Online Therapy In Minnesota

In Minnesota, the regulation of therapists and other mental health practitioners is designed to ensure that professionals are adequately trained, adhere to ethical practices, and are competent in providing mental health services. The Minnesota Department of Health, along with various licensing boards, oversees the licensure and regulation of mental health professions. Here’s a detailed overview of the requirements for mental health practitioners in Minnesota:

Licensing and Certification

1. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs): The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy regulates LPCCs. Requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, specific coursework, a supervised clinical practice, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Candidates must also complete 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised professional practice.
2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs): The Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy oversees the licensure of LMFTs. Applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, complete a board-approved internship with direct client contact, and pass the national examination administered by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). A total of 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience is required.
3. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs): The Minnesota Board of Social Work regulates LICSW licensure. Requirements include a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, specific clinical coursework, and passing the ASWB clinical level examination. Candidates must complete 360 hours of supervised practice in clinical content areas and 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical practice.
4. Licensed Psychologists: The Minnesota Board of Psychology oversees the licensure of psychologists. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in psychology, complete an internship, one year of postdoctoral supervised experience, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Continuing Education

All licensed mental health professionals in Minnesota are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal. The specific CE requirements vary by profession but typically include hours dedicated to ethics and professional practice.

Ethics and Professional Conduct

Mental health practitioners in Minnesota are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines set forth by their respective licensing boards. These guidelines cover confidentiality, professional boundaries, competence, and more. Violations can result in disciplinary actions, including license suspension or revocation.

Additional Certifications

While not required for basic licensure, mental health practitioners may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as addiction counseling, play therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. These certifications generally require additional education, training, and examination.

Regulation and Oversight

The regulation and oversight of mental health practitioners in Minnesota are carried out by the respective professional boards within the Minnesota Department of Health. These boards are responsible for ensuring that practitioners meet educational, ethical, and professional standards and handle complaints and disciplinary actions.

Minnesota's regulatory framework for mental health practitioners is designed to protect the public by ensuring that professionals in the field are qualified, ethical, and competent. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about regulatory updates, continuing education opportunities, and best practices within their field.

Check your state's regulations to learn about your local regulations.

‍