Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board

Do you have a question about licensure or ethics? CSWMFT Board staff will be available for office hours on May 19 and May 28. Find details at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events

What can you call yourself as a licensed professional in Ohio? The CSWMFT Board often receives questions about job titles and how to describe services. Using titles that don't exist in Ohio law can lead to confusion about your qualifications, so it's important to stick to your official license title. You can always explain your services and specializations in your profile or marketing materials.
Trainees must use the titles Counselor Trainee, Social Worker Trainee, or Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee. Students who aren't registered trainees may use other titles, as long as they don't imply licensure.
A few reminders: Ohio does not have an LMSW license, and MFT/IMFT titles in Ohio do not include the word "Licensed," even though some states use it. LPCCs should also be sure to include the "L" in their title.
Clear, accurate titles help ensure the public understands your role and credentials.

Today, Louisiana has become the fourth state in the nation to begin issuing privileges under the Counseling Compact, marking another significant milestone in expanding access to professional counseling services across state lines.

Independently licensed Counselors from Arizona, Minnesota, and Ohio interested in practicing in Louisiana under the Compact, and Louisiana Counselors interested in practicing in Arizona, Minnesota, and Ohio, can visit www.counselingcompact.gov for more information and the application link.

🚨 Let the Good Times Roll! The Counseling Compact has officially gone live in Louisiana, marking another significant milestone in expanding access to mental health care! Louisiana is the fourth state to grant privileges, joining Arizona, Minnesota and Ohio.

Across the country, 34 additional states and the District of Columbia are actively completing the steps needed to begin issuing and receiving privileges under the Counseling Compact.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4u2GhBm
Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/3ORgdtN

Thinking about moving out of state or working with clients who relocate? The CSWMFT Board offers helpful guidance for professionals navigating these transitions. Licensees can request a verification through their License dashboard, though many states now rely on online verification-just as Ohio does when reviewing incoming applicants.
Because every state has its own licensure rules, the Board cannot provide specific guidance or grant permission to practice elsewhere. The same applies to clients who move overseas; Ohio licensees cannot be authorized to provide services outside Ohio's jurisdiction.
If you're planning a move or supporting a client who is relocating, be sure to check with the licensing board in the destination state and consider your ethical responsibilities. Clients should be informed of any limitations or risks when services cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Not currently using your license? That's okay. The CSWMFT Board does not require licensees to be actively practicing in order to keep their license. As long as you meet renewal requirements every two years, you may continue to hold your license without issue.
If you're thinking about retiring, the Board does not have a "retired" status or a way to close a license. You can continue renewing, request inactive escrow status, or simply let the license expire if you no longer need it.
And for those in private practice, remember: you must keep client records for at least seven years after the last session, even if you leave the field.

Curious about a license topic? Do you have an ethics question? CSWMFT Board staff will be available to take your questions during office hours in April. Check out details at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events.

The CSWMFT Board has approved changes to the exam requirements for LPC and LPCC licensure, effective January 1, 2026. These updates help Ohio better align with other states and simplify the licensure process.

Starting in 2026, individuals applying for the LPC can qualify by passing either the NCE or the NCHCE. Those applying for the LPCC must pass one of these exams, hold a master's degree in counseling, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, and complete the required training supervision.

Ohio was previously one of only ten states requiring two exams for independent licensure, so this change brings Ohio closer to national norms while maintaining high standards for the profession.

More information is available on the CSWMFT Board website.

AI tools are becoming more common in mental health and social work settings, and the CSWMFT Board has created an Artificial Intelligence Ad Hoc Committee to help guide ethical and responsible use. While the committee continues its work, here are some important reminders for licensees using AI in practice.

1. Be transparent. Clients should know when AI is being used, why it’s being used, and what their options are—including the ability to opt out.

2. Protect privacy. Only use HIPAA compliant tools, and make sure any AI product you purchase has clear language about data storage, retention, and client rights.

3. Use professional judgment. AI can support your work, but it cannot replace your clinical decision making. Always review AI generated content before using it in treatment.

4. Avoid overreliance. AI should enhance—not substitute—the therapeutic relationship. Consider what is gained and what might be lost when introducing new tools.

5. Monitor for safety. AI systems can contain bias or produce errors. Regularly evaluate the tools you use and have a plan in case something goes wrong.

The Board will continue to provide updates as guidance develops. Thank you for your dedication to ethical, thoughtful practice as technology continues to evolve.

Ohio is hosting the 2026 ACA Conference and Expo!

Stay compliant and meet your live CE requirements! At the 2026 ACA Conference & Expo, you can earn up to 21.5 CE credit hours toward maintaining your state licensure so you can continue to serve your clients and community. ​​Join us on April 9-11, 2026, for the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors!

Register today: https://conference.counseling.org/

Check out the latest news from the Board at

dam.assets.ohio.gov