Making Application

Please review the following to determine what type of application you wish to submit and the list of application requirements. The Board is not able to accept incomplete applications. If you have not obtained the required documentation you will need to delay the submission of your application until you have obtained all required documents.

New Application (Not currently licensed in another jurisdiction):

In order to successfully complete an application for licensure you will need to create an account in the applicant portal and complete all required steps. A complete application must include the following:

1. Fingerprint-based background checks.
2. Official University Transcript.
3. Internship/Practicum Verification Form.
4. Application fee.

Fees are paid in the portal upon completion of the application. Application fees are non-refundable.

Application for Licensure by Endorsement:

If you are currently licensed in another jurisdiction you may be eligible to apply for Licensure by Endorsement. In order to successfully complete an application for Licensure by Endorsement you will need to create an account in the applicant portal and complete all required steps. A complete application must include the following:

1. Fingerprint-based background checks.
2. Official University Transcript.
3. Out-of-State Verification Form.
4. Application fee.

You may find the Out-of-State verification form on the Board forms page: Board Forms

Fees are paid in the portal upon completion of the application. Application fees are non-refundable. 

As of January 1, 2024, the Board will require all new applicants for licensure to obtain an OSBI fingerprint-based background check and an FBI fingerprint-based background check. 

Background checks and/or criminal history stamped/processed more than 30 days beyond the date of application will not be considered.

For more information on how to obtain the OSBI fingerprint-based background check and the FBI fingerprint-based background check, visit the Criminal Background Check webpage at the following link: Criminal Background Check

OSBI-CHIRP checks will not be accepted.

The Board must receive an official transcript in order to verify the academic requirements. You may request the university bursar send an electronic password protected transcript to info.behavioralhealth@bbhl.ok.gov. You may also mail a sealed transcript to:

BBHL
3815 N Santa Fe, Ste 110
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 

The Board provides a list of in-state programs that have been pre-approved by the Board and those are available on the Board's website. You may review a list of Board approved programs on the Board’s website at the following link: Academic Requirements

The Board will also accept all CACREP (for LPC applications) and COAMFTE (for LMFT applications) approved programs. CACREP and COAMFTE approved programs do not require any additional academic review.

The Board also has progressive licensure by endorsement statute. The statute will automatically recognize most licenses issued in other jurisdictions. An application by endorsement also does not require an additional academic review.

If the degree you are seeking is not pre-approved by the Board, is not CACREP or COAMFTE accredited, and you are not licensed in another jurisdiction there is not a process to advise you in advance of whether or not the degree will be accepted by the Board. 

New applicants for licensure must verify they completed a minimum of 300 hours of internship and/or practicum as a component of their qualifying graduate program.

You may obtain the Internship/Practicum Verification Form on the Board Forms page: Board Forms

Applicants for Licensure by Endorsement are not required to submit the Internship/Practicum Verfication Form.

Registration:
In order to receive Board approval to register for the required examination(s) you must submit a complete application with the Board. Once the application review and the academic review have been completed and approved, the Board will issue an exam eligibility period. The notice of exam eligibility will provide the instructions needed to register for the required examination(s).

Exam Results:
If you successfully pass a national examination after receiving a Board approved eligibility period the exam result will be uploaded to the Oklahoma exam result portal on or about the 15th of the month following the month the exam was completed. 

If you successfully passed a national examination prior to making application through a certified graduate program or in another jurisdiction, you will need to request the score be uploaded to the Oklahoma exam results portal. Your passing result will not be submitted to the Board automatically.

Oklahoma Jurisprudence results are automatically forwarded to the Board. Please allow 2-3 business days for the Board to receive the result.

Application for License by Endorsement:
If you are licensed in another jurisdiction and you are making application for license by endorsement you are not required to submit a national exam verification. However, you are required to successfully pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence exam. You must submit a complete application and receive an exam eligibility letter in order to register for the Oklahoma Jurisprudence exam.

Use the following link to access the applicant portal: Applicant Portal

1. Applicants will need to activate their account by clicking on the Apply Now link.
2. Enter your email and re-enter it to confirm it. Click Submit and an activation link will be sent to your email.
3. Once you receive your temporary password, enter your email address and the temporary password, and Sign In.
4. You will then be prompted to set up Two-Stage Authentication Security Questions for your account. Click Done to continue.
5. You will also be prompted to reset your password from the temporary password. Enter your new password and then re-enter it to confirm it. Click Save to continue.
6. Once logged in, to begin a new application click on Start New Application.
7. Select the type of license you are applying for from the drop-down menu and follow the additional instructions to complete your application.

Please Note: You will need to complete all application steps for your application to be complete. In addition, some documents are required to be uploaded. Your application will not be considered complete until all steps have been completed and all required documents have been received.

In accordance with 59 O.S. § 4000.1, the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure has formally adopted a list of criminal offenses which, by the Board’s determination, substantially relate to the practice of behavioral health counseling and pose a reasonable threat to the public or others working in the same occupation. The Board is authorized to deny the application of any person with a conviction of any of these offenses.

You may find the complete list of potentially disqualifying offenses here: List of Offenses

If you have a criminal conviction, before you submit an application, you may request, in writing, an initial determination as to whether your criminal history might disqualify you from licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, or Licensed Behavioral Practitioner. Your written request must include: a copy of your criminal history record with explanation of each conviction; OR a statement describing each criminal conviction including the date of the conviction, the court of jurisdiction, and the sentence imposed. You may include additional information for consideration including but not limited to your current circumstances, the length of time since conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, testimonials, personal reference statements, and employment aspirations.

The State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure will review each request, and all accompanying materials, and shall issue Notice of Initial Determination to the Requestor, in writing, within sixty (60) days of receipt of the request. The Notice of Initial Determination will contain the following statements:

1. Whether the person appears eligible for licensure in the occupation at the current time based upon the information submitted by the Requestor;
2. Whether there is a disqualifying offense prohibiting the person’s engagement in the occupation at any time and a statement identifying such offense in the criminal history record or information submitted for consideration;
3. Any actions the person may take to remedy what appears to be a temporary disqualification, if any;
4. The earliest date the person may submit another request for consideration, if any; and
5. A statement that the Notice of Initial Determination is only an initial determination of eligibility for licensure or certification in the occupation based upon the information provided by the Requestor.