Alexia Cabreras, Practicum Student
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
When beginning therapy, you may not know that there are different types of counselors out there. You may be asking yourself: Different types?!
Absolutely! Regardless of where you receive counseling services, chances are that you will be given options. These options often have to do with the therapist’s level of experience and their fee. Having the opportunity to see different leveled therapists allows you to find someone that best fits your needs in terms of experience, knowledge, and pricing. If you are new to therapy (or not), let me guide you through the different levels of therapists. Then, you will know exactly what you’re getting yourself into and with who!
Types of Therapists
Practicum Student / Counseling Intern:
Starting off strong, practicum students are individuals who are finishing up their Master’s program. During the last few semesters of graduate school, practicum students are required to gain on-site counseling experience. They are supervised on a weekly basis by a licensed supervisor (which I will talk about later). The supervision is to ensure that students are gaining and applying sufficient skills to help their clients adequately. Because students are building up experience and finding their niche, they work with various populations on many different issues. Seeing a student may be an advantage because they offer fresh perspectives on current issues in mental health. On top of that, you receive help through some of the newest techniques in the field at an affordable rate.
LPC Associate
LPC Associates are those who have graduated and have a Master’s degree! This degree is in counseling, clinical mental health, or a related field. In order to be “promoted” to an LPC Associate, one must have completed a certain amount of counseling hours during their time as a student and must have passed the National Counselor Exam. Once this is done, they apply in the state of Texas for licensure with the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. After review and approval by the board, they are officially licensed, therapists! They will be under the supervision of a board-approved LPC Supervisor for the first 3,000 hours of counseling practice. The supervision includes one hour of supervision per week until the 3,000 hours are completed.
Let me put it this way: We are all somewhat familiar with the process of becoming a doctor, right? Medical school is the first step. After graduating from med school, they begin their residency. During their residency, these doctors are supervised by an attending physician or someone with multiple years of experience to ensure knowledge and skill growth. As an LPC Associate, during those 3,000 hours, they are supervised and continuously gaining experience, knowledge, and skills through their supervisors, similar to a residency!
LPC
Licensed Professional Counselors are therapists who have completed their Master’s degree, passed their licensing exam, been approved by the board, and finished the 3,000 hours of supervised work. Ultimately, they’ve pretty much-accomplished everything necessary to no longer need any level of supervision. These therapists may have recently become fully licensed, or they may be fully licensed for many years! They complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years and continue to consult with other professionals to maintain knowledge in the field.
Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
What do I do as an LPC-S?
An LPC-Supervisor is someone who has achieved all requirements to become fully licensed, as well as having completed an additional 40 hours of training in clinical supervision. During supervision, an LPC-S is responsible for ensuring that those under their supervision are providing adequate counseling services through appropriate practice to their clients. A supervisor will help their supervises evolve as therapists through guidance and feedback and will help them reach their professional goals. A supervisor will also ensure that all ethical standards are being met and will be an ongoing support system to soon-to-be therapists, as well as associate therapists.
Now that you know…this may make it easier for you to decide which therapist is right for you. Despite having different levels of experience, they all share common goals. Such as, helping you enhance your overall well-being, coping with difficult issues, and building confidence and peace in your life!
Find your Counselors in Katy, Texas
If you are seeking to find a counselor, we have multiple leveled therapist that can help you. To start receiving counseling services, follow these steps:
- Contact us to schedule an appointment.
- Get to know your new counselor.
- Help your adult child develop the tools they need to make steps towards their goals.
Other Therapy Services Offered with Barton Counseling Services
At Barton Counseling Services, we offer many mental health services in Katy, Texas. We’re able to offer counseling for young adults, counseling for anxiety, depression, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Additionally, she can provide supervision for LPC Interns. Contact our office to learn more!
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