Becoming a Certified Counselor in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in becoming a certified counselor in California? Becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in the state of California requires a few steps. To get started, you must take and pass the California Act & Ethics Exam. You must also complete and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).If you are already licensed in another state, your process for obtaining a license in California may be accelerated. However, you must still be supervised by an approved supervisor who has documented two years of licensed clinical experience.

This could include a California LPCC, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a doctor certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In addition to passing the necessary exams, you must also ensure that your degree is approved by the Behavioral Science Board (BBS). Behavioral analysts must also receive clinical training to demonstrate their learning in real-world environments. The scope of practice for counselors does not include the treatment of marital and family units unless they have completed additional training. Those who work in government centers and hospitals typically earn more than those who work in outpatient or residential mental health centers. Career counselors can help others discover and achieve their career aspirations with a strong understanding of professional development and experience in counseling. The Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling for aspiring K-12 school counselors.

Grief counselors are specially trained to help their clients deal with grief in a healthier way, allowing them to explore each stage in a safe and supportive environment. California mental health counselors are accredited as licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) by the California Behavioral Science Board.

Heath Teruel
Heath Teruel

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