Licensed Mental Health Professionals in Alaska

A license to practice in the mental health field indicates that the state of Alaska has verified that a practitioner has completed a professional training program, has completed a period of supervised experience and has passed a formal examination in their specific profession. While a license is not a guarantee that the practitioner is ethical and competent, the Alaska Statutes and Regulations do set a standard for ethical practice. The Alaska Statutes and Regulations also require continuing professional education and provide some oversight to the professional’s practice.  In Alaska a person can offer services that resemble counseling without a license, but not psychotherapy and cannot use the title “Psychotherapist” or “Psychologist”.  

The Alaska Marriage and Family Therapy Statutes and Regulations do not prevent another professional from practicing Marriage and Family Therapy but  they cannot identify themselves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).  In looking for a Marriage and Family Therapist you may ask if the professional is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)  and if not, you may inquire about the specific training and education the professional has in the field of  marriage and family therapy.  Click here for the questions to ask when looking for a Marital and Family Therapist.

Listed below are the web sites for the primary professional licenses for mental health practice in Alaska. The actual statutes and regulations that specify the requirements are quite complex and can be researched on the state web site.

Board of Marital and Family Therapy
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pmft.htm

Board of Professional Counselors
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/ppco.htm

Board of Social Work Examiners
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pcsw.htm

Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/ppsy.htm

Alaska Board of Nursing
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pnur.htm

State Medical Board
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pmed.htm