How to become a Counselor in Oklahoma
Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in OK
Additional Information
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Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Oklahoma. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Oklahoma counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health Professional Counseling Division at (405) 271-6030 to make sure you are on the right track.
I'm a High School Graduate...
Early career research is a great way to learn more about whether you might enjoy a particular field or not and a fantastic way to shorten the length of time it may take you to actually enter the work force. In order to become eligible for an Oklahoma counseling certification, you will need to be in possession of a master's level education. Therefore, the most important thing you should be thinking about right now is how you can begin earning a college education.
The next step is to learn how you can enroll in an Associate's degree program or Bachelor's degree program.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.
Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.
I've already received my Bachelor's degree...
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.
- Capella University - Master's of Science in Human Services (HS) - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
- Adler School of Professional Psychology - Master's in Counseling Psychology
- Argosy University - EdD in Counseling Psychology
- Grand Canyon University - Master's in Addiction Counseling and Master's in Professional Counseling
- Liberty University - Master's and PhD programs in Professional Counseling and Pastoral Counseling
Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Oklahoma.
Step Two:
You can begin earning supervised experience hours once you have completed the necessary academic requirements. Oklahoma requires 3 years equaling 3000 hours of work experience. For each 1000 hours, 350 hours need to be in direct client contact.
More details about work experience and qualifying supervisors can be found under the regulations section on the following Oklahoma State Department of Health website.
Step Three:
Next, you will need to complete an Oklahoma counseling license application and then send the application and all supporting documents and fees to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Once your application has been approved, you will be eligible to sit for the counseling licensure examination.
You may download the application here.
Step Four:
Once the Department has approved your application packet, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the National Counselor Examination and the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination.
Information about the national exam can be found on the NBCC website. You may also contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health for more information about the state administered exam, or browse their website.