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Relocating Mid-License? Complete Guide to Transferring Clinical Hours Across States

Comprehensive guide to transferring clinical hours between states during associate licensure for LPCC, LMFT, LCSW, and other mental health professionals.

Relocating to a new state during your associate licensure journey can feel overwhelming. You've invested countless hours in clinical work, supervision, and professional development—and the thought of starting over can be discouraging. The good news is that while transferring clinical hours between states is complex, it's not impossible with proper planning and documentation.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transferring clinical hours across state lines, from understanding reciprocity agreements to documenting your experience in a way that maximizes portability. Whether you're considering a move or already in the process, understanding these requirements now can save you significant time and frustration later.

The Reality of Clinical Hour Portability

Let's address the most critical question upfront: Can you transfer pre-licensure clinical hours between states? The answer is nuanced and depends heavily on several factors including your specific license type, the states involved, and your current stage in the licensure process.

Understanding "Reciprocity" vs. Reality

If you think of reciprocity as an arrangement that automatically recognizes your clinical hours in a new state, then true reciprocity doesn't exist in most cases. According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), most states use "licensure by endorsement" processes rather than automatic reciprocity.

The distinction matters because licensure by endorsement typically requires that your qualifications be "substantially equivalent" to the new state's requirements. In practice, this means your education, supervised hours, and examination scores must meet or exceed what the destination state requires.

The Critical Difference: Associate Hours vs. Full License

Here's where the complexity increases. Associate-level clinical hours (those earned before obtaining full independent licensure) face far more restrictions than hours earned as a fully licensed professional.

Most states will not issue a license by endorsement to an associate-level counselor, according to guidance from professional counseling organizations. However, the rules vary significantly by profession and state. Some states may accept portions of your associate hours under specific conditions, while others require you to start the clinical hour requirement from scratch under their supervision system.

Profession-Specific Transfer Policies

Different mental health professions have varying approaches to hour portability. Understanding the landscape for your specific license type is essential for strategic planning.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

Social workers benefit from the most established infrastructure for mobility through the Social Work Licensure Compact. As of 2025, this interstate compact has been enacted in at least seven states and reached activation status, though multistate licenses are not yet being issued.

Key advantages for LCSWs:

  • ASWB exam scores transfer to any state that uses the same exam without retaking it
  • Most states accept documentation of completed supervised clinical hours if they meet minimum requirements
  • The Social Work Licensure Compact will eventually provide multistate practice privileges
  • Clinical hour requirements vary from 2,000 hours (Nevada) to 3,500 hours (Massachusetts)

Important considerations:

Even with exam portability, many boards require proof that your supervision matches their specific hour totals or supervision ratios. According to the ASWB clinical supervision requirements comparison, distance supervision is expressly allowed in 46% of states, which can affect whether your hours qualify.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC/LPC)

Professional counselors now have access to the Counseling Compact, which represents a significant breakthrough for portability. As of November 2025, thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have passed Compact legislation, with the Compact Commission planning to start granting privileges to practice in other Compact states by fall 2025.

Counseling Compact benefits:

  • Allows LPCs to practice across state lines via telehealth or in-person
  • A privilege to practice can be obtained in minutes through the data system
  • Applies to counselors who can practice independently and assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions
  • Requires an unencumbered license from home state and FBI background check

Critical limitation:

The Compact only applies to counselors licensed as LPCs (or equivalent state designation). It does not include LMFTs or LCSWs. Additionally, according to Counseling Compact eligibility requirements, you must hold full independent licensure—associate-level counselors are not eligible.

State-specific example:

California's Board of Behavioral Sciences explicitly states that supervised experience gained in another state cannot be counted toward California licensure if you're applying as a new associate. However, if you're licensed in a state requiring less than 3,000 hours (like Colorado or Florida), you must make up the deficit when applying for LPCC licensure by endorsement in California, per the LPCC out-of-state requirements guide.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Marriage and family therapists face some of the most challenging portability barriers due to state-by-state variations in supervision and training requirements. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has identified that license portability policies requiring "substantially equivalent" qualifications create significant barriers.

Common challenges for LMFTs:

  • Subjective application of "substantially equivalent" standards often results in having to retake courses or complete additional supervision hours
  • Clinical hour requirements range from 1,000 to 4,000 hours depending on state
  • Supervision ratio requirements vary (some states require specific individual vs. group supervision ratios)
  • Some states require specific training in diagnosis or psychopharmacology not required by others

AAMFT's model portability language:

AAMFT developed model portability language based on a full endorsement approach. Under this model, licensing boards would issue full and unrestricted licenses to applicants who have a valid and unrestricted license in another state, have completed an application, and paid required fees. However, adoption of this model varies by state.

