The  process of becoming licensed can be overwhelming!

Here are some frequently asked questions which may help.

 

In Nevada we are fortunate to have a licensing Board that has not increased licensing/application fees in more than 20 years! This however, means the Board operates with both a small staff and low budget. In order to help make the process smoother, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the licensing process.

 

Please note, there are many who have extenuating circumstances which may prevent their file from moving forward toward licensure. These circumstances are up to the Board’s discretion and are subject to change at any time. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Board and ask what additional information or paperwork is necessary to add to the file. Remember to be patient with the licensing process, and know that as long as you are active in seeking out the status of your application, your experience will hopefully be a swift one.

 

TIP: Always keep a copy of EVERYTHING you send to the Board.

 

1. When can I apply to become a state intern?

Applicants can apply to the Board up to two months before their graduation date, (i.e. if you graduate on December 13, you can start the application process on October 13.)

1. What paperwork is needed to apply for a state intern license?
   1. Intern license application, with a $75 (non-refundable) check or money order made out to the BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR MFT & CPC
   2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, complete with degree conferred, sent to the Board from the universities.
   3. Three letters of recommendation sent directly from the authors to the Board office OR submitted by the intern in a sealed envelope complete with author’s signature on the back of the envelope.
   4. Federal & State background check. Everyone is responsible for submitting his or her own background checks. In order to obtain these please visit:

      www.nvrepository.state.nv.us/criminal/forms/dps_006_form.pdf

      www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/background_checks

   5. IF APPLYNG TO THE BOARD BEFORE YOUR GRADUATION DATE, you will need to send your most current transcript to the Board PLUS have a letter from your program chair stating which classes you are currently enrolled, and indicating you are in good standing with the program and scheduled to graduate on time. AFTER YOU GRADUATE, you must send an additional transcript from the university showing your completed coursework and degree conferred.

   6. Copy of Driver’s License

   7. * *The Board may request additional information at any time to add to your file. The paperwork mentioned above is required, but will not necessarily complete your file. It is up to the APPLICANT to contact the Board to make sure they have the necessary documents in order to move forward with the licensing process.

3. The following paperwork is not required to begin the licensing process, but by turning them in early, you will save yourself time after the Board has approved your file so you can begin working immediately.
   1. Primary Supervision Form
   2. Secondary Supervision Form (you can have multiple secondary supervisors if you wish)
   3. Mental Health Professional On Site Form (may or may not be your supervisor)
4. How do I find a supervisor?
   1. Call the Board office or see the listing at nevadaamft.org (which is not a complete listing) for a list of approved supervisors. You can also contact your professors at school and fellow colleagues to get names and recommendations.
5. What should I look for in a supervisor?
   1. Someone who has been a licensed MFT for at least 3 years. If they are your Primary Supervisor, they must also be AAMFT Approved.
   2. You want to interview any potential supervisor to ensure a good fit. You want to look for someone who is committed to helping you advance in the profession, and someone you can learn from.
6. What is the difference between a Primary and Secondary supervisor?
   1. A Primary Supervisor will be listed on your license, and will be your main source of information and support during your internship. You will receive the majority of your supervision hours from your Primary Supervisor.
   2. A Secondary Supervisor is a supervisor with whom you meet with less often, and can provide support to the intern in addition to the Primary Supervisor.
7. When do I need to have a Supervisor chosen?
   1. A Primary Supervisor needs to be chosen before the Board will approve you for an intern license.
   2. A Secondary supervisor can be chosen at the intern’s discretion, however, the sooner a secondary is picked, the sooner you can start obtaining secondary supervision hours.
8. How much does a supervisor cost?

The price for supervision is up to the discretion of the supervisor.

9. How often does the Board meet?

The Board meets on average 3-4 times a year, and in addition has teleconference meetings throughout the year. When and where the Board meets is up to the discretion of the Board. You will need to contact the Board office for dates of meetings.

10.  What can I expect out of the Board interview?

The Board interview is a brief meeting where the Board will get to know you and you will meet some of the Board members. During this time they will ask you some questions regarding therapeutic practices and address any specific concerns.

11. Where can I find all the forms I need to submit?

The forms and instructions can be found at The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors website. Be sure to become familiar with the Board of Examiners Intern Information at http://marriage.state.nv.us/InternInformation.htm.

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INTERN LICENSURE TIMELINE

DECEMBER 2013 GRADUATES

 

In an effort to minimize the time between graduation and licensure, the Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors has prepared and committed to the following timeline for students graduating in mid-December, 2013.

Sept. 15th to Sept. 30th

• Submit application and fee

• Submit three letters of recommendation

• Begin the Finger Printing & Background check process (this can take up to three months)

• Submit Transcript #1 to Board Office with academic coursework to date (have mailed directly to the Board Office or in a sealed envelope with signature on back of sealed envelope from the university)

• Submit letter from Program Director or Department Chair indicating that student is currently enrolled and on track to receive degree in December (including specification of any current coursework that may not appear on the transcript)

Nov. 1st – Nov. 30th

Board will Conduct Academic Review of Coursework and Application

Nov. 1st – Dec. 9th

• Secure a Primary Supervisor and submit completed Primary Supervisor Contract and corresponding Proposed Internship Plan

• Submit completed Licensed Mental Health Professional On-Site Form

• Secure a Secondary Supervisor and submit completed Secondary Supervisor Form (preferable, but not required for initial issuance of intern license)

Week of December 9th

Board will Conduct Interviews

Dec. 23rd – Jan. 6th

Transcript #2 verifying conferral of degree, delivered to the Board Office with final credits & grades (no later than Jan. 6th)

Jan. 10th

Board Meeting Scheduled Specifically for Internship Licensure (or following week if degrees have not yet been posted to transcripts)

NOTES:

1. Students who have graduated from training programs, are NOT to see clients until licensed by the state as an intern.

2. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that the aforementioned timeline/deadlines are met in order for a license to be approved at the Board meeting on Jan. 10th. Failure to meet the deadlines may result in the application being reviewed by the Board at a later Board meeting, 6 – 8 weeks later.