DC Psychology License Renewal Guide: Avoid These Common Mistakes Now!

Alright, let’s talk about renewing my psychology license here in DC. It’s that time again, and honestly, it’s always a bit of a scramble to get everything in order.

First off, I started by checking the dates. Psychologists and psychology associates need to get 30 hours of those approved continuing education credits. These need to be American Psychological Association (APA) approved, and the window this time was from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. I double-checked to be sure I am still qualified.

Gathering the Documents

Next up, I gathered all the documents needed for the renewal application. I know from past experience that the Board of Professional Counseling reviews each package carefully, so I want to make sure everything is included and correct.

Then I found out that the DC Health Processing Center has specific hours. It’s open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, and on Wednesdays, it’s open until 3:30 pm. I made a mental note of that, planning to go on a Wednesday afternoon.

Online Application Issues

I tried to do the renewal online, but there were some upload issues. I swear, it’s always something with these online portals. Finally, I read somewhere that if you’re having trouble, you can just select the option that says “I will have completed my CEUs by December 31.” I figured I’d go with that for now and sort out the details later.

Physical Visit

Since the online thing was a mess, I decided to visit the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection in person. Their headquarters is at 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC. Their hours are a bit different, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, I planned to get there early one of those days.

Medical Declaration

Another thing I had to deal with was the medical declaration. The application asks if you’ve been diagnosed with any physical or mental condition that could affect your ability to practice. It even includes alcohol or drug abuse. I took my time to fill this out accurately and honestly, which is crucial.

Double-Checking Everything

Before submitting anything, I went through the application checklist one more time. I made sure all the required documents were there and everything was filled out correctly. From past renewals, I know how important it is to be thorough.

So, yeah, that’s my journey through the DC psychology license renewal process. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s something we all have to go through. Hopefully, sharing this will help someone else out there navigate it a bit easier!