Why AAMFT chose portability over compacts:

Unlike social workers and professional counselors, the AMFT field decided against pursuing an interstate compact primarily due to cost considerations—both the development and ongoing operational costs of maintaining a Compact Commission, according to interviews with AAMFT leadership on license portability.

State-by-State Transfer Matrix

Understanding how specific states handle hour transfers is critical for planning your move. This matrix provides guidance on major destination states for mental health professionals.

High-Volume Relocation States

California:

  • LCSW: Accepts out-of-state hours if the state required registration during the time hours were earned. Minimum 1,700 hours must be under LCSW supervision. If additional hours needed, must register as Associate in California.
  • LPCC: Cannot count supervised experience from another state toward California licensure as a new associate. For endorsement, must have equivalent 3,000 hours.
  • LMFT: Same restrictions as LPCC—out-of-state associate hours not accepted for initial registration.
  • Sources: BBS LCSW Guide, BBS MFT FAQ

Washington:

  • Does not have formal reciprocity agreements but offers licensure by endorsement
  • Issues probationary licenses for out-of-state licensees (valid one year, renewable once) while assessing gap in requirements
  • 39 states deemed to have equivalent or greater scope to Washington for mental health counselors
  • Source: Washington Department of Health - Out-of-State Applicants

Texas:

  • Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council oversees LPC supervision requirements
  • Out-of-state hours may be accepted if properly documented and supervised by qualified professionals
  • Specific verification forms required from supervisors
  • Source: Texas BHEC Supervision Questions

New York:

  • For out-of-state supervision, prospective supervisors must submit Form 4Q (Approval of Qualifications to Supervise) before supervision begins
  • The form will not be reviewed if submitted after supervised experience is completed
  • Requires substantial equivalency check by Office of the Professions
  • Source: New York Office of Professions - Mental Health Counseling Requirements

Florida:

States with Favorable Portability Policies

Nevada:

  • Requires only 2,000 clinical hours for social work licensure (among the lowest)
  • Moving toward mandatory endorsement (versus discretionary)
  • Joined Counseling Compact (effective January 1, 2026)
  • More accepting of out-of-state credentials

Colorado:

  • Offers licensure by endorsement for substantially equivalent requirements
  • Part of the Counseling Compact
  • Out-of-state telehealth registration available (effective January 1, 2026)
  • Requires documentation of qualifying supervised clinical experience

Arizona:

  • Counseling Compact member (applications opened September 30, 2025)
  • Requires 3,200 hours of supervised post-master's experience for LPC
  • Board of Behavioral Health Examiners provides clear guidance for supervisees
  • Source: Arizona BBHE - Information for Supervisees

States with More Restrictive Policies

Pennsylvania:

  • Requires minimum 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience for LCSW and LPC
  • Does not issue temporary licenses to out-of-state licensees
  • May grant provisional license through Act 41 endorsement process at Board's discretion
  • Supervisor must meet with supervisee for minimum 2 hours per 40 hours of clinical experience
  • Source: Pennsylvania BPOA - Social Worker FAQ

Massachusetts:

  • Requires 3,500 hours of supervised clinical experience for LICSW
  • Requires 100 hours of direct supervisor contact
  • Less flexible with out-of-state hour acceptance

Ohio:

Documentation Best Practices for Maximum Portability

If there's any possibility you might relocate during your associate licensure period, how you document your hours now can make or break your ability to transfer them later.

Essential Documentation Components

According to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) supervision documentation guidelines, your records should include:

1. Supervisor and supervisee information:

  • Full names, professional titles, license numbers
  • Contact information for both parties
  • State(s) where supervisor holds active licensure

2. Date and duration of supervision:

  • Precise start and end times
  • Total duration in hours and minutes
  • Type of supervision (individual, group, triadic)

3. Supervision agreements:

  • Must be completed and signed prior to the start of supervised experience
  • Failure to complete agreements before starting will result in boards rejecting those hours
  • Should include expectations and responsibilities of each party clearly defined

4. Detailed activity logs:

  • Type of clinical activities performed
  • Client contact hours vs. indirect hours
  • Settings where services were provided
  • Specific interventions or modalities used

5. Supervisor verification:

  • Supervisor's signature or verification on each entry
  • Many boards require the original signed verification forms in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal
  • Electronic verification systems are becoming more common but check state requirements

The Power of Proactive Documentation

Using comprehensive tracking systems can protect your professional journey. According to social work supervision guidance, in rare instances where a supervisor becomes unable or unwilling to sign off on hours, having a comprehensive and detailed record can be invaluable in demonstrating fulfillment of licensure requirements.

