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Operational Response:

Supporting North Carolina Mental Health Care Recovery Needs in Support of Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
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October 15, 2024

North Carolina was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, especially in the Western Region of the State. The path of destruction was devastating, leaving many families and communities displaced and staggered by horrific event. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors is committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities across the State of North Carolina, as we recognize there will be obstacles and challenges experienced that will have lasting emotional and psychological effects.

Counselors are efficiently trained to respond during a time of crisis. They utilize a variety of tools, interventions, and resources to help individuals navigate and cope, as many experience measures of grief and loss and a range of psychological, and emotional elements. Healing from a traumatic event such as Hurricane Helene is a process, that will require “all hands-on deck”. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors was provided authorization through executive order 318 by Governor Roy Cooper to increase capacity to expand mental health care needs.

To meet the goal of providing mental health care in response to the wave of disaster brought on by Helene, and to meet the need for additional mental health professionals to treat clients, the NCBLCMHC licensure board will modify enforcement of any legal or regulatory constraints that would prevent or impair the following:

  1. Allowing persons to provide clinical mental health counseling if they are licensed in other states, territories, or the District of Columbia, but not licensed in North Carolina. (must email the board with demographic information, verification of independent licensure in good standing; allowable for in person and telemental health services.

As we move forward in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors stands united in its commitment to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our communities. By working together and leveraging the expertise of mental health professionals across the state and beyond, we will help individuals and families recover, rebuild, and find strength in the midst of adversity. Let us come together to ensure that no one faces this journey alone.

Instructions for Participation:

Licensed clinical mental health counselors from other states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia who wish to provide services in North Carolina must first email the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors at LCMHCinfo@ncblcmhc.org.

In the email, you should include your demographic information as well as verification that you hold an independent licensure in good standing from your home state or territory. Once the Board has verified your information, you will receive written confirmation, authorizing you to provide both in-person and telemental health services within North Carolina. Only after receiving this approval, you may begin offering your counseling services to individuals and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Please review the following:

  1. Contact the Board: Licensed clinical mental health counselors from other states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia who wish to provide counseling services in North Carolina must email the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. All emails should be directed to LCMHCinfo@ncblcmhc.org
  2. Provide Required Information: In the email, include your demographic information and verification that you hold an independent licensure in good standing in your home state or territory.

    Must include: First and last name, state, license number, contact phone number, email address, copy of license verification, indicate start date, in person or virtual services.
  3. Receive Authorization: Once your information is verified, and you have received written confirmation, you will be authorized to provide both in-person and telemental health services in North Carolina.
  4. Begin Providing Services: Upon approval, you may begin offering clinical mental health counseling services to individuals and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.