A suspended license means your counselor cannot legally practice, but the suspension may be temporary
When a counselor's license is suspended, a state licensing board has ordered them to stop providing counseling services. The suspension is not the same as a permanent revocation — it has an end date, after which the counselor may be able to resume practice if they meet certain conditions. During the suspension period, the counselor cannot see clients, bill insurance, or hold themselves out as a licensed counselor in that state.
The reason for suspension varies. Common causes include failure to pay licensing fees, incomplete continuing education requirements, a complaint investigation that found wrongdoing, or a criminal conviction. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if a counselor's malpractice insurance lapses. Others result from a formal hearing before the licensing board.
If you are currently seeing a counselor and their license is suspended, you have the right to know this information. Your state's licensing board maintains a public database where you can check any counselor's license status.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license is temporary and different from a revoked license, which is permanent.
- You can check your counselor's license status through your state's licensing board website, which is public information.
- If your counselor's license is suspended, they cannot legally provide counseling services during that time.
- The suspension period and the conditions for reinstatement depend on why the license was suspended.
- If you are a client affected by a suspension, you have the right to request your records and find a new provider.
How to learn about a counselor's license is suspended
Every state has a licensing board for mental health counselors, professional counselors, or both — the exact title depends on your state. These boards maintain searchable databases of licensed counselors that show current license status, including suspensions. You can search by the counselor's name or license number.
To find your state's board, search "[your state] counselor license lookup" or "[your state] mental health counselor license verification." The board's website will have a search tool. If you cannot find it online, call the board directly — the phone number is usually listed on the state's professional licensing website.
The database will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If it is suspended, the entry may include the suspension date and sometimes the reason. Not all states display the reason publicly, but you can call the board to ask.
Why licenses get suspended
Suspensions fall into two broad categories: administrative and disciplinary. Administrative suspensions are usually easier to resolve because they do not involve wrongdoing. A counselor might have their license suspended for not renewing it on time, not completing required continuing education hours, or not paying the renewal fee. These suspensions end once the counselor completes the missing requirement.
Disciplinary suspensions result from a complaint or investigation. The licensing board may suspend a license if the counselor violated the state's counseling laws or ethical rules — for example, by breaching client confidentiality, engaging in a sexual relationship with a client, practicing without proper credentials, or committing a crime. A disciplinary suspension usually comes after a hearing where the counselor has a chance to respond to the allegations.
Some suspensions are automatic. If a counselor's malpractice insurance lapses, their license may suspend automatically until they provide proof of new coverage. If a counselor is convicted of a felony, the license may suspend pending a formal review.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspended license is temporary; a revoked license is permanent. When a license is suspended, the counselor is barred from practicing for a set period or until they meet specific conditions — but reinstatement is possible. When a license is revoked, the counselor has lost the right to practice in that state, and getting it back usually requires reapplying and meeting all initial requirements again, which many states do not allow for a set number of years.
Revocation is typically reserved for serious violations — repeated ethical breaches, criminal convictions, or a pattern of harm to clients. Suspension is more common and is often used as a corrective measure or a temporary consequence while an investigation continues.
If you see that a counselor's license is revoked rather than suspended, that counselor cannot legally practice counseling in that state under any circumstances until the revocation is lifted — which may never happen.
What to do if your counselor's license is suspended
If you are currently seeing a counselor and you discover their license is suspended, stop meeting with them when ready. A suspended license means they cannot legally provide counseling services, and continuing to see them puts you at risk — your insurance may not cover the sessions, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Contact your counselor directly and ask them about the suspension. They should be able to tell you why it happened and when it will end. Ask them to provide your clinical records and any notes from your sessions. By law, you have the right to your records, and the counselor must provide them within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state.
If the suspension is temporary and short-term, you may choose to wait for reinstatement. If it is long-term or disciplinary, you should find a new counselor. Your state's licensing board can refer you to other licensed providers, or you can search the board's database for counselors in your area.
Reinstatement after suspension
The path to reinstatement depends on why the license was suspended. For administrative suspensions, reinstatement is usually straightforward: the counselor completes the missing requirement (renews their license, submits proof of continuing education, pays the fee) and the board lifts the suspension. This can happen within days or weeks.
For disciplinary suspensions, reinstatement is more complex. The counselor may have to complete additional training, pay a reinstatement fee, submit to a new background check, or demonstrate that they have corrected the behavior that led to the suspension. Some states require the counselor to petition the board and attend a hearing. The board then decides whether to reinstate the license, extend the suspension, or revoke it permanently.
The length of a disciplinary suspension varies widely. Some last six months to a year; others last several years. The board's order should specify the suspension period and any conditions for reinstatement.
Your rights as a client
You have the right to know your counselor's license status before you begin treatment and at any time during treatment. You also have the right to your clinical records, even if your counselor's license is suspended. If your counselor refuses to provide your records or charges an unreasonable fee, you can file a complaint with the state licensing board.
If you were harmed by a counselor whose license was later suspended or revoked, you may have grounds for a complaint or a civil claim. The licensing board can investigate complaints and take disciplinary action. A civil claim is separate and may result in compensation for damages. Consult an attorney if you believe you were harmed.
You also have the right to privacy regarding your own mental health records. If your counselor's license is suspended and they are no longer your provider, you can request that your records be sealed or transferred to a new provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended counselor still see clients if they are supervised?
No. A suspended license means the counselor cannot provide counseling services at all, even under supervision. Some states allow a counselor to practice under supervision while their license is being reviewed, but this is different from a suspension — it is usually called a conditional license or restricted license. A suspension is a complete prohibition.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It varies widely. Administrative suspensions often last days or weeks once the counselor meets the requirement. Disciplinary suspensions can last from several months to several years, depending on the violation and the state's rules. The board's order should state the suspension period.
Will a suspension show up on a background check?
Yes. A license suspension is a matter of public record and will appear on background checks that include professional licensing history. This is one reason why suspensions can affect a counselor's career even after they are lifted.
What if I want to file a complaint about why my counselor was suspended?
You can contact your state's licensing board and ask for details about the suspension. If the suspension resulted from a complaint, the board may have a public record of the case. You can also file your own complaint if you believe the counselor violated ethical rules or laws.
Can I get a refund for sessions with a suspended counselor?
That depends on your insurance and the counselor's policies. Some insurance plans will not cover sessions provided by a counselor without an active license. Contact your insurance company and ask whether sessions during the suspension period are covered. If they are not, you may be able to dispute the charges or request a refund from the counselor.