What counts as indirect hours for the LMHC in New York?

The rule

You need at least 3,000 clock hours of experience, and “not less than 1,500 clock hours of such required experience shall consist of direct contact with clients” (8 NYCRR 79-9.3).

“The remaining experience may consist of other activities that do not involve direct client contact, including but not limited to, recordkeeping, case management, research, supervision and professional development” (8 NYCRR 79-9.3).

Half direct in every job

NYSED's requirements page says that when you complete fewer than 3,000 hours in a setting, at least half of the hours there must be direct. You cannot do direct hours in one setting and indirect hours in another, under different supervisors, and combine them.

If you have two jobs, check the direct share in each one, not only overall.

Easy to under-count

Indirect time includes, among other things:

• Writing notes and keeping records
• Case management
• Research
• Your supervision sessions
• Professional development

What NYSED does not define

NYSED does not define “direct contact” in the regulation. Agree with your supervisor how you will count things like intakes and groups, and keep it consistent.

Hours are counted on the basis of a typical 40 to 45 hour work week, and the experience must come after you complete your degree program.

On Form 4B

Form 4B asks your supervisor for total hours only. Keep your own weekly split of direct and indirect hours, with your supervisor's agreement, so the half-direct rule can be shown if NYSED asks.