Montana Board of Behavioral Health

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We are available to assist customers through our public portal for Professional and Occupational Licenses. For all renewals, please renew online. We can be reached at (406) 444-6880.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Montana Board of Behavioral Health is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Montana citizens through the regulation and oversight of licensed clinical professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed addiction counselors, and certified behavioral health peer support specialists. The board makes every effort to include relevant and current information pertaining to licensing and regulation on our website. Please contact us if you need additional information, or to provide comments on how we can improve the website.

Welcome to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health

  • The Counseling Compact allows eligible licensed counselors an alternative method for providing services in other member states. If you are interested in learning more about the Counseling Compact, including information about meetings, rulemaking, and any rules open for public comment, please use the following link: https://counselingcompact.org/compact-commission/

    Proposed Rule on Implementation of Criminal Background Checks

    Proposed Rule on Legacy Eligibility for Privilege to Practice

  • Be aware that there are scams that specifically target licensees.

    Fraudsters may pretend to be government employees, claiming that there is a problem with your professional license or that they have questions about your practice.

    In some cases they find publicly available license information, such as your name, and then call your place of business pretending to be licensing board staff, attempting to elicit personally identifiable information.

    Department of Labor and Industry employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

    We may call you in some situations, but will never do the following over the phone:

    • Threaten suspension or revocation of your license
    • Demand immediate payment from you
    • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or wire transfer
    • Ask for personal details or banking information

    The following scenarios should raise suspicion:

    • A caller saying there is a problem with your professional or occupational license (licensing boards send renewal notices by mail and email)
    • Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash
    • A request to verify your social security number in its entirety over the phone

    Learn more about fraud prevention and reporting at https://dojmt.gov/consumer/identity-theft/

  • New Sexual Offender Evaluator License Endorsement – Qualified Licensees Can Start Applying

    Beginning in early January, LCSWs, LCPCs, LMFTs, physicians (psychiatrists), psychologists, and APRNs with psychiatric mental health certifications who wish to perform sexual offender evaluations under their existing scopes of practice must apply for and obtain an endorsement to their existing license. This endorsement is a new requirement to implement SB 39 (2021) which was passed by the Legislature and affects these licensees who are licensed by four different licensing boards:Boards of Behavioral Health, Medical Examiners, Nursing, and Psychologists.

    For information on the requirements to qualify for an endorsement and how to submit an online application click here.

  • Even in normal years, graduation season  is a busy time for license application processing staff. The department reviews and processes over 200 different types of license applications under 32 licensing boards. Many of those applications are from professionals who will graduate in the spring. A few tips to facilitate the licensing process:

    • Online applications are the most efficient application method and allow you to upload your own supplemental forms directly into your application at any time.  Cllck here to go to our online system to create an account and begin your ApplicationPaying the fee triggers the beginning of the staff review process. Be aware that to verify authenticity, some documents such as exam results, transcripts, and background checks must be sent to the department directly from the source and cannot be uploaded by the applicant.
    • Start your application as soon as possible. People who are about to graduate should submit applications prior to graduation. Applying early will facilitate the licensing process.
    • All applicants must get a federal fingerprint background check. Background checks are conducted through the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) and results typically take 4-6 weeks. Contact DOJ at 406-444-3625 for more information on how to obtain a background check.
    • Go to the license information menu for links to licensing requirements and application checklists which will assist you with your application process.
    • If you have submitted an application by paying the fee then wait for our staff to reach out to you via e-mail with any questions or follow-up.
    • Can't find the answer on the website? E-mail dlibsdhelp@mt.gov and be patient. Staff will respond as soon as they are able.
    • Many of the most common questions and the answers to those questions can be found on the board's FAQ page.
    • FAQs include general information and questions that have specifically arisen due to COVID-19 and the state of emergency.
    • Before you e-mail a question check out the board's website if you have a question regarding regulations, licensing requirements, and more. 
    • If you can't find the answer to your question then e-mail is the primary form of communication used by the department and licensing boards.
    • E-mail can be the most efficient way for you to get in touch with staff if you have a question since multiple staff members monitor board e-mail.
    • Send your question to dlibsdhelp@mt.gov and our customer service staff will address your question or get it to the staff members who can. Do not send multiple e-mails to multiple staff members as that will not get a quicker response.

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