A question students often ask in their last year of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Cornerstone University is “How do I get licensed?” This post will walk you through the process of obtaining your Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC) licensure in the state of Michigan. Keep in mind that other states may have different requirements you must meet to obtain licensure.
What Is an LLPC License and Who Needs It?
In the state of Michigan, to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), professionals must first go through the process of supervision as a Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC).
The LLPC license is designed for individuals who have earned a qualifying master’s degree in counseling to begin working in the field through supervised clinical experience. This licensure is needed for all graduates who wish to work as counselors in Michigan.
With an LLPC, beginner counselors practice their skills in mental health counseling, assessment, and therapeutic support under the supervision of a fully licensed professional counselor. This supervised experience is required before an individual may apply for status as a full Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan.
Before You Apply: Confirm You Meet the Requirements
Before applying, you should check Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website to ensure that you’ve met all the necessary requirements needed to start working as an LLPC.
Applying for LLPC Licensure: Step-by-Step
The Bureau of Professional Licensing outlines the steps that all LLPC candidates must follow to begin their supervisory practices under an LPC in Michigan. You will also want to consult with your graduate school, local social services agencies, and any friends in counseling you know.
- Complete a qualifying graduate degree program. (Students who entered a counseling program before 7/1/2023 are required to complete a minimum of 48 credit hours, while students entering a program on or after 7/1/2023 are required to earn a minimum of 60 credit hours.)
- Submit an online LLPC license application through Michigan’s MiPLUS licensing system.
- Provide official academic transcripts.
- Provide a Professional Disclosure Statement, describing your counseling services, qualifications, and practice information.
- Identify a licensed LPC supervisor.
- Complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
- Pay the required application and licensing fees.
In addition, Michigan also requires counseling license applicants to complete state-mandated training on human trafficking awareness and implicit bias before obtaining full licensure.
Before You Apply: Tips for Selecting a Supervisor
Many supervisors only advertise by word of mouth, which can make them difficult to find. This is one of the reasons why you’ll want to start the search early. It’s important to keep in mind that supervision times will vary. Some will have individual sessions for 1 hour per week, while others will meet for 2 hours on a weeknight or even once per month for 4 hours on a weekend.
Questions To Ask Yourself When Considering Supervisors
■ What type of experience am I looking for (e.g., group or individual)?
■ Do I want someone who will walk me through each of my cases, session by session, or someone to give me pointers when I get stuck?
■ Would it be helpful to work with someone who will challenge me and broaden my perspective, or would I like someone with the same style and mindset I have?
■ What days and times are going to be most convenient for me?
Questions To Ask Potential Supervisors
■ What counseling experience do you have?
■ What types of clients do you typically work with?
■ What is your theoretical orientation when working with clients?
■ Do you have group or individual supervision?
■ What is your rate per session?
■ How often do you have supervision sessions?
Students are strongly encouraged to interview 3 to 4 supervisors by phone or in person. Keep in mind that you will be spending 100 hours of your time being shaped by your supervisor. Thus, it is essential that you make sure they are a good fit for your counseling style and professional needs.
Common LLPC Application Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) does not guarantee a specific timeline for processing LLPC applications. However, if mistakes are made during the application process, processing time will undoubtedly be lengthened. Thus, it is essential that LLPC applicants be diligent throughout the application process. Here is a look at some common LLPC application mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Submitting Incomplete Applications
One of the most common mistakes among LLPC applicants is failing to submit all required materials, including official transcripts and supporting documentation. The best way to avoid this common mistake is to double-check all application requirements before submitting your application through the MiPLUS system.
2. Entering Incorrect Education Information
Another common mistake among LLPC applicants is entering incorrect information about their graduate program, such as the degree title or the number of credit hours completed throughout the program. Michigan has specific education requirements for counseling degrees, so it is important to double-check that the information entered matches your official transcript.
