More about clinical supervision
1:1 Supervision for Michigan Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC)
Michigan Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC) are mandated to complete 100 supervised working hours within a two-year period to qualify for full LPC licensure. Elizabeth ensures personalized 1:1 supervision for all her supervisees, aiming to provide tailored guidance and support for personal, professional, and clinical development. Explore the following details to understand what to expect during clinical supervision.
Group Supervision for Michigan Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC)
Group supervision serves as an invaluable supplement to 1:1 supervision for Michigan Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC). It offers a unique opportunity for collaborative learning and growth among peers within the professional counseling field. These supervision groups convene monthly, accommodating no more than five LLCs along with at least one supervisor.
***NEW GROUP start anticipated Fall 2024***
Supervisor Supervision in Michigan: Continuing Education Requirements
In Michigan, supervising limited licensed counselors mandates completing 30 hours of continuing education (CE) focused on clinical supervision. However, this is just the starting point. Continuous professional and clinical growth is paramount, with ongoing development being crucial. Explore ways to further enhance your supervisory skills and enrich your clinical practice by clicking here.
FAQ about Supervision
What to expect during Limited Licensed Counselor Supervision in Michigan
FAQs
What about immediate client concerns that I need help with?
Your supervisor understands the urgency of client emergencies that may arise outside of scheduled supervision sessions. If you encounter safety concerns with your clients that you're unsure how to handle, please don't hesitate to contact your supervisor immediately. You can reach them via call or text for prompt assistance.
How much will supervision cost?
The cost of supervision is $90 per hour for individual sessions and $70 per hour for group sessions. Our Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) groups are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 5 participants at a time. Currently, there are spaces available in our Friday groups.
How often do I need to have supervision?
According to the expectations set by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), LLPCs are required to have "consistent supervision." In our practice, we define "consistent" as meeting at least bi-weekly. For new counselors entering the field, we recommend weekly individual sessions until the supervisor feels confident in your work. This frequency helps ensure proper support and development as you grow in your counseling practice.
Can you help me with non-clinical issues, like building a therapeutic business?
Certainly! Supervisors possess extensive experience working with diverse populations and settings, making them invaluable resources for building a therapeutic business. Supervision covers all aspects of professional counseling, including business development. Time spent in supervision focusing on business-building also contributes toward your required supervised working hours.
How does supervision for supervisors work?
Supervisors, like any counselor, benefit from continuous learning and growth. After completing supervisor training, you may find yourself seeking support in your role of guiding therapists. Supervision for supervisors operates similarly to other forms of supervision and can be customized to address clinical, supervisory, or business-related needs. It offers an opportunity for ongoing professional development and personal growth.
Can I start my own private practice as an LLPC?
Yes, you can establish your own private practice as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), albeit with restrictions. Many LLPCs aspire to launch their practices