Recommended practices:

  • Log hours immediately after each session to avoid forgetting details
  • Complete tracking logs monthly for accurate and up-to-date records
  • Maintain multiple backups if using digital logs
  • Keep paper logs in a secure location as backup
  • Document supervisor qualifications at the start of the relationship

State-Specific Verification Forms

Many states have specific verification forms that must be completed. Examples include:

  • California: Supervision agreements must be submitted through the BBS portal
  • Maryland: Specific supervision verification forms required (Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners forms)
  • Texas: Council's Supervisory Agreement Form required with specific fee documentation
  • Pennsylvania: Board-specific verification format required

Pro tip: Even if your current state has minimal documentation requirements, document your hours using the most stringent standards you can find. This positions you well for transferring to any state, not just those with lower requirements.

Timeline Expectations for Transfer Processes

Understanding realistic timelines helps you plan your relocation and employment transitions effectively.

Initial Assessment Phase (2-4 weeks)

When you first contact the licensing board in your destination state:

  • Request a comprehensive evaluation of your credentials
  • Ask specifically whether your clinical hours will be accepted and to what extent
  • Inquire about any additional requirements (coursework, exams, supervision)
  • Obtain a written assessment if possible

Document Gathering Phase (4-8 weeks)

Collecting required documentation often takes longer than anticipated:

  • Requesting official transcripts from your graduate program
  • Obtaining sealed verification letters from all supervisors
  • Getting your entire licensure file from your current state's board
  • Securing employment verification letters if required
  • Completing background checks and fingerprinting

Critical timing consideration: Some supervisors may be difficult to reach, especially if they've moved or are no longer practicing. Start this process as early as possible.

Application Review Phase (8-16 weeks)

Once your application is submitted to the new state's board:

  • Initial completeness review (2-4 weeks)
  • Substantive review of credentials (4-8 weeks)
  • Committee or board meeting review (can add 4-8 weeks depending on meeting schedule)
  • Potential request for additional information or clarification

Note: These are average timelines. Some states process applications more quickly, while others, particularly those with small administrative staffs or quarterly board meetings, can take significantly longer.

Making Up Deficits (Variable)

If the destination state determines you need additional hours or requirements:

  • Must register as an associate in the new state
  • Complete the specific deficit hours under approved supervision
  • Meet the new state's ongoing supervision and examination requirements
  • This process can add 6 months to 2+ years depending on the deficit

Strategic Planning for Mid-License Relocation

The key to successfully transferring clinical hours is proactive planning. Here are evidence-based strategies that can minimize lost progress.

Before You Start Your Associate Training

Choose your initial state strategically:

If you know you might relocate, consider pursuing initial licensure in states with requirements that exceed your intended practice location. Prospective therapists planning eventual relocation should research reciprocity agreements and consider pursuing initial licensure in states with requirements exceeding their intended practice location, according to professional guidance. This ensures qualification for licensure transfer without additional supervised experience.

High-requirement states as strategic starting points:

  • California (3,000 hours for LPCC/LMFT)
  • Massachusetts (3,500 hours for LICSW)
  • Pennsylvania (3,000 hours with specific ratios)

Starting in these states positions you well for transferring to nearly any other state.

During Your Associate Training

Document beyond minimum requirements:

  • Keep detailed session notes that specify type of clinical activity
  • Maintain logs that break down hours by category (assessment, treatment, diagnosis, etc.)
  • Document supervisor qualifications thoroughly
  • Save all supervision agreements and verification forms

Maintain connections with supervisors:

  • Keep updated contact information for all supervisors
  • Maintain a professional relationship even after completing supervision requirements
  • Inform supervisors if you're considering relocating (they may be able to provide guidance)

Build transferable credentials:

  • Consider obtaining the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, which is recognized in the Counseling Compact
  • Join national professional organizations (NASW, AMHCA, AAMFT) that advocate for portability
  • Pursue additional certifications in specialized areas (trauma, addiction) that are recognized across states

