I very much hope that job openings for MFTs will also apply to LPCCs. I think some LCSW jobs will be open to LPCCs, but LCSWs seem to have more opportunity out here than any other license (besides psychologist). Part of the reason, I think, is that they have specialized case management training.

I suppose we’ll have to wait and see exactly what the demand will be for LPCCs in California, but I imagine that this license will create substantial opportunities for those of us who were unlicensable up until this point.

Hope this helps!
- Liz

I totally identify with your frustration! I would like to work with the VA as well, but cannot…hopefully the LPCC will change this!

Thanks for writing!
- Liz

great to see your article. it’s so very frustrating…. i have an lcpc in chicago and have been faced with this issue for a long time now as well. my understanding is that our license will be “approved/recognized” in california as of january 2011, meantime allowing the state sufficient time to create examinations for us to take as part of the approval process itself. kind of sad to me, given that the main reason i want to relocate there is to work with ptsd-afflicted veterans of this war on one of the largest military bases in the country, and i’m not allowed to, not because of lack of experience or credentials, because of the letters of my license.
anyway, my best to you, and good luck with your mission!
jen

Where are you in California? I’m sorry we’re in the same boat, but at the same time its great to get some understanding and support.

From what I’m understanding going back to school is the only option at this point. What I’m doing, is I checked on the California LPC website that I linked to earlier, which lists the requirements of the LPC if it does pass. The courses they want you to have parallel the MFT and LCSW requirements, and there are several courses we still need to take having graduated from Drexel. I’m taking those courses as a part of a continuing ed program at a local University, so that way if the LPC passes, I’m all set to go, but also if I have to go back to school, hopefully the school will give me credit for the newly taken courses and it’ll make my degree getting shorter. Thats my plan anyways…

Also, I’m feeling much much better, but unfortunately with a chronic illness there’s always ongoing things that must be kept in check.

Thanks!
- Liz

First, I am sorry to hear about your hospitalization and I hope you feel better soon.

Second, you are preaching to the choir! I don’t know if you remember me – I graduated from the Drexel program last year. (Carrie Adcock). Our time overlapped at Friends together a couple years ago. In August, I got married and moved to California as well. I am having such a hard time finding a job because I do not have the MFT degree. It is very frustrating. I am new to all of this, but want to help you move this process along. Going back to school is not an option. Would that be the only way to move towards licensure? You got my support!

Get well soon,
Carrie

I am not privy to the exact information as to why the California Chapter of the AAMFT continues to oppose this bill– or the California Psychological Association, for that matter, but I hope we have better luck in presenting our case in the Senate this year. From what I read on the NorCATA website, it seemed that the split between those who supported or where neutral versus those who opposed the bill led to confusion and perhaps Senators deciding to err on the side of caution.

Also, I checked out your site and I really like its set up. Its a wonderful model for those who are interested in creating a website for their private practice. I especially like the ideas of a FAQ page and the Forms and Maps page.