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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.

LPCC Licensing – The Grandparenting Path Defined

Licensed Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists who have a current license as an LCSW or LMFT, respectively, can add to their credentials by applying for the Professional Counselor license. There is a deadline for application of this new license through the grandparenting process, which is June 30, 2011. Individuals can begin submitting applications for the LPCC license starting January 1, 2011. Once the deadline has passed the standard procedures will have to be followed, regardless of who is applying.

LPCC Licensing – Education Requirements Under the Grandparenting Path

The first requirement of this path is that the applicant currently holds a Master or Doctorate degree in an applicable field such as Counseling or Psychology or Social Work. The applicant must have a degree that included six semester hours of practicum or field study experience. The practicum period must have covered a minimum of 150 hours of supervised clinical experience counseling groups, individuals, or families.

A second pre-requisite is having a certain number of semester units in the nine core content areas. For those who earned their degree post 1996, then the requirement is 48 semester units in 7 core content areas of the total 9. For those who acquired their degree pre-1996, the requirement is only 30 semester units in 6 core content areas out of the total 9.

Core Content Areas for CA LPCC Licensure

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

The most notable difference between the traditional new licensing path and the grandparenting path is the inclusion of an examination called “The Gap” this examination is designed to cover the differences between the practices of a Family or Marriage counselor or a Social worker and that of a clinical counselor.

Please not that all processes explained are subject to change as this new license is further defined. The currently active MFT and Licensed Social Worker are still required to complete the necessary continuing education for their respective licenses. So, eventually, the M&F Therapist and Social Worker will not only have to meet all of the CE requirements for the current license, but will have to comply with the continuing education for counselors that will be required for the LPCC license as well.

It was understood that a broader range of professional practice may be needed as well as superior care to those being served currently by mental health professionals. This was a catalyst to the creation of the LPCC license. The grandparenting path was then introduced in order to take into account the wealth of knowledge and expertise that may already exist with current Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers and streamline the process for them to acquire the additional license.

Continuing education requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor have not yet been established because the first licenses have not yet been issued. The standard license period for counseling professionals in California is 2 years. However, it is proposed that non-BBS applicants who pass the necessary examinations will have to renew their licenses yearly for a limit of up to six years. The California BBS is considering adopting a National licensing test that may make that restriction unnecessary if an applicant has already passed it in another state.

It is important that the applicant for a Grandfathered Professional Counselor license comply with the requirements for application before the time frame closes if they wish to benefit from their work experience as an MFT or LCSW and receive an LPCC license under these slightly more lenient requirements.

Aspira provides CEUs for counselors for LPCCs in CA. Aspira also offers LCSW CEUs. Aspira is a leader in the field of online continuing education. Visit Aspira today and see how easy and quick earning your CEUs can be!