Michigan Psychology, Social Work & Counseling Licensure Requirements

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From the Great Lakes to Motor City, Michigan has a lot to offer to those who call it home. Whether you’re a long time resident or new to the area, this Midwest state could be the perfect place to start a career in the field of human services.

Looking for a role in psychology, counseling, or social work? Read on to find all the information you need about earning your professional license.


Psychology Licensure in Michigan

The Michigan Board of Psychology is the state source for everything related to the practice and licensing of psychologists.

Education requirements

To be eligible to practice without limitations, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree to become a licensed psychologist. Your degree must be from a program that’s accredited by either the American Psychological Association (APA) or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Also acceptable is a program that’s received a National Register designation from the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Properly accredited programs will include a 2,000-hour internship that’s required for licensing. While the internship is typically completed during your schooling, the board does make exceptions by allowing some candidates to complete their internship after graduation. That said, it’s best to avoid delaying this experience as you’ll also be required to complete additional postdoc supervised hours.

Psychology licensing requirements

Following your internship and graduation, you’ll need to complete another 2,000 hours of supervised experience. These hours should be completed in a healthcare setting within 2 consecutive years. If you plan on earning these hours in Michigan, you’ll first need to earn a Doctoral Limited License, which requires that you hold a doctoral degree and complete a background check.

Once all of these requirements are met, you’ll need to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the ASPPB. This exam is required of all aspiring psychologists across the country. It consists of 225 multiple-choice questions and you’ll need to earn a score of at least 500 out of 800 in order to pass.

To then complete your application, you’ll need to submit your official transcripts, proof of your test scores, and a processing fee, as well as complete a background check and a fingerprint report.

Renewal and continuing education credits

As a practicing psychologist in Michigan, you’ll need to renew your license every 2 years by earning 30 continuing education credits. At least 2 of these hours must be completed in pain management and symptoms, while 3 hours must be in ethics.

Master’s Limited License

If you’re not interested in earning a doctoral degree but still interested in practicing psychology, then the Master’s Limited License might be for you. Although it doesn’t allow you to practice independently, it does give you the opportunity to work in the field under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist.

To earn this licensure level, you need to hold a master’s degree in psychology from a regionally accredited program. The program must include at least 1 course in assessment, 1 in treatment, 1 in scientific and professional ethics, and a supervised practicum of at least 500 hours.

As with the full psychology license, you’ll need to complete 2,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience and pass the EPPP, however, a passing score is considered 450 rather than 500.

You’ll also need to submit your transcripts, a processing fee, and a background check to be reviewed for approval.

License reciprocity

Michigan’s psychology board offers out-of-state candidates the chance to earn a psychologist license through endorsement. To be eligible, you’ll need to complete the fingerprint report and background check and verify that you have at least 1 of the following:

  • A psychology license in another state for at least 10 years;
  • A current Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ) issued by the ASPPB; or
  • A current health service provider credential issued by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists

Psychologist salary and career advancement in Michigan

While psychologists often work in private practice, many find employment in hospitals, outpatient care centers, research and development facilities, and even within higher education. There are also various areas of psychology that you can choose to specialize in to advance your career.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
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10%$40,000

25%$54,310

50%$74,770Median

75%$86,010

90%$129,520

Median Hourly Wage$36

Job growth11.4%

Total Employment1,940

Metro area Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Lansing-East Lansing, MI $88,580 $46,710 $216,010
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $75,210 $40,210 $133,410
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI $74,880 $37,910 $120,870
Ann Arbor, MI $73,130 $28,790 $128,310
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $69,680 $46,640 $126,460
Flint, MI $63,950 $46,030 $124,440

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Licensure in Michigan

MFTs are overseen by the Michigan Board of Family and Marriage Therapy.

Education requirements

The board provides 2 different options for the education requirements of MFTs:

-OR-

  • Graduate with a master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution that includes courses in family studies, family therapy methodology, human development, personality theory, psychopathology, research, and ethics and law of professional practice

Additionally, if you’re earning anything other than a doctoral degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program, you must complete a supervised practicum made up of 300 direct client hours over the course of 8 months.

MFT licensing requirements

After earning their degree, candidates must complete 1,000 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of a licensed MFT. You’re exempt from this requirement if you earn a doctoral degree through a COAMFTE accredited program.

While not currently in effect, those applying for a license after April 22, 2022 must complete training specific to identifying the victims of human trafficking.

