New Alaska associate counselor license takes effect Aug. 21

New associate license creates pathway for counseling graduates

Alaska counseling graduates gain a new entry-level license on Aug. 21, when regulations adopted by the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors take effect. The board adopted the regulations on July 10, 2026. Until now the state offered no associate or provisional license. Applicants had to finish 3,000 supervised hours before licensure as a professional counselor.

The associate counselor license carries a $200 application fee, a $150 initial license fee and a $150 renewal fee. The rules also create an approved counselor supervisor certification, with the initial certification fee and the renewal fee each set at $200. Supervisors must file a supervision plan. The rules also change renewal, reinstatement, continuing education and definitions for all licensed professional counselors.

From bill to regulation

The Alaska State Legislature created the license in House Bill 126, which took effect July 1, 2025. The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing said Administrative Order 358 froze new regulations by all agencies. That freeze delayed the rules needed to finalize the license type.

The Department of Law reviewed and approved the regulations. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor signed and filed them on July 22, 2026. The changes are scheduled to appear in Register 259 of the Alaska Administrative Code in October 2026.