MSMFT/LMFT Questions

MACP/LCPC Questions

MSMFT/LMFT

I want to pursue an LMFT license, what steps can I take and how long do I have to wait?

After graduating from an accredited program, a period of post-degree supervised clinical experience – usually 2 years – is necessary before licensure. When the supervision period is completed, you can apply to the regulatory commission to take a state licensing exam or the national examination for marriage and family therapists. Once accepted, you can sit for the licensure exam.

 

What types of agencies hire MFT’s?

Marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings including: inpatient facilities, employee assistance programs, health maintenance organizations, community mental health centers, business and consulting companies, schools and head start centers, social service agencies, universities and research centers, courts and prisons.

 

What is the phone number for the MFT licensing organization?

You can reach the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at (217)785-0800. Each state has an equivalent licensing body. Check with the state where you will be practicing.

 

In an agency comprised mostly of social workers, will my MSMFT be an advantage, disadvantage or neither? 

The face-to-face clinical experience with individuals, couples and families, along with the extensive supervision offered in MFT programs will prove to be extremely valuable when working with professionals from other disciplines.  

 

What steps should I take to be properly credentialed and skilled to offer supervision to other therapists?  

You must complete a supervision course followed by supervised supervision sessions. Please see the continuing education section of The Family Institute website for more information on supervision courses.

 

What should my resume emphasize in order to be a more attractive candidate for an agency or hospital requesting a social worker and/or counselor?

Your resume should emphasize your clinical strengths and experiences related to the job you are applying for. Also, experience with the target population of the position being sought is beneficial. And always, network, network, network.

 

What other careers are available to me outside of therapy field?

There are many careers outside of the therapy field. Some examples are corporate work, family business consultation and career counseling.

 

What is the expected salary of an MFT?

This varies by organization, but the 2005 median salary for marriage and family therapists in Illinois was $35,000.

 

What are some of the basic steps necessary to start my own private practice?

Starting a private practice is an important decision; you will want to be sure that you are prepared. Be sure to seek as much information as possible and consult with private practitioners before embarking on your own practice.

 

The first step toward private practice is becoming a licensed therapist. Before leasing an office of your own, you may want to start more conservatively by subletting from another mental health professional for several hours or even several days per week. You will need to purchase liability insurance and develop clinical forms for your practice. It is also wise to meet regularly with a supervisor, supervision group, and/or a peer consultation group          when you are in private practice. You may also want to have the name of a lawyer who deals with mental health issues for consultation as needed.

 

What type of support can I receive from the Institute as I begin my own private practice?

Your connection to the Family Institute and the Alumni Association can be very valuable in private practice. The Alumni Association publishes a directory of alumni practitioners for referrals and provides networking events to stay in touch with other alumni and gain referral sources. The Family Institute offers workshops and conferences to maintain contact and gain information on important issues. The Institute also has many AAMFT approved supervisors on staff.

 

Can I begin private practice right away after I obtain my MSMFT? 

It is not advisable to begin a private practice before earning a license and gaining additional work experience.

 

What are some ways I can market my practice?

Successful marketing plans include networking with others in the field, participating in local and national mental health organizations, joining insurance panels, advertising, writing articles and working with existing mental health establishments for referrals.

MACP/LCPC

What is an LPC? What is a LCPC? What are the differences between the two?

An LPC stands for "Licensed Professional Counselor" and is a provisional license, while LCPC, "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor" is the terminal license for counselors.  An LCPC allows a practitioner to legally practice independently in the realm of private practice and enables insurance companies to reimburse the practitioner for services rendered.

 

What do I need to get an LCPC?

To obtain the LCPC license, you need a master's degree in a counseling-related field and two years post-graduate work experience in a supervised, direct-service capacity of counseling (to earn a total of 2000 post-grad direct-service hours). Once you have completed these two things, you may sit for the LCPC licensure exam.

 

What types of agencies hire Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology?

Agencies that hire Master of Arts in counseling psychology graduates include community mental health or other social service agencies, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, colleges, government agencies and churches that offer counseling services.

 

Is it important for me to be writing journal articles?

This is not important for an LCPC.

 

What steps should I take to be properly credentialed and skilled to offer supervision to other therapists?  

There is no formal policy, however no one can provide services that they are not qualified by training/education/experience to provide and all LCPCs must have 18 hours of training to provide clinical supervision.

 

What is the number for the licensing organization for LCPCs?

You can reach the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at (217)785-0800. Each state has an equivalent licensing body. Check with the state where you will be practicing.

 

What should my resume emphasize if I am going to be a more attractive candidate for an agency or hospital requesting a social worker and/or counselor?

Your resume should emphasize your clinical strengths and experiences related to the job you are applying for. Also, experience with the target population of the position being sought is beneficial. And always, network, network, network.

 

What other careers are available to me outside of therapy field?

There are many careers outside of the therapy field. Some examples are corporate work, family business consultation and career counseling.

 

What is the expected salary for a MACP degree?

This varies by organization, but the 2005 median salary for MA in Counseling Psychology degree holders in Illinois was $37,500.

 

What are some of the basic steps necessary to start my own private practice?

Starting a private practice is an important decision; you want to be sure that you are prepared. It is helpful to consult with private practitioners before embarking on your own practice.

 

The first step toward private practice is becoming a licensed counselor. Before leasing an office of your own, you may want to start more conservatively by subletting from another mental health professional for several hours or even several days per week. You will need to purchase liability insurance and develop clinical forms for your practice. It is also wise to meet regularly with a supervisor, supervision group, and/or a peer consultation group when you are in private practice. You may also want to have the name of a lawyer who deals with mental health issues for consultation as needed.

 

What type of support can I receive from the Institute as I begin my own private practice?

Your connection to the Family Institute and the Alumni Association can be very valuable in private practice. The Alumni Association publishes a directory of alumni practitioners for referrals and provides networking events to stay in touch with other alumni and gain referral sources. The Family Institute offers workshops and conferences to maintain contact and gain information on important issues.

 

What are some ways I can market my practice?

Successful marketing plans include networking with others in the field, participating in local and national mental health organizations, joining insurance panels, advertising and working with existing mental health establishments for referrals.

 

Can I begin private practice right away after I obtain my Master’s in Counseling Psychology?

Only LCPCs can be in private practice.

 

What are the advantages of joining ACA?

Some advantages of joining ACA include: staying current on trends in the field of counseling, holding yourself ethically accountable, obtaining malpractice insurance, receiving monthly journals, notification of conferences and workshops, legal advice, job postings and community with fellow counselors.

 

What is the trade association for counselors?

Graduates can join the American Counseling Association, American Psychological Association and Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association.