When Planning Your Move

Start the inquiry process 6-12 months in advance:

  • Contact the destination state's licensing board
  • Get a preliminary assessment of your credentials
  • Identify any deficits or additional requirements early
  • Ask about timing for the next exam administration if applicable

Consider phased relocation:

If immediate relocation is necessary but you haven't completed hours:

  • Explore telehealth supervision arrangements (check if your states allow distance supervision)
  • Investigate whether your current employer has locations in your destination state
  • Look into obtaining a temporary or probationary license while completing requirements

Investigate the Counseling Compact for eligible professionals:

If you're an LPC in a Compact state, you may be able to maintain your practice via telehealth with clients in your original state while establishing credentials in your new state. As of fall 2025, privileges can be obtained in minutes through the Compact data system.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Learning from others' mistakes can save you significant time and frustration.

Pitfall #1: Assuming Hours Will Transfer

The mistake: Many associates assume that because they're accruing hours toward a nationally recognized license (LCSW, LPCC, LMFT), those hours will automatically be accepted in any state.

The reality: States have sovereignty over their licensure requirements. What counts as "clinical hours" in one state may not in another. For example, some states count group supervision at a different ratio than individual supervision.

How to avoid it: Before accruing hours, check with your potential destination state about what will be accepted. Don't wait until you've completed all your hours to discover they won't transfer.

Pitfall #2: Poor Documentation

The mistake: Relying solely on the minimum documentation required by your current state's board, assuming you'll be able to reconstruct details later if needed.

The reality: Licensing boards in other states may require far more detailed documentation than your current state. If your supervisor is no longer available or willing to provide additional verification, you may lose those hours entirely.

How to avoid it: Document everything as if you're planning to apply in the most stringent state. Use comprehensive tracking systems that capture detailed information about each clinical hour, supervision session, and supervisor qualification.

Pitfall #3: Losing Contact with Supervisors

The mistake: Not maintaining updated contact information for supervisors or failing to get final verification documents before ending the supervisory relationship.

The reality: Years later when you need verification for a new state, your supervisor may have retired, moved, or be unwilling to complete additional paperwork for past supervisees.

How to avoid it: Get complete verification documentation from each supervisor before ending the relationship. Keep multiple forms of contact information. Consider getting verification letters on official letterhead that can be used for multiple purposes.

Pitfall #4: Timing the Move Poorly

The mistake: Relocating immediately after registering as an associate, before accruing any hours in your initial state.

The reality: Many states won't accept your associate registration as a starting point. You may need to re-register in the new state and essentially start from scratch.

How to avoid it: If possible, accrue at least a substantial portion of your hours (1,000-1,500) in your initial state before relocating. Some states are more willing to accept partial hour transfers than to accept out-of-state associate registrations.

Pitfall #5: Not Understanding "Substantially Equivalent"

The mistake: Assuming that having "substantially equivalent" training means your hours will transfer with minimal scrutiny.

The reality: As highlighted by AAMFT's analysis of license portability barriers, the "substantially equivalent" standard is often applied subjectively. Different board members or staff may interpret it differently, resulting in inconsistent decisions.

How to avoid it: When applying for endorsement, provide detailed documentation that explicitly demonstrates how your training exceeds or meets each specific requirement of the new state. Don't assume board staff will make favorable assumptions on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my associate license to another state?

Most states do not accept associate licenses from other states. Associate licensure is typically state-specific and must be obtained in the state where you'll be practicing. However, some of the clinical hours you earned as an associate may be accepted toward licensure requirements in a new state, depending on documentation and whether they meet the new state's supervision standards.

Do I have to start over if I move states during my associate hours?

Not necessarily. While you likely cannot transfer your associate registration itself, many states will accept properly documented clinical hours from another state if they meet substantive requirements. The key factors are whether your supervision met the new state's standards and whether your hours are properly verified. You may need to make up a deficit if the destination state requires more total hours than you've completed.

How do I know if my hours will count in a new state?

Contact the licensing board in your destination state as early as possible with detailed information about your supervised experience. Provide information about your supervisor's credentials, the type of supervision received (individual vs. group), the setting where you practiced, and the types of clinical activities you performed. Request a preliminary evaluation before relocating if possible.

What documentation do I need to transfer clinical hours?

At minimum, you'll need official transcripts from your graduate program, signed and sealed supervision verification forms from all supervisors, documentation of your supervisor's licensure and qualifications, detailed hour logs showing types of clinical activities, and verification of any registration or associate license from your original state. Some states may require additional documentation such as letters from employers or course syllabi.