3. Applying Before Completing Degree Requirements
Some LLPC applicants also make the mistake of applying for an LLPC license before their graduate degree has officially been awarded. In Michigan, LLPC applicants must show proof of a completed qualifying counseling degree before the license can be issued. To avoid this mistake, it’s important that you make sure your university has finalized and posted your degree before submitting your application through the MiPLUS system.
As you continue your journey through the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Cornerstone University, it’s important to recognize that each course and clinical experience will help shape the kind of counselor you will become. The knowledge and skills you’re building now are not only preparing you to meet the evolving needs of clients and communities, but also reinforcing the strong professional foundation at the heart of the program. By staying engaged, intentional, and open to growth, you can make the most of your time in the program and move forward with greater confidence in your future practice.
Throughout your program at Cornerstone, you’ll be prepared for the steps you’ll need to take toward LLPC licensure, particularly during the final year of your degree.
Final Year Timeline
While you can’t officially apply for LLPC licensure before completing your degree program, you should begin preparing to apply in order to transition into a supervised counseling practice as soon as possible following graduation. During the final year of your counseling master’s program, you should begin preparing by:
9-12 Months Before Graduation
- Review Michigan licensure requirements through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
- Confirm that your program coursework and practicum/internship requirements align with Michigan counseling licensure standards.
- Begin researching potential employers or counseling agencies that hire LLPC candidates and provide supervision.
- Connect with faculty advisors or internship supervisors to discuss LLPC licensing plans.
6-9 Months Before Graduation
- Identify potential LPC supervisors for your post-graduate counseling experience.
- Start preparing application materials and attend career fairs, networking events, and counseling conferences to connect with agencies that hire LLPC candidates.
- Meet with your advisor to ensure that you are on the expected graduation timeline and that your degree will be awarded on schedule.
3-6 Months Before Graduation
- Create your MiPLUS account and review the LLPC application requirements.
- Confirm where your official transcripts will be sent from your university.
- Complete any remaining internship or practicum hours.
- Begin preparing for the licensing exam.
Immediately After Graduation
- Submit your LLPC application through Michigan’s MiPLUS licensing system.
- Arrange fingerprinting and complete your criminal background check.
- Ensure your transcripts have been sent and uploaded properly.
- Continue to monitor your application status in the MiPLUS portal so you can respond to any requests from the licensing board.
FAQs
Do I need a supervisor before I apply?
Yes. Individuals seeking a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) in Michigan must identify a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who will supervise the applicant throughout the necessary 3,000 hours of post-graduate counseling experience. All LLPC holders are required to practice under supervision while completing the requirements needed to become fully licensed.
Can I count hours before the LLPC is issued?
No. In Michigan, all supervised counseling hours can be counted toward the licensure requirement only after the LLPC license is officially issued. Any hours completed before receiving the limited license will not count toward the supervised requirements for full LPC licensure.
How long does it take to get approved?
It may take several weeks to a few months for applicants to be approved by the Michigan Board of Counseling for their LLPC license. This is because processing times vary depending on application volume and whether all required documents have been submitted correctly.
How is LLPC different from LPC?
An LLPC is a temporary license that allows counseling graduates to practice under supervision while gaining the experience required for full licensure. In contrast, an LPC is a fully licensed counselor who has completed all supervised experience requirements, passed the required licensing examination, and is authorized to practice independently.
LLPC = Limited Licensed Professional Counselor — A counseling graduate who is practicing under the supervision of a fully licensed professional counselor for 3,000 hours over at least two years before being eligible for full licensure.
LPC = Licensed Professional Counselor — A fully licensed counselor who has completed all supervisory requirements, passed the licensing examination, and has met the state’s professional requirements. LPCs are qualified to practice independently without supervision.
How long can I stay on an LLPC?
In Michigan, a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license can be held for up to 10 years total. An LLPC license is typically issued on a yearly basis. The license can be renewed annually while the counselor is completing the supervised experience required for full licensure. Most LLPC holders will maintain two years of LLPC licensure as they complete the 3,000-hour supervised counseling requirement.
