Renewing an LMHC License (or Allied Mental Health) in Massachusetts

If you’re an LMHC in Massachusetts, with questions about license renewal, I’m betting that this is the information you’re looking for.

When does my license expire?

December 31st of every odd year. As in, 2013, 2015, 2017…

Where do I get a renewal application for my license?

Don’t bother to look online, you won’t find a renewal application. If you are a licensed allied mental health provider (LMHC, LICSW), the board will send you a renewal application around October of the year that your license expires. Be sure, if applicable, to update your mailing address!

How many hours of Continuing Education (CE) are needed to renew license?

30 hours of approved CE credits are due by December 31st of the odd year. Please remember that only up to 50% of the required CEUs may be obtained via on-line or home study programming, the rest need to be IN PERSON.

If you have been licensed for less than 2 years, CEUs are prorated during the first licensure cycle. Information on the proration can be found in the Board’s Policy.

License Renewal Schedules for Allied Mental Health Providers

Board Code	Type Class	License Type	Renewal Fee	Renewal Time	Renewal Frequency
MH	CC	Mental Health Counselor	$155.00	31-Dec/ ODD YEAR	Biennial (2 years)
MH	ED	Educational Psychologist	$155.00	31-Dec/ ODD YEAR	Biennial (2 years)
MH	MF	Marriage & Family Therapist	$155.00	31-Dec/ ODD YEAR	Biennial (2 years)
MH	RT	Rehabilitation Counselor	$155.00	31-Dec/ ODD YEAR	Biennial (2 years)

 

Fees for licensure renewal for Allied Mental Health Providers

The following fees apply to all Boards of Registration:

Category	Fee	Comments
Late Renewal Fee	$57	per license renewal (Fee is in addition to renewal fee if renewal is received beyond license expiration date).
Certified Statement of Registration	$15	per licensee
Duplicate License	$17	per license
Name Change	$27	per license
Wall Certificate	$27	per certificate
Duplicate Wall Certificate of Registration	$27	per certificate
Handling Charge for Returned Checks	$23	per check
Public Information CD-ROM	$30	per item in the form

 

Continuing Education Requirements

(1) All licensees are required, as a condition of license renewal, to complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education activities per licensure/renewal period (every two years). These contact hours must be in compliance with Board approved entities’ requirements.

 

For example, if you are an LMHC your CEUs needs to be accredited by MAMCA of NBCC (the national board of certified counselors). Most are!  But if your education was not approved by MAMCA of NBCC, your education will need to be reviewed by MMCEP….Basically, go get NBCC approved CEUs.

 

(2) Failure to comply with the continuing education requirements of 262 CMR 7.00 will result in the non-renewal of the license.

Verification of Continuing Education Activities

(1) Effective for each licensure/renewal period commencing January 1996, each licensee will be required to submit a statement on the license renewal form provided by the Board attesting to satisfaction of the continuing education requirements of 262 CMR 7.00.

(2) For each contact hour earned by participation in continuing education activities offered by Entity-approved Sponsors, the licensee must be able to provide documentation of the following information upon request of the Board.

 

(a) the title of the program;

(b) the number of program hours completed;

(c) the name of the Entity Approved Sponsors of the program;

(d) the name of the Board-recognized Entities approving the programs;

(e) the date of the program; and

(f) official verification of attendance at such program.

(3) The Board may randomly audit licensees for satisfaction of the continuing education requirements of 262 CMR 7.00.

(4) The Board may request the information described in 262 CMR 7.04(2) for two prior licensure/renewal periods.

(5) Entity-approved sponsors of continuing education activities will be expected to maintain records of the names of all program attendees and the number of hours awarded for attendance at each program for a minimum period of five years from the date of the program.

 

WARNING: Per warning of the Board of Licensure, be sure to keep your records for 2 licensure cycles (4 years). The board may randomly select you for an audit!