With all of these requirements met, you can sit for the national exam administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). You’ll receive your scores roughly 3 weeks after taking the exam and, if you’ve passed, you can submit your licensing application for review. You’ll need to include your transcripts and a processing fee, along with completing a background check.

Renewal and continuing education credits

The standard protocol for MFT license renewal in Michigan varies. If it’s your first time holding a license, you’ll need to renew it within a year. From that point on, however, you’re only required to renew every 2 years. You not required to earn any continuing education, though they’re highly recommended for staying relevant in the field.

License reciprocity

Out-of-state candidates who have held a license for 5 or more years may be eligible for a Michigan license by endorsement. For this route, the board will need to verify your out-of-state license, and you’ll need to submit the appropriate application, pay the processing fee, and complete a background check.

If you’ve held your license for fewer than 5 years, you’ll need to complete the same requirements as for initial licensing.

MFT salary and career advancement

With the job growth of the field expected to reach 14% through 2032—nearly three times that of the national average for all occupations—those who hold their MTF license could find many career opportunities.

Marriage and Family Therapists

National data

Median Salary: $56,570

Projected job growth: 14.9%

10th Percentile: $36,840

25th Percentile: $44,730

75th Percentile: $75,220

90th Percentile: $98,700

Projected job growth: 14.9%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $39,650 $35,310 $58,580
Arizona $46,860 $41,400 $64,290
Arkansas $37,950 $36,270 $57,940
California $56,890 $37,380 $105,650
Colorado $55,880 $34,740 $80,800
Connecticut $59,360 $42,120 $102,440
Delaware $52,770 $50,500 $61,690
Florida $47,200 $34,130 $54,080
Georgia $35,670 $33,680 $70,400
Hawaii $72,920 $50,520 $106,490
Idaho $61,000 $39,630 $74,970
Illinois $47,060 $35,670 $74,880
Indiana $48,400 $37,920 $65,670
Iowa $53,630 $41,300 $62,370
Kansas $51,090 $38,320 $75,750
Kentucky $49,020 $29,250 $74,200
Louisiana $54,050 $22,350 $66,460
Maryland $71,630 $50,920 $127,260
Massachusetts $48,000 $38,680 $82,470
Michigan $46,570 $31,800 $72,540
Minnesota $65,960 $48,340 $98,160
Mississippi $41,150 $28,490 $44,870
Missouri $58,680 $39,890 $95,230
Nebraska $58,350 $30,480 $68,000
Nevada $63,120 $50,040 $95,930
New Hampshire $51,170 $36,640 $73,240
New Jersey $77,080 $60,430 $98,950
New Mexico $58,790 $38,890 $91,520
New York $53,760 $29,450 $102,100
North Carolina $47,180 $37,920 $81,440
North Dakota $56,880 $35,250 $101,560
Ohio $50,510 $40,080 $65,750
Oklahoma $50,960 $34,810 $71,130
Oregon $61,280 $47,320 $107,260
Pennsylvania $57,460 $38,730 $79,590
South Carolina $28,830 $17,390 $48,340
South Dakota $48,880 $36,700 $55,520
Tennessee $42,180 $30,150 $55,160
Texas $60,820 $41,110 $103,680
Utah $78,730 $56,870 $143,020
Virginia $61,050 $47,270 $129,360
Washington $58,300 $39,690 $82,500
Wisconsin $64,160 $41,360 $92,130
Wyoming $58,590 $41,060 $155,090

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Counseling Licensure in Michigan

From initial application to renewal, counseling licenses in Michigan are overseen by the Board of Counseling.

Education requirements

The minimum degree required is a master’s from a regionally accredited institute. It’s highly encouraged by the board that your program be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) or the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE).

Along with at least 48 semester hours of coursework specific to counseling, you’ll also be expected to complete a 600-hour supervised clinical internship. If your program isn’t accredited by the CACREP or the NCRE, then your coursework must include all of the following:

  • Career development
  • Consulting
  • Counseling techniques
  • Counseling theories
  • Counseling philosophy
  • Group techniques
  • Multicultural counseling
  • Professional ethics
  • Research methodology
  • Testing procedures

Counseling licensing requirements

In addition to the education requirements, the board requires all candidates to take and pass either the National Counselor Examination from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Exam.

