What are the two?
Let’s start by taking a look at what all the letters mean, and what’s required of each.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional authorized to provide psychotherapy. An LPC has an independent or unencumbered license, meaning they can practice independently without supervision in a given state.
A Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC Associate) is a mental health professional authorized to provide psychotherapy under an LPC Supervisor’s (LPC-S) supervision. You may see LPC associates referred to as pre-licensed, LPC-Interns, or provisionally licensed. The current and correct term for these new-to-the-field professionals is LPC Associate. Now let’s take a look at some significant differences.
education & Training
LPCs and LPC Associates in Texas have completed a graduate internship in counseling, graduated from an accredited counseling program, passed the National Counselor Exam, and passed a background check by the state.
To become fully licensed, LPC Associates must complete 3000 clock hours of therapy under the supervision of an LPC-S. Once the 3000 hours are completed and at least 18 months have passed, the LPC Associate can apply to become a fully licensed LPC.
Certifications
Most counselors take trainings and get a few extra certifications to specialize in a particular area. Some certificates require counselors to be fully licensed before training or using the credential.
Fully licensed counselors likely have an extra certification or two or three. LPCs have been in the game longer and, therefore, have had more time to obtain certificates and specialty training.
You may find an associate with an extra certification or two. They may have obtained or have worked on them since obtaining their associate license. It is common for associates to take many trainings to fill in the gaps from their general graduate training or to hone general clinical skills.
Insurance & payment
I could write a whole blog post about insurance in mental health, but I’ll be brief.
If you want insurance, you are more likely to find an LPC who accepts insurance than an LPC Associate. The main reason for this is many insurance companies will not panel associates. There are a few who will if the associate works at an extensive practice and/or can bill under a superior or their supervisor. It is important to note that not all LPCs accept insurance; it’s just easier for them to get paneled.
Cost
The rates of counselors across levels cover a wide range. However, if you are a self-paying customer (not using insurance), LPC Associate rates are likely lower than that of an LPC. Outliers exist on both sides, but you can expect LPCs to have a higher rate due to their license status and expertise.
Supervision
The most significant difference is that LPCs have completed their supervision hours, and LPC Associates are still under supervision. LPC Associates practice under their supervisor’s license. Practicing under their license means that any document with their credentials must also contain their supervisor’s credentials and any complaint brought against the LPC Associate may also be brought against their supervisor. Because supervisors carry the responsibility and risk of having associates, they are often motivated to make sure their associates are delivering the best, evidence-based, and ethically sound treatment.
LPCs who practice in a group practice or an agency may have consultation groups built-in or a work supervisor they meet with regularly. However, regular supervision and consultation are not requirements of LPCs in Texas.
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2 Responses
If I wanted to become a Licensed Professional Counselor after I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, I still could right?
Yes! Being an Associate Counselor or Counselor Intern (in some states) is the step before becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.