(m) Signature and date blocks for the client, and the certified counselor or certified adviser, including an attestation that the client agrees that the required disclosure statement has been provided and that the client has read and understands the information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-031, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-031, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-031, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-031, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-041, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-031

Disclosure statement to be provided to clients by certified counselors and certified advisers.

(1) Certified counselors and certified advisers must provide a disclosure statement to each client prior to starting a program of treatment.

(2) The following must appear in the certified counselor's or certified adviser's disclosure statement:

(a) Their name and the name of their firm, agency, or business, if any;

(b) Their business address and telephone number;

(d) Their education, training, and experience;

(e) The name and description of the types of counseling provided, including the therapeutic orientation, methods, and techniques employed in their practice, and a list of resources relevant to the therapeutic orientation;

(f) The type and duration of counseling expected, if known at the time of providing the disclosure information;

(g) Fee information, including:

(i) The cost for each counseling session;

(ii) Billing practices, including any advance payments and refunds;

(iii) A statement that clients are not liable for any fees or charges for services rendered prior to receipt of the disclosure statement;

(h) The limits of confidentiality under RCW 18.19.180;

(i) Disclosure of their supervisory or consultation agreement as defined in WAC 246-810-025;

(j) Disclosure that they are not credentialed to diagnose mental disorders or to conduct psychotherapy as defined in WAC 246-810-010;

(k) That counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be credentialed with the department for the protection of the public health and safety;

(l) That credentialing of an individual with the department does not include a recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily imply the effectiveness of any treatment;

(m) The purpose of chapter 18.19 RCW is to:

(i) Provide protection for public health and safety; and

(ii) Empower the citizens of the state of Washington by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct;

(n) That clients have the right to choose counselors who best suit their needs and purposes;

(o) A copy of the acts of unprofessional conduct in RCW 18.130.180 and the name, address, and contact telephone number within the department for complaints; and

(p) Signature and date blocks for the client, and the certified counselor or certified adviser, including an attestation that the client agrees that the required disclosure statement has been provided and that the client has read and understands the information.

(3) Any changes to the disclosure statement form or information requires all current clients to sign the updated form.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-031, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-031, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-031, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-031, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-031, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-041, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-032

Failure to provide client disclosure information.

Failure to provide to the client any of the disclosure information as set forth in WAC 246-810-030 and 246-810-031, and as required by the law shall constitute an act of unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.130.180(7).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-032, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-032, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-024 (Order PM 728), § 308-190-050, filed 5/11/88.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-032

Failure to provide client disclosure information.

Failure to provide to the client any of the disclosure information as set forth in WAC 246-810-031, and as required by the law shall constitute an act of unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.130.180(7).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-032, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-032, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-032, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 88-11-024 (Order PM 728), § 308-190-050, filed 5/11/88.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-035

Record requirements.

(1) A counselor providing professional services to a client or providing services billed to a third-party payor, must document services, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The documentation must include:

(a) Client name;

(b) The fee arrangement and record of payments;

(d) Disclosure form, signed by counselor and client;

(e) The presenting problem(s), or purpose of counseling;

(f) Notation and results of formal consults, including information obtained from other persons or agencies through a release of information;

(g) Progress notes sufficient to support responsible clinical practice for the type of theoretical orientation/therapy the counselor uses.

(2) If a client requests that no treatment records be kept, and the counselor agrees to the request, the request must be in writing and only the following must be retained:

(a) Client name;

(b) Fee arrangement and record of payments;

(d) Disclosure form, signed by counselor and client;

(e) Written request that no records be kept.

(3) The counselor may not agree to the request if maintaining records is required by other state or federal law.

(4) All records must be kept for a period of five years following the last visit. Within this five-year period, all records must be secured, with properly limited access.

Special provisions must be made for the retention or transferal of active or inactive records and for continuity of services in the event of a counselor's death, incapacitation, or cessation of practice. Such special provisions may be made by having another counselor review records with a client and recommend a course of action; or other appropriate means as determined by the counselor.

(5) After the five-year retention period, the counselor may dispose of the record. Disposal must be done in a secure and confidential manner that includes:

(a) Shredding;

(b) Deleting, erasing, or reformatting electronic media; and

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-035, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-035, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-035

Record requirements.