Supervised practice hours are also required to earn a counseling license in Michigan. These hours must be gained after you’ve completed your degree and, if you’re earning these hours in Michigan, you must hold the Limited Professional Counselor License. You can apply for this license once you complete your degree and then begin accruing your required hours.

If you hold a master’s degree, you’ll need to earn 3,000 hours in a 2-year period, with 100 of these hours completed under immediate supervision. Those who have earned 30 semester hours beyond a master’s degree only need to complete 1,500 hours in a 1-year period, with 50 hours completed under direct supervision.

As of March, 2022, training focused on the identification of human trafficking victims must also be completed before you can earn your license.

With all of these requirements completed, you can submit your application for approval. You’ll need to include documentation verifying that you’ve met the requirements and complete the criminal background check.

Renewal and continuing education credits

To keep your counseling license up to date, you’ll need to renew it every 3 years. Continuing education isn’t required, but as with MFTs, it’s recommended to maintain stay on top of advances in the field.

License reciprocity

The board allows out-of-state candidates who have held a license for 5 or more years to apply for licensure through endorsement. This process verifies your license and the standards required to obtain that license, and requires the criminal background check.

Those who have held their license for fewer than 5 years must apply by meeting the requirements mentioned in the previous sections.

Counselor salary

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

National data

Median Salary: $49,710

Projected job growth: 18.4%

10th Percentile: $34,580

25th Percentile: $39,810

75th Percentile: $64,400

90th Percentile: $82,710

Projected job growth: 18.4%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $41,120 $30,120 $69,630
Alaska $63,900 $38,230 $94,960
Arizona $50,460 $33,440 $76,960
Arkansas $52,680 $28,830 $104,940
California $56,060 $37,860 $102,940
Colorado $50,860 $35,440 $93,820
Connecticut $50,520 $35,680 $82,070
Delaware $47,860 $31,720 $70,920
District of Columbia $58,460 $38,620 $82,690
Florida $48,040 $31,870 $76,980
Georgia $44,990 $30,820 $74,550
Hawaii $57,410 $39,210 $100,410
Idaho $55,520 $38,340 $79,310
Illinois $47,700 $36,780 $82,290
Indiana $43,120 $32,950 $72,180
Iowa $50,800 $31,320 $82,350
Kansas $50,360 $37,070 $72,180
Kentucky $45,340 $28,730 $78,240
Louisiana $36,080 $27,290 $61,510
Maine $54,500 $39,970 $113,430
Maryland $57,380 $35,840 $86,530
Massachusetts $52,410 $37,490 $84,870
Michigan $50,460 $32,200 $80,960
Minnesota $49,530 $39,470 $66,440
Mississippi $43,180 $28,550 $66,020
Missouri $44,980 $28,030 $70,910
Montana $48,900 $29,160 $67,190
Nebraska $49,480 $35,290 $78,210
Nevada $63,060 $35,040 $92,380
New Hampshire $46,700 $35,990 $74,190
New Jersey $59,290 $36,680 $99,950
New Mexico $59,870 $38,610 $82,590
New York $54,290 $34,750 $83,800
North Carolina $49,050 $33,280 $79,070
North Dakota $59,860 $45,030 $76,450
Ohio $48,420 $35,040 $78,310
Oklahoma $49,060 $30,800 $83,580
Oregon $57,570 $37,500 $87,170
Pennsylvania $46,630 $33,490 $78,140
Rhode Island N/A N/A N/A
South Carolina $45,030 $30,090 $68,700
South Dakota $45,780 $36,450 $64,550
Tennessee $43,950 $28,950 $65,130
Texas $47,140 $31,680 $76,640
Utah $61,520 $30,290 $104,000
Vermont $49,570 $39,140 $77,630
Virginia $50,460 $37,090 $80,300
Washington $51,480 $37,500 $80,940
West Virginia $41,310 $29,900 $73,310
Wisconsin $49,520 $33,470 $78,380
Wyoming $59,760 $36,230 $95,220

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.


Social Work Licensure in Michigan

The Michigan Board of Social Work oversees 3 notable types of licenses:

LMSW, LBSW, SST: what’s the difference?

The difference between the 3 distinctions is the level of education needed and the scope that your license allows you to have.

The LMSW is the highest level of license offered for social workers in Michigan. It allows you to practice at the clinical level without supervision and gives you the opportunity to start your own practice.

