The LPCC is a new license for the state of California, and the law approving this new license went into effect as of 1-2010. This article will deal with those individuals who currently hold a state license as a MFT or LCSWs in the state of California. These individuals may choose to apply for this new license in addition to the continuing education courses currently required to retain their current licenses. This method is called the grandparenting path and has somewhat different educational requirements than other means of obtaining the license. Additionally obtaining an LPCC license under the grandparenting path will require passing a test called the “the Gap” test.
About the Grandparenting Path to LPCC Licensing
The grandparenting path is only for those already licensed as an MFT or LCSW in CA. The dates for applying start on Januray 1st of 2011 and end on June 30th of 2011. After this all applicants must adhere to the standard procedures that will be required of all individuals applying for the LPCC license, no matter what license they already possess. The new counselor license will be an additional license to the existing license of the registering individual.
The Grandparenting Path – Educational Requirements for the LPCC License
A Masters Degree or Doctorate Degree in Psychology, Social Work or Counseling is the first pre-requisite to applying for the new license. This degree must have included 6 semester units of field study experience or practicum. This must include 150 hours of supervised clinical experience in group counseling, individual counseling or family counseling.
Their education must have included at least 7 of the nine core study areas if the degree was earned after 1996. On the other hand, degrees earned prior to 1996 may include six of the 9 core study areas. If the applicant is deficient in any of the areas, they may also enroll in graduate coursework and have it apply to the licensing requirements.
Core Areas for LPCC Licensing in California
1. Psychotherapeutic theories and techniques 2. Human growth and development 3. Career development theories and techniques 4. Group counseling theories and techniques 5. Assessment, appraisal and testing of individuals 6. Multicultural counseling theories 7. Diagnostic process principles 8. Research and evaluation 9. Professional operations, ethics and law in counseling
A key variation between the grandparenting path and the traditional path is the requirement for the gap test. This test is set up to make sure the existing Marriage and Family Therapist and Social Worker has the proper knowledge necessary for the Professional Counselor license that their current license may not have covered.
It should be understood that the requirements are new and they may change over time. This in no way relieves the LCSW or MFT from continuing education if their license is to expire before their new license is issued. In addition, even though the MFT or LCSW holds a current license in the State of California they may need continuing education in order to meet the new LPCC standards and minimums.
The new LPCC license was created to bring a wider range of professional practice and greater care to the clients that are being served. The grandparenting path was originated in order to facilitate this in a more flexible format for those who already are licensed in the state of California in a similar field.
Continuing education for counselors have not been determined due to the newness of this license. The CE guidelines won’t be necessary until the first Professional Clinical Counselor licensees are up for renewal, which can be 1 or two years from January 2011. The renewal period will be 2 years for those already holding a license with the CA BBS. For those who are applying for the new license who currently do not have a CA BBS license, their renewal period will be yearly, unless a national licensing exam is established. This is still under consideration.
If a current Therapist or SW want to take advantage of their knowledge and experience in order to streamline the process to an LPCC license, they must do so within the time table established by the BBS for grandparenting. Otherwise, the traditional route will have to be taken.
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