(1) A counselor providing professional services to a client or providing services billed to a third-party payee, must document services, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The documentation must include:

(a) Client name;

(b) The fee arrangement and record of payments;

(d) Disclosure form, if required by WAC 246-810-031, signed by the counselor and client;

(e) The presenting problem(s), or purpose of counseling;

(f) Notation and results of formal consults, including information obtained from other persons or agencies through a release of information; and

(g) Progress notes sufficient to support responsible clinical practice for the type of theoretical orientation or therapy the counselor uses.

(2) If a client requests that no treatment records be kept, and the counselor agrees to the request, the request must be in writing and only the following must be retained:

(a) Client name;

(b) Fee arrangement and record of payments;

(d) Disclosure form, if required by WAC 246-810-031, signed by the counselor and client; and

(e) Written request that no records be kept.

(3) The counselor may not agree to the request if maintaining records is required by other state or federal law.

(4) All records must be kept secured, with properly limited access.

(5) All records must be kept for a period of six years following the last visit. For minor clients, records must be retained for six years after the date they turned 21 years old.

(6) Special provisions must be made for the retention or transferal of active or inactive records and for continuity of services in the event of a counselor's death, incapacitation, or cessation of practice. Such special provisions may be made by having another counselor review records with a client and recommend a course of action; or other appropriate means as determined by the counselor.

(7) After the six-year retention period, the counselor may dispose of the record. Disposal must be done in a secure and confidential manner that includes:

(a) Shredding;

(b) Deleting, erasing, or reformatting electronic media; or

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-035, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-035, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-035, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-040

Requirements to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.

(1) Chapter 26.44 RCW requires that all counselors must report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, when they have reasonable cause to believe that such an incident has occurred.

(2) Chapter 74.34 RCW requires that all counselors report when there is reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred.

(3) The report must be made to the local law enforcement agency or to the department of social and health services within twenty-four hours after there is reasonable cause to believe that the child or vulnerable adult has suffered abuse or neglect.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-040, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-040, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-040, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.060. WSR 89-14-070 (Order PM 840), § 308-190-042, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-045

Requirements for client fees paid in advance.

(1) The practice of collecting fees in advance and refund policies must be included in the disclosure statement to the client before any funds are collected.

(2) Counselors who collect fees in advance of the service provided must separate such funds from operating/expense funds. Failure to properly account for such funds may be a violation of the Securities Act, RCW 21.20.005. The counselor may not spend the funds until the service is provided. Any funds left in the account, for services not provided must be returned to the client within thirty days of the request.

(3) Room rental fees or similar expenses, for example, as relating to group therapy, are not considered fees paid in advance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-045, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-045, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-045

Requirements for client fees paid in advance.

(1) Counselors who collect fees in advance of the service provided must separate such funds from operating or expense funds. The counselor may not spend the funds until the service is provided. Any funds left in the account for services not provided must be returned to the client within 30 days of the request.

(2) Room rental fees or similar expenses, for example, as relating to group therapy, are not considered fees paid in advance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-045, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-045, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-045, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-049

Sexual misconduct regulations.

(1) The definitions and prohibitions on sexual misconduct in chapter 246-16 WAC apply to counselors except WAC 246-16-100 (3) and (4).

(2) A counselor shall never engage, or attempt to engage, in the activities listed in WAC 246-16-100(1) with a former patient, former client or former key party.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-049, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.155.040, 18.19.050, 18.225.040, 18.205.060, 18.130.050. WSR 08-07-090, § 246-810-049, filed 3/19/08, effective 4/19/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-049, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-060

Mandatory reporting.

All individuals credentialed under this chapter are subject to the mandatory reporting requirements of chapter 246-16 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-060, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-060, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-060, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-070, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-061

Health care institutions.

The chief administrator or executive officer or their designee of any hospital, nursing home, licensed or certified behavioral health agency as defined in RCW 71.24.025, and residential treatment facility licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW, shall report to the department when any counselor's services are terminated or are restricted based upon a determination that the counselor has committed an act which may constitute unprofessional conduct or that the counselor may be unable to practice with reasonable skill or safety to clients by reason of a mental or physical condition. Reports are to be made in accordance with WAC 246-810-060.

[Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-810-061, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-061, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-061, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-080, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-062

Counselor associations or societies.

The president or chief executive officer of any counselor association or society within this state shall report to the department when the association or society determines that a registered counselor has committed unprofessional conduct or that a counselor may not be able to practice counseling with reasonable skill and safety to clients as the result of any mental or physical condition. The report required by must be made regardless of whether the counselor appeals, accepts, or acts upon the association or society's determination. The report must include notification of appeal. Reports must meet the requirements of WAC 246-810-060.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-062, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-062, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-062, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-090, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-063

Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers.

The executive officer of every health care service contractor and disability insurer, licensed under chapters 48.20, 48.21, 48.21A, and 48.44 RCW, operating in the state of Washington shall report to the department all final determinations that a counselor has engaged in fraud in billing for services. Reports are to be made in accordance with WAC 246-810-060.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-063, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-063, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-100, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-064

Professional liability carriers.

Every institution or organization providing professional liability insurance directly or indirectly to counselors shall send a complete report to the department of any malpractice settlement, award, or payment in excess of twenty thousand dollars as a result of a claim or action for damages alleged to have been caused by an insured counselor's incompetency or negligence in the practice of counseling. Such institution or organization shall also report the award, settlement, or payment of three or more claims during a twelve-month period as a result of the counselor's alleged incompetence or negligence in the practice of counseling. Reports are to be made in accordance with WAC 246-810-060.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-064, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-064, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-110, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-065

Courts.

The department requests the assistance of the clerk of trial courts within the state to report all professional malpractice judgments and all convictions of counselors, other than minor traffic violations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-065, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-065, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-120, filed 6/30/89.]

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-066

State and federal agencies.

The department requests the assistance of executive officers of any state or federal program operating in the state of Washington, under which a counselor is employed to provide client care services, to report to the department whenever such a counselor has been judged to have demonstrated his/her incompetency or negligence in the practice of counseling, or has otherwise committed unprofessional conduct, or may not be able to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of any mental or physical condition. These requirements do not supersede any federal or state law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-066, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-066, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-190-130, filed 6/30/89.]

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTERED COUNSELORS

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-089

Transitional dates for a registered counselor credential.

(1) The department of health will not issue any new registered counselor credentials after July 1, 2009.

(2) Individuals with a current or prior credential as a registered counselor may renew or reinstate their credential if all fees are paid and credentialing requirements are met. No registered counselor credentials will be renewed or reinstated after June 30, 2010.

(3) To continue to practice counseling, all registered counselors must hold a different counseling credential by July 1, 2010.

(4) All registered counselor credentials are abolished on July 1, 2010.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-089, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-090

Application process for hypnotherapists.

An applicant for a hypnotherapist credential shall submit to the department:

(1) An application on forms provided by the department under RCW 18.19.090;

(2) Applicable fee(s) required under WAC 246-810-990; and

(3) Any additional supporting documentation requested by the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-090, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25.]

FEES

(Effective until July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-990

Counselors fees and renewal cycle.

(1) Under chapter 246-12 WAC, a counselor must renew their credential every year on the practitioner's birthday.

(2) Examination and reexamination fees are the responsibility of the applicant and are paid directly to the testing company.

(3) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:

Title		Fee
Registered hypnotherapist:
	Application and registration	$155.00
	Renewal	$80.00
	Late renewal penalty	$75.00
	Expired registration reissuance	$75.00
	Duplicate registration	$10.00
	Verification of registration	$25.00
Certified counselor:
	Application and certification	$680.00
	Examination or reexamination	$85.00
	Renewal	$800.00
	Late renewal penalty	$300.00
	Expired credential reissuance	$100.00
	Duplicate credential	$10.00
	Verification of credential	$25.00
Certified adviser:
	Application and certification	$620.00
	Examination or reexamination	$85.00
	Renewal	$745.00
	Late renewal penalty	$300.00
	Expired credential reissuance	$100.00
	Duplicate credential	$10.00
	Verification of credential	$25.00
Registered agency affiliated counselor:
	Application and registration	$175.00
	Renewal	$185.00
	Late renewal penalty	$95.00
	Expired registration reissuance	$50.00
	Duplicate registration	$10.00
	Verification of registration	$25.00

