How to Apply for a LLPC in Michigan.
by Paul Krauss, MA LPC
What you need to know:
The Michigan Board of Counseling, operating with authority from LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) and the State of Michigan determines if and when you will receive your LLPC (or your LPC)—it is your responsibility to know the rules governing your profession.
For starters, it may be beneficial for you to know the law surrounding your chosen profession as a counselor and your future license.
Below is a link to the legal statutes concerning Counseling as part of the public health code ( including the practice of counseling, licensing, etc.)
Have you read the official rules for counseling licensure in the State of Michigan? If not, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with these--even if you are not a legal expert, you will be expected to have knowledge of these, since they govern your scope of practice, etc. Here they are, linked below:
And for something written in plain English--linked below are the "Frequently asked questions" regarding Counseling as put together by LARA (This includes information about applications, renewals, the human trafficking course requirement, and other 'frequently asked' questions):
What you will need to do:
1. Complete the Application for Counselor License, check Limited LPC, and send the application and fee to the correct address as directed by LARA (usually to the State of Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing). Be sure to follow all of the directions on the application IN GREAT DETAIL!
2. Remember, the application may change from year to year, so read it over three to four times--and even have a friend, LPC, or even another professional read it over to ensure that you are following all the steps completely.
3. Below is an abbreviated summary of what else you will need to send in to LARA/Bureau of Professional Licensing, along with the application and fee (of course!) :
Official Transcripts! From your educational institution(s).
Tip: Work with your educational institution on sending these transcripts directly to the Bureau of Professional Licensing
Certification of Counseling Education form submitted to this office directly from your educational institution is now available through MIPLUS- Assistant when you work to apply online for your LLPC through the State of Michigan’s Board of Counseling and the Licensing and Regulatory Authority.
Please make an account here to upload all of your educational information and gain access to needed forms.
note:
You now utilize https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/miplus-assistant to upload all of your educational information.
A Professional Disclosure Statement.
Don't know what this is? Read pages 4 and 5 of the Application for Counselor License and it will tell you what to include in your Professional Disclosure Statement. Note: This is different than a Supervisor's Professional Disclosure Statement that is required for a LPC supervisor to give to a LLPC. This is a public document that should be available and seen by all clients that work with you as a LLPC and eventually a LPC.
Have you ever worked in a different state or territory? (If not, you can skip this step).
If so, please follow these instructions:
Remember, whether you are applying for your LLPC or your LPC you will need to complete a criminal background check (usually just fingerprints).
Now, sit back, try to relax...and wait for the LARA/Bureau of Professional Licensing to get back to you!
When you receive your LLPC, you will need to begin clinical supervision from a qualified supervisor immediately so that you can start your work counseling experience. Time to work on your clinical skills and help your fellow humans! Remember, your work can not only impact lives of individuals and families, but can impact the community as a whole and even the greater world. I think they call that the ripple effect.
If you are looking for supervision and live near the Grand Rapids area, Paul Krauss MA LPC is a qualified supervisor. Contact Paul today if you are interested in being supervised by him.
A professional tip. If you want to meet other counselors and attend great trainings, join Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and/or Michigan Counselors Association. Not only will learn about wonderful events and be able to meet colleagues in the profession, you will be supporting organizations that are vital to the life of counselors in the state of Michigan. Without their legal work and lobbying efforts, counselors probably would not have been licensed in Michigan and they would certainly not enjoy the benefits that they currently do.
*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, calling their office, and asking lots of questions.