Licensure in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensure (DIAL) has the Iowa Behavioral Health Professionals Board (Formerly the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences, Change July 1, 2024*) that governs our license and protects the public. This board oversees the practice, discipline, licensure, and continuing education requirements for all licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. See Iowa Administrative code Inspections and Appeals Department[481] Chapters 891, 892, 893 for license requirements (Linked below). For a summary from the IMHCA legislative and Public Policy Committee of IAC changes across the years:

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:

Schedule of Iowa Board of Mental and Behavioral Health Meetings: DIAL Public Meetings (google.com)

*Note: As of July 1, 2024, the Iowa board of Behavioral Sciences is merging with the Iowa Board of Social Work and the Iowa board of Psychology. These meetings will start after July 1, 2024. 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]

• IAC 481 – Chapters 1-6 are administrative rules if you have questions about how rules are made and maintained. Processes for updating rules are here as well.
• IAC 481 — Chapter 5 – Fees
• IAC 481 — Chapter 6 – The process for seeking a waiver from an administrative rule and the standards under which the petition will be evaluated are described in . (Chapter 6 UNIFORM WAIVER RULES) Petition for Waiver Form 
• The Iowa Board of Mental and Behvaioral Health is currently working on language for a practice chapter. Simlar to psychology (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/04-16-2025.481.888.pdf) and social work (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/04-16-2025.481.897.pdf).

IOWA CODE

• Chapter 154D – BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

Prior to Independent Licensure:

Iowa’s approved list of supervisors from the Iowa Board of Licensure for LMHCs and LMFTs.

Email for questions: [email protected]

Common Questions:

• How do I apply for a temporary license in the state of Iowa because I haven’t had a supervisory experience post-grad school?
  • 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.

Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition:

Use these resources to understand Medicare enrollment and what it means for us to be included in mental health care under Medicare after the Mental Health Access Improvement Act was passed and made law. 

• Medicare 101: An Introduction to the Medicare Program and Coverage of Counselors and MFTs
• Medicare 201: The Implementation of Medicare Part B Coverage of Counselors and MFTs
• Medicare 301: Navigating the Medicare Provider Enrollment Process and Physician Fee Schedule
• Medicare 401: Assessing the Essential Features of the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule and the Implications for LMHCs and LMFTs
• Medicare 501: New Engagement Opportunities for Community Behavioral Health Centers with Counselors and MFTs under Medicare
• Medicare 601: Enrollment Process for Medicare (MFT and Counselors)