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 43.70.280. WSR 23-07-057, § 246-810-990, filed 3/9/23, effective 6/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. WSR 21-16-002, § 246-810-990, filed 7/22/21, effective 11/1/21; WSR 18-01-098, § 246-810-990, filed 12/18/17, effective 4/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, 18.19.050, 43.70.110 and 2013 c 4. WSR 14-07-095, § 246-810-990, filed 3/18/14, effective 7/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. WSR 11-20-092, § 246-810-990, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-990, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250 and 2008 c 329. WSR 08-16-008, § 246-810-990, filed 7/24/08, effective 7/25/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-990, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, [43.70.]280 and 43.70.110. WSR 05-12-012, § 246-810-990, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 99-08-101, § 246-810-990, filed 4/6/99, effective 7/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-810-990, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-990, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 96-08-069, § 246-810-990, filed 4/3/96, effective 5/4/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 93-14-011, § 246-810-990, filed 6/24/93, effective 7/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-990, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 90-18-039 (Order 084), § 308-190-010, filed 8/29/90, effective 9/29/90; WSR 90-04-094 (Order 029), § 308-190-010, filed 2/7/90, effective 3/10/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.24.086. WSR 87-18-033 (Order PM 669), § 308-190-010, filed 8/27/87.]

(Effective July 1, 2025)

PDF246-810-990

Counselors fees and renewal cycle.

(1) Credentials in this chapter must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided by chapter 246-12 WAC.

(2) Examination and reexamination fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

(3) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:

Title		Fee
Registered hypnotherapist:
	Application and registration	$155.00
	Renewal	$80.00
	Late renewal penalty	$75.00
	Expired registration reissuance	$75.00
	Duplicate registration	$10.00
	Verification of registration	$25.00
Certified counselor:
	Application and certification	$680.00
	Examination or reexamination	$85.00
	Renewal	$800.00
	Late renewal penalty	$300.00
	Expired credential reissuance	$100.00
	Duplicate credential	$10.00
	Verification of credential	$25.00
Certified adviser:
	Application and certification	$620.00
	Examination or reexamination	$85.00
	Renewal	$745.00
	Late renewal penalty	$300.00
	Expired credential reissuance	$100.00
	Duplicate credential	$10.00
	Verification of credential	$25.00
Agency affiliated counselor:
	Application and credentialing	$175.00
	Renewal	$185.00
	Late renewal penalty	$95.00
	Expired credential reissuance	$50.00
	Duplicate credential	$10.00
	Verification of credential	$25.00

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.19.090, 18.19.020, 2021 c 170, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-06-010, s 246-810-990, filed 2/20/25, effective 7/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 43.70.280. WSR 23-07-057, § 246-810-990, filed 3/9/23, effective 6/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. WSR 21-16-002, § 246-810-990, filed 7/22/21, effective 11/1/21; WSR 18-01-098, § 246-810-990, filed 12/18/17, effective 4/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, 18.19.050, 43.70.110 and 2013 c 4. WSR 14-07-095, § 246-810-990, filed 3/18/14, effective 7/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. WSR 11-20-092, § 246-810-990, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 09-15-041, § 246-810-990, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250 and 2008 c 329. WSR 08-16-008, § 246-810-990, filed 7/24/08, effective 7/25/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050. WSR 06-08-106, § 246-810-990, filed 4/5/06, effective 5/6/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, [43.70.]280 and 43.70.110. WSR 05-12-012, § 246-810-990, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 99-08-101, § 246-810-990, filed 4/6/99, effective 7/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-810-990, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050(1). WSR 97-17-113, § 246-810-990, filed 8/20/97, effective 9/20/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. WSR 96-08-069, § 246-810-990, filed 4/3/96, effective 5/4/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 93-14-011, § 246-810-990, filed 6/24/93, effective 7/25/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-810-990, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 90-18-039 (Order 084), § 308-190-010, filed 8/29/90, effective 9/29/90; WSR 90-04-094 (Order 029), § 308-190-010, filed 2/7/90, effective 3/10/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.24.086. WSR 87-18-033 (Order PM 669), § 308-190-010, filed 8/27/87.]