Next is the LBSW, which, while still allowing you to practice social work, is slightly limiting compared to the LMSW. At this level, you must be supervised by an LMSW and you can’t hold a position in management. However, if administrative roles or owning your own practice don’t appeal to you, the LBSW might be right up your alley.

An SST can be earned by having either an associate’s degree or valid work experience, giving candidates the chance to find entry-level roles within the field of social work.

Education requirements

As their names suggest, the LMSW requires candidates to hold a master’s degree, while the LBSW requires a bachelor’s. SST candidates need to hold an associate’s degree in social work or have relevant supervised experience.

No matter what degree you seek, any institution you attend must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Social work licensing requirements

The requirements for becoming a social worker in Michigan vary depending on the license level you want to earn.

LMSW

A unique aspect of the LMSW is that there’s additional classifications within it—Clinical and Macro. The LMSW-Clinical allows social workers to focus on seeing and addressing problems directly with their clients. The LMSW-Macro, on the other hand, is more of an administrative classification designed for those who interested in entering management roles.

Each distinction requires you to complete 4,000 hours of postgraduate supervised work over a 2-year period. You’ll need to complete a portion of these hours in the type of work environment designated by the type of license you seek.

If you’re earning these supervised hours in Michigan, you’ll need to obtain a Limited LMSW (LLMSW) before beginning. The LLMSW requires you to hold a master’s degree and complete a background check. It can be renewed up to 6 times while you complete your hours.

Once you’ve met all the requirements for education and work experience, the final hurdle is the exam. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) offers the Clinical Exam for those seeking LMSW-Clinical licensing and the Advanced Generalist Exam for those seeking the LMSW-Macro.

LBSW

LBSWs must complete 4,000 hours of supervised postgrad experience over the course of 2 years. For those completing their hours in Michigan, you’ll need to earn a Limited LBSW (LLBSW) before you can begin working towards that requirement. To get your LLBSW, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree in social work and complete a background check.

When you’ve completed your postgraduate hours, you can earn your official license by taking and passing the Bachelor’s Exam offered by the ASWB.

SST

For those looking to earn an SST, you must have an associate’s degree in social work specifically or be currently employed in social or human services and have 2,000 hours of supervised experience over the course of at least a year.

To complete these hours, you’ll first need to earn a Limited SST. This can be obtained by completing 2 years of college in any field and by being either currently employed in social or human services or having an offer for employment in the field. The Limited SST can only be renewed once.

You don’t need to take an exam to earn your SST distinction, but you’ll need to complete a background check before you’re considered eligible.

Renewal and continuing education requirements

The LMSW, LBSW, and SST all have a renewal period of 3 years. The SST, however, doesn’t require any continuing education for renewal. The LMSW and LBSW, on the other hand, require 45 hours. While most of these hours can be geared towards your own professional interests, 5 must be in ethics and 2 in pain and pain symptom management.

Starting in 2022, all social work candidates, no matter at which level, must complete the training on human trafficking before being considered for a license.

License reciprocity

Michigan doesn’t provide full reciprocity for out-of-state license-holders, however, they do offer licensure by endorsement. If the candidate meets the education, exam, and supervised experience requirements and passes a background check, they’re eligible to apply for the Michigan social work license that corresponds to their level.

Social worker salary and career advancement

There are varying levels of social work and even a variety of industries where you can find employment. What license you hold and the industry you work in can impact your expected salary.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

