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How to become a therapist in California.
California uses LPCC for counselors and registers associates (APCC, ASW, AMFT) with the BBS. California is not in the Counseling Compact or PSYPACT as of review, so out-of-state clinicians need a California license to serve California families.
Opening soon
Board
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
- California Board of Psychology
License titles
- Counselors
- LPCC
- Social workers
- LCSW
- MFTs
- LMFT
- Psychologists
- Licensed Psychologist
- Supervised tier
- APCC, ASW, AMFT
Counseling Compact
Not a member
PSYPACT
Not a member
Social Work Compact
Not enacted
We reviewed compact membership on 2026-08-14. Each compact sets its own eligibility rules, so confirm with the compact commission and your board before you rely on a privilege.
California licensing questions
- Who licenses therapists in California?
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); California Board of Psychology. Each board publishes its own hours, exam, and fee schedule.
- What are the license titles in California?
- Counselors: LPCC. Social workers: LCSW. Marriage and family therapists: LMFT. Psychologists: Licensed Psychologist. Supervised tier: APCC, ASW, AMFT.
- Is California in the Counseling Compact or PSYPACT?
- California is not in the Counseling Compact as of 2026-08-14. California is not in PSYPACT as of 2026-08-14.
- Does Emora work with clinicians in California?
- Not yet. We open new states each quarter. Apply now and you will hear from us first when California opens.
Licensed in California? We are coming.
We open new states each quarter. Apply now and you will hear from us first when California opens.