Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board

04/03/2026

Not currently using your license? That's okay. The CSWMFT Board does not require licensees to be actively practicing in order to keep their license. As long as you meet renewal requirements every two years, you may continue to hold your license without issue.
If you're thinking about retiring, the Board does not have a "retired" status or a way to close a license. You can continue renewing, request inactive escrow status, or simply let the license expire if you no longer need it.
And for those in private practice, remember: you must keep client records for at least seven years after the last session, even if you leave the field.

03/25/2026

Curious about a license topic? Do you have an ethics question? CSWMFT Board staff will be available to take your questions during office hours in April. Check out details at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events.

03/06/2026

The CSWMFT Board has approved changes to the exam requirements for LPC and LPCC licensure, effective January 1, 2026. These updates help Ohio better align with other states and simplify the licensure process.

Starting in 2026, individuals applying for the LPC can qualify by passing either the NCE or the NCHCE. Those applying for the LPCC must pass one of these exams, hold a master's degree in counseling, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, and complete the required training supervision.

Ohio was previously one of only ten states requiring two exams for independent licensure, so this change brings Ohio closer to national norms while maintaining high standards for the profession.

More information is available on the CSWMFT Board website.

02/20/2026

AI tools are becoming more common in mental health and social work settings, and the CSWMFT Board has created an Artificial Intelligence Ad Hoc Committee to help guide ethical and responsible use. While the committee continues its work, here are some important reminders for licensees using AI in practice.

1. Be transparent. Clients should know when AI is being used, why it’s being used, and what their options are—including the ability to opt out.

2. Protect privacy. Only use HIPAA compliant tools, and make sure any AI product you purchase has clear language about data storage, retention, and client rights.

3. Use professional judgment. AI can support your work, but it cannot replace your clinical decision making. Always review AI generated content before using it in treatment.

4. Avoid overreliance. AI should enhance—not substitute—the therapeutic relationship. Consider what is gained and what might be lost when introducing new tools.

5. Monitor for safety. AI systems can contain bias or produce errors. Regularly evaluate the tools you use and have a plan in case something goes wrong.

The Board will continue to provide updates as guidance develops. Thank you for your dedication to ethical, thoughtful practice as technology continues to evolve.

02/17/2026

Ohio is hosting the 2026 ACA Conference and Expo!

Stay compliant and meet your live CE requirements! At the 2026 ACA Conference & Expo, you can earn up to 21.5 CE credit hours toward maintaining your state licensure so you can continue to serve your clients and community. ​​Join us on April 9-11, 2026, for the premier professional development and networking event for professional counselors!

Register today: https://conference.counseling.org/

12/05/2025

Check out the latest news from the Board at

10/27/2025

Do you have a question? Board staff are holding office hours tomorrow from 3:00 PM-3:30 PM. Check out the details here: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events/Office_Hours_with_CSWMFT_Board_Staff_October_28

10/07/2025

Do you have questions for the Board? Join Board staff for office hours on Tuesday, October 14 at 11:30. More details here: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events/Office_Hours_with_CSWMFT_Board_Staff_October_14. We'll also be holding office hours on Tuesday, October 28 at 3:00 PM. Find out more here: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events/Office_Hours_with_CSWMFT_Board_Staff_October_28

09/18/2025

The 2025 Medical & Health Symposium starts tomorrow — are you ready?
Whether you're a health-care provider or a legal professional, this free virtual event offers:

• Cutting-edge sessions on occupational health
• Free CE credits for 20+ license types
• Networking with peers and industry leaders

Register now and join us Sept. 17-19: https://mhs.digitellinc.com/

09/15/2025

Do you have questions for the Board? Join Board staff for office hours on Monday, September 29 at 2:00 PM. More details here: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events/Office_Hours_with_CSWMFT_Board_Staff_September

08/06/2025

Board staff are holding "office hours" on Monday, 8/28 at 2:00. Find details here: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/events. This is a great opportunity to ask questions of staff who work in investigations and licensing. Please note that we cannot address any questions that involve confidential or personal information.

07/28/2025

On July 10, 2025, the Social Worker Professional Standards Committee voted to discontinue using the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam as one of the qualifying exams for the Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) license. This decision was made to better align Ohio with the requirements for multi-state licensure through the Social Work Compact. However, this decision also reflects ongoing changes in the social work profession regarding mental health practice. Starting July 10, 2026, an LISW can only be obtained by passing the ASWB Clinical Exam. The Board will consider exceptions for individuals who have started training supervision as of this date with the intention of taking the Advanced Generalist exam. If approved to take the Advanced Generalist exam, the LSW will have to acknowledge they understand that qualifying for the LISW using the Advanced Generalist exam may limit their ability to obtain a multi-state license through the Social Work Compact or to obtain a comparable license in other states through reciprocity or endorsement.