When deciding to step into the field of counseling I am sure you have taken a great deal of time counting the cost. Not just the cost of tuition but also the amount time you would have to set aside to prepare for the field through schooling, training and making sure you meet all of the State requirements. Based on how most Universities chose to structure their curriculum students often times are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information while they are in the final phase of their education. This also known as the itis or burnout phase, when you cannot look at a another test, quiz, group project, a theoretical analysis or a case study review. You are emphatically OVER IT.
Hopefully, you have come across this blog AFTER graduation and have taken some time to recover so that the following information is deemed HELPFUL as you solidify your personalized stamp within the field.
Here are a few resources I have found helpful after graduation.
STUDENT LOAN:
Alrighty then, I am starting off with one of the most dreadful topics any recent graduate would like to discuss but HEY.... We might as well tackle it. BUT I have some good news. Did you know the Health Resources & Services Administration offer loan relief program. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program allows counseling graduates who have secured their State licensing to apply for the program. They also other additional funding options for those who are seeking grants and scholar
STUDY TOOL FOR LICENSING EXAM:
Most counseling students decide to sit for the National Counseling Exam prior to graduating and some decide to take a little break and then sit for the exam. Either way sitting for the NCE is the next step in working in the field. YIKES! I know.... Another exam. In preparing to sit for this exam I have found that Dr. Linton Hutchinson's NCE Exam and NCMHCE Exam study tools were super helpful. If your learning style requires more of an interactive approach Barton J. Bott offers a regular study group through the Pass the NCMHCE course. Both programs also have Facebook groups where you can engage with others who have either they are preparing or have already taken the exam.
LPC vs. LCPC:
Upon confirming that you have satisfied all the requirements for graduation. The next step in moving forward in the counseling field is to pass the NCE Exam to obtain your License Professional Counselor status. This is a licensing status that requires Supervision for a certain period of time. Be sure to check with your State's Mental Health Counseling Association for further details. After completing the required number of hours/ or timeframe you will have to sit for a second exam call the NCMHCE exam mentioned above. Only have passing this exam will you be able to obtain you License Clinical Professional Counselor status, which is a fully licensure status that does not require any supervision.
Continuing Education:
When obtaining you licensure status you will be required to demonstrate that you are staying up to date with changes that impacts your current or potential clients and the field of counseling in general by participating in Continuing Education courses or trainings every licensing renewal year. I have found that Mental Health Academy offers a great deal of CE credits for reasonable price.
I do hope that you have found this helpful. Best of luck to you.
DeLIGHTfully Submitted,
Krystal B.
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