What is the difference between our current certification and licensure?
Both certification and licensure are levels of regulation that are governed and enforced by the state of Arizona. The intent of regulating any profession is to protect the public. The agency charged with regulating behavioral health in our state is: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) 1400 W Washington, Suite 350 Phoenix AZ 85007 602.542.1882 602.364.0890 (fax) azbbhe@bbhe.state.az.us State certification should not be confused with certification by private entities, such as the NBCC, which has no legal enforcement capability. Certification, in this context, is a voluntary process that the professional chooses to go through to obtain “certification” by the state. This certification can then be used to demonstrate a level of competence to potential clients or patients, to third-party payers such as insurance companies or managed care organizations, and to other entities that might be seeking counseling services. Certification is considered a moderate level of regulation
