In California, licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) are supervised by the Behavioral Science Board (BBS). To become a LPCC, individuals must have a master's degree or doctorate in counseling or psychotherapy with a minimum of 60 credit hours, including specific course requirements. 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. The scope of practice of LPCCs is set out in section 4999.20 of the California Business and Professions Code and Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, section 1820.5, which are available in the Board's statutes and regulations manual.
Becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California is a rigorous process that requires dedication and commitment. To be eligible for licensure, individuals must have a master's degree or doctorate in counseling or psychotherapy with a minimum of 60 credit hours, including specific course requirements. Once the educational requirements are met, applicants must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) and the California Law and Ethics Examination (CLEE). The NCMHCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and consists of 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases.
The CLEE is administered by the BBS and tests applicants' knowledge of California laws and regulations related to professional counseling. Once all requirements are met, applicants must submit an application to the BBS for review. The application includes verification of education, passing scores on the NCMHCE and CLEE exams, proof of supervised experience, and other documents as required by the BBS. Upon approval, applicants will be issued a license to practice as a LPCC in California.
Licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs) are regulated by the Behavioral Science Board (BBS) in California. Applicants must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) and the California Law and Ethics Examination (CLEE). Once all requirements are met, applicants must submit an application to the BBS for review before they can be issued a license to practice as a LPCC in California.