Are ASWB exam scores transferable between states?

Yes, if you passed the ASWB Clinical exam in one state, that passing score transfers to any other state that uses the same exam without needing to retake it, according to ASWB guidance on exam mobility. However, you may still need to take a state-specific jurisprudence exam in your new state.

Can I practice via telehealth in my old state while living in a new state?

This depends on whether you're part of an interstate compact and the specific regulations of both states. For LPCs, the Counseling Compact allows you to provide telehealth services to clients in other Compact states. For LCSWs, the Social Work Licensure Compact is being implemented with similar provisions. For LMFTs, portability is more limited and typically requires separate licensure in each state where you have clients.

How long does it take to transfer licensure to a new state?

The timeline varies significantly by state and profession but typically ranges from 3-6 months for a straightforward endorsement application. If additional coursework or clinical hours are required, the process can take 1-2+ years. States with quarterly board meetings or limited administrative staff may process applications more slowly than states with monthly meetings and larger teams.

What if my former supervisor is no longer available to verify my hours?

Most licensing boards have alternative verification procedures for situations where supervisors are deceased, retired, or otherwise unavailable. Options may include verification documents on record with another regulatory board, detailed statements from another supervisor who has knowledge of your practice, or affidavits from employers documenting your clinical work. Contact the specific state board to understand their alternative verification procedures.

Should I get licensed before moving or after?

If you're close to completing your requirements, it's generally advantageous to complete licensure in your current state before moving. A full, unrestricted license is far more portable than associate hours. Many states have expedited endorsement processes for fully licensed professionals. However, if you're early in your associate journey, carefully evaluate whether it makes sense to complete the process in your current state or transition to your destination state.

What's the difference between licensure by endorsement and reciprocity?

True reciprocity means automatic recognition of your license without additional review. This rarely exists for mental health professions. Licensure by endorsement means the destination state reviews your credentials to determine if they're substantially equivalent to their requirements. While endorsement is more favorable than applying as a new graduate, it still requires documentation review and may result in requirements for additional training or supervision.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Transferring clinical hours across states during associate licensure is challenging but achievable with proper preparation. The most successful relocations share common elements: proactive planning, meticulous documentation, and strategic timing.

Remember these critical points:

  • True automatic reciprocity for associate hours rarely exists—expect to provide detailed documentation and potentially complete additional requirements
  • The profession matters: LCSWs have the most established compact system, LPCs have the growing Counseling Compact, and LMFTs face the most barriers
  • Documentation quality directly impacts your ability to transfer hours—invest in comprehensive tracking systems now
  • Starting in a high-requirement state positions you favorably for future moves
  • Contact destination state boards 6-12 months before your planned relocation

Immediate action steps:

  1. Assess your situation: Identify your current state, destination state (if known), profession, and stage in the licensure process
  2. Research requirements: Compare clinical hour requirements, supervision ratios, and documentation standards between states
  3. Upgrade your documentation: If your current tracking system is minimal, upgrade to a more comprehensive system that captures detailed information about each hour and supervision session
  4. Secure supervisor verification: Get complete verification documents from all current and past supervisors before ending those relationships
  5. Explore compacts: Determine if you're eligible for the Counseling Compact, Social Work Compact, or other interstate agreements

How License Trail Can Help

Navigating multi-state licensure requirements while tracking hundreds or thousands of clinical hours is overwhelming. License Trail was built specifically to help mental health professionals manage this complexity.

With License Trail, you can:

  • Track clinical hours with the level of detail required by the most stringent state boards
  • Document supervisor qualifications and maintain supervision agreements
  • Generate comprehensive reports formatted for different state requirements
  • Set up reminders for critical deadlines and supervision sessions
  • Access state-specific requirement guides to understand what you need before you relocate

Whether you're planning a move or want to keep your options open, proper hour tracking now will pay dividends throughout your career. Start documenting your path to licensure with the tools that will support you wherever your career takes you.

Sources and Additional Reading

Licensing Board Resources:

Professional Organizations:

Interstate Compacts:

Research and Analysis:

Your path to full clinical licensure is a significant professional journey. While relocating mid-license adds complexity, thousands of mental health professionals successfully navigate these transitions each year. With proper planning, documentation, and resources, you can protect your progress and continue building toward independent practice—wherever your career takes you.