From LLPC to LPC: A guide to receiving a LPC in Michigan.
by Paul Krauss, MA LPC
As a future counselor, you likely have questions about licensure that will allow you to practice as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor and eventually, independently, as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Below are three of the main steps to receiving your LPC in the state of Michigan. All three are with linked with more in-depth details of the processes.
1. Master's Degree
First you will need a Master’s Degree in Counseling, or Psychology with an emphasis on Professional Counseling. To make your life easier, it is recommended that you get this degree from a CACREP approved Master’s degree program.
2. LLPC (Limited Licensed Professional Counselor)
If you have your Master’s Degree in Counseling then, you are qualified to apply for your LLPC (Limited Licensed Professional Counselor). You will need to practice as a LLPC for a time, before becoming a LPC. After you receive your LLPC, you must obtain at least 3000 hours of clinical work experience, and 100 hours of clinical supervision (from a qualified supervisor). The process of qualifying to become a LPC takes most LLPCs about 2 years to complete—and it must be completed before you can practice independently (with your LPC). If you want to continue supervised clinical work as a LLPC, and not gain your independent licensure, you may renew your LLPC for no more than 10 years.
3. SUPERVISION, WORK EXPERIENCe as A LLPC and Test Scores!
Next, you will need to find work experience using your counseling skills and quality supervision from a qualified supervisor! It is important to consider working for a LPC who has experience, so that you can learn the best practices. I have heard of LLPC’s creating their own practice, as long as they have adequate supervision though I am not sure of the legality of this. Yet, I would encourage you to think of your long-term goals. While becoming an effective counselor will cause your practice to thrive, would you rather be learning from an experienced LPC at a work site, or making mistakes on your own? Getting quality supervision is essential to growing and developing as a LLPC counselor—working in an office, clinic, school (etc.) may offer you opportunities to gain skills due to frequent interaction with colleagues and a supervisor outside of your supervision hour.
How much work experience and supervision hours will I need?
According to the State of Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) :
(*this is also known as the 100 hours of group or individual supervision you will need for your LPC.)
You mentioned test scores? Yes, depending on your master's degree you will need to take and pass the National Counseling Examination (NCE) or a test given by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
What do I do when I am done with all of that? Click on "how to apply for a LPC" below to find out!
*Disclaimer: Remember, this is a guide written by Paul Krauss—and should not be viewed as the definitive information source on the topic. If you need a professional consultant on the topic, please find one. The best source is, of course, going directly to the Michigan Board of Counseling/ LARA, reading the entire webpage, and asking questions.