California licensure circus--help

My question seems simple enough, but Calif hates simple. I am enrolled in an MS in Mental Health Counseling/CACREP Accredited and regionally accredited online university (Capella). I thought that their (Capella) requirements fulfilled the Calif LPCC requirements (which they do. the program meets core competencies and course, practicum, residency requirements), however Calif. Behavioral Board of Sciences (licensing Board) has as of yet to post a list of approved schools for LPCC. I called the Board today, and the nasty little old lady on the phone told me that I had to get my degree through an approved school (no kidding). The problem is...some schools are approved for the MFT licensure in Cal. and different ones approved for LCSW. But none for LPCC...(which is currently accepting applications) It seems marginally circular to me. So I found a nice online school that is approved by Calif licensure, but only for MFT. Can I earn an MFT and also do an LPCC? or is there a way to find out if Calif will accept CACREP programs such as Capella's? On line is my only option. I live in the rural northwest.
This is what I want = online school + accredited + plus accepted by calif + LPCC (am more than happy to do MFT if I can also add coursework for LPCC same as LMHC in other states) + Federal student aide
any suggestions /recommendations ???

 

Not being a psyche guy, I can't offer any of the answers you seek. I know of a few people who have not been as careful as you and have ended up with a degree that will not allow them to practice because of licensure issues. You are wise to make sure of this before you move forward. I hope others can address your specific questions.

Info about being new at Degree Info: http://www.degreeinfo.com/distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

 

You should send a PM to Dave Wagner, he will either know or probably be able to point you in the right direction.

 

Hi dlady,

thank you dlady. I wasn't sure how to PM Dave Wagner. I pulled up profile, but I am new here and wasn't sure how to leave a message. I did not see an option for that on the profile page. suggestions?
Thank you
francine

 

The problem here may be that California's LPCC licensure program does not actually exist at this time. The Board of Behavioral Sciences is in the process of establishing one, but the final rules have not yet been established. Until they are, it may be impossible to get definitive answers to your questions.

According to this page:

Note also that virtually all California state agencies have had major issues recently with hiring freezes and mandatory furloughs. The BBS is apparently struggling just to meet the needs of current license programs. Given their lack of resources, it would not be surprising if there are significant delays before any new licensing programs are established.

You can look at the Pending Regulations, but there is no guarantee that these will be approved without changes.

 

@ CalDog.....

Very compelling points you have made. I got through to the BBS again today, and you are absolutely right the approval being pending. Part of the confusion for me is that the deadline for submitting applications for LPCC (to be grandparented into LPCC) is June 2011. What I did find out today is that once I have licensure for MFT, I can also sit for the LPCC (given the potential need for CE classes), which should be approved by the time I am done (being I am still in the larvae stages). Northcentral University is board approved for their online MFT (includes practicums and internships). I could not get any substantive information as to whether or not Calif. would accept a school based on CACREP. (that will depend on LPCC outcome I guess).
Thanks for the information!!!!

 

The CA BBS person was probably thinking you were in California. Their approval lists only deal with schools with campuses in CA. I know that out of state graduates have gotten licensed in CA as MFTs and LCSWs and I would be astonished if they didn't accept a CACREP graduate (the CA licensing law does not require CACREP accreditation). Ditto for distance learning program. There are several of those in CA that lead to either MFT or LCSW licensure.

The point about the backlog here with the BBS is right on point. The grandparenting clause calls for applications between Jan 1 and June 30, 2011. BUT the proposed forms and fees have not been approved by various agencies that have to review them, so it will likely be impossible for anyone to actually apply for grandparenting during the legislated period. The BBS is already talking about a legislative fix for this.

PS How are you finding the Capella program? I am right at the end of their PhD program in Gen Psy. I was at a residency in Minneapolis this last weekend.