Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals Oversight
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensure (DIAL) is the state-wide organization that regulates all licensure boards in Iowa. The Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (Formerly the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences, Change July 1, 2024*) governs our license and protects the public. This board oversees the practice, discipline, licensure, and continuing education requirements for all Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Applied Behavioral Analysts.
See Iowa Administrative code Inspections and Appeals Department [481] Chapters 880, 881, 882, and 884 for license requirements (Linked below). For a summary from the IMHCA legislative and Public Policy Committee of IAC changes across the years:
DIAL UPDATES
Be sure to sign up for DIAL updates.
It is each clinician’s responsibility to stay up to date on Iowa Administrative Code. When you register and subscribe to DIAL updates, you’ll have the choice to receive email or text updates on topics such as meeting notices and agendas, administrative rulemaking changes, and public orders.
Advocacy means staying informed!
Licensure Process
Watch this IMHCA Talks with Tony Alden from the licensure board for more information on the licensure process and an explanation of acronyms and terms.
Iowa Licensure Important Websites
This site includes information on licensure such as the supervision plan form, supervision report form, licensure rules break-down, and application information.
This site includes information about the board including laws and regulations, scheduled meetings, information explaining the board.
*Note: As of July 1, 2024, the Iowa board of Behavioral Sciences merged with the Iowa Board of Social Work and the Iowa Board of Psychology to become the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals. The last Iowa board of Behavioral Science meeting was held in June 2024. See IMHCA Newsletters for notes on these meetings prior to the merge.
Iowa Rules and Regulations
The Iowa Code contains all permanent laws that are passed by the Iowa General Assembly and signed by the Governor. The Iowa Administrative Code contains all administrative rules adopted by Iowa’s state agencies.
IOWA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: Inspections and Appeals Department [481]
- Chapter 880 – Includes administrative rules for license requirements, examination requirements, educational requirements, licensure by endorsement, supervised clinical experience, and license renewal and reactivation.
- Chapter 880 – 880.19 includes information regarding the requirement that temporary licensees are not able to practice as solo practitioners.
- Chapter 881 – Continuing education requirements.
- Chapter 882 – Grounds for disciplinary action.
- Chapter 884 – Includes some practice guidelines.
**The Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals is currently working on gathering additional language for practice guidelines.
List of Approved Behavioral Health Supervisors
Prior to Independent Licensure, you must participate in Clinical Supervision with a board-approved supervisor.
Email for questions: tony.alden@dia.iowa.gov
Common Questions
Click on the question for a resource with answers.
- Here is a Power Point on seeking Temporary Licensure after graduation: Temp MHC Licensure New Grads 2024
How do I apply for my full license (unrestricted) in the state of Iowa?
See our 2022 IMHCA Talks with Tony Alden, staff member with the state licensing board.