Board History

The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners was established by law in 1989 to certify professionals in the fields of Social Work, Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Substance Abuse Counseling. The first certificates were issued in November of 1990 and in 2000 there were over 5800 professionals certified.

Voluntary certification changed to mandatory licensure on July 1, 2004. 

The Board consists of four professional and four public members appointed by the governor to serve three-year terms.

Four Credentialing Committees, one for each area of licensure, are also appointed by the governor to review and determine the qualifications of applicants. One professional from each committee is appointed to the Board.

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Credentialing Committee members and agency staff CANNOT approve any required documentation prior to receipt of an application.