National data

Median Salary: $50,820

Projected job growth: 5.3%

10th Percentile: $36,380

25th Percentile: $42,060

75th Percentile: $65,250

90th Percentile: $81,920

Projected job growth: 5.3%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $41,310 $29,420 $63,770
Alaska $59,840 $39,940 $94,990
Arizona $43,060 $35,390 $59,890
Arkansas $40,740 $31,550 $52,720
California $62,610 $39,700 $103,180
Colorado $54,070 $38,050 $80,330
Connecticut $75,020 $44,020 $98,790
Delaware $42,650 $34,220 $63,780
District of Columbia $63,740 $47,550 $104,800
Florida $46,200 $33,870 $71,160
Georgia $43,310 $35,390 $74,010
Hawaii $60,330 $47,200 $80,920
Idaho $51,010 $33,880 $78,430
Illinois $57,010 $37,800 $92,550
Indiana $43,350 $35,780 $65,670
Iowa $46,560 $35,530 $74,790
Kansas $46,740 $37,310 $65,470
Kentucky $43,510 $32,990 $62,070
Louisiana $53,680 $30,840 $61,810
Maine $60,880 $47,490 $77,710
Maryland $63,570 $39,630 $100,410
Massachusetts $55,170 $36,630 $78,270
Michigan $51,780 $36,640 $68,620
Minnesota $63,590 $42,230 $89,630
Mississippi $36,300 $24,870 $53,670
Missouri $38,750 $29,710 $54,430
Montana $40,890 $32,000 $58,260
Nebraska $39,960 $33,030 $58,220
Nevada $55,740 $40,190 $83,720
New Hampshire $53,520 $37,840 $74,790
New Jersey $74,730 $46,530 $108,010
New Mexico $45,760 $32,020 $83,020
New York $65,600 $46,260 $101,320
North Carolina $48,510 $36,610 $66,410
North Dakota $60,580 $48,240 $78,590
Ohio $46,930 $36,440 $63,540
Oklahoma $46,310 $36,310 $60,970
Oregon $56,970 $38,480 $81,770
Pennsylvania $48,520 $35,440 $76,340
Rhode Island $65,250 $38,230 $93,490
South Carolina $45,190 $33,320 $56,260
South Dakota $45,640 $36,240 $60,220
Tennessee $47,280 $35,720 $62,770
Texas $49,400 $34,720 $63,330
Utah $47,900 $31,890 $85,750
Vermont $53,350 $38,760 $71,260
Virginia $52,040 $38,060 $83,570
Washington $61,830 $43,410 $83,040
West Virginia $37,110 $28,930 $56,080
Wisconsin $48,150 $34,960 $71,760
Wyoming $45,620 $30,190 $71,020

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

National data

Median Salary: $51,240

Projected job growth: 10.6%

10th Percentile: $34,630

25th Percentile: $39,730

75th Percentile: $73,050

90th Percentile: $97,660

Projected job growth: 10.6%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $36,450 $24,160 $51,170
Alaska $51,240 $37,680 $95,180
Arizona $41,560 $35,590 $61,960
Arkansas $42,010 $29,380 $60,000
California $79,530 $44,680 $126,120
Colorado $50,580 $36,680 $80,130
Connecticut $72,790 $37,230 $160,890
Delaware $48,750 $37,960 $73,880
District of Columbia $72,650 $43,500 $105,150
Florida $46,090 $30,690 $66,340
Georgia $47,960 $33,250 $80,120
Hawaii $65,920 $40,120 $84,780
Idaho $45,860 $31,530 $79,560
Illinois $46,610 $33,470 $83,470
Indiana $46,080 $33,600 $62,180
Iowa $45,870 $35,730 $62,740
Kansas $48,000 $36,060 $68,430
Kentucky $39,560 $29,200 $64,900
Louisiana $45,440 $29,020 $66,420
Maine $67,040 $44,520 $96,410
Maryland $49,320 $33,800 $86,250
Massachusetts $51,630 $34,780 $89,210
Michigan $50,520 $36,420 $73,370
Minnesota $64,700 $47,640 $90,060
Mississippi $41,330 $23,640 $60,540
Missouri $41,540 $29,070 $63,110
Montana $37,040 $31,140 $57,900
Nebraska $38,210 $24,190 $54,340
Nevada $58,160 $29,580 $79,480
New Hampshire $63,130 $49,500 $80,950
New Jersey $77,930 $50,980 $153,280
New Mexico $52,330 $27,890 $70,740
New York $75,150 $47,420 $119,240
North Carolina $52,010 $38,150 $68,010
North Dakota $54,700 $50,170 $68,930
Ohio $40,940 $29,420 $70,450
Oklahoma $36,250 $22,930 $63,050
Oregon $49,760 $34,160 $81,750
Pennsylvania $44,040 $31,160 $65,710
Rhode Island $62,460 $37,310 $81,720
South Carolina $46,590 $31,220 $64,910
South Dakota $43,960 $36,940 $58,610
Tennessee $40,040 $28,250 $57,830
Texas $39,470 $32,730 $60,750
Utah $41,290 $27,790 $101,000
Vermont $49,540 $37,940 $83,030
Virginia $48,570 $37,600 $79,610
Washington $55,490 $36,530 $78,460
West Virginia $31,790 $25,890 $52,320
Wisconsin $49,590 $36,290 $75,110
Wyoming $47,950 $28,950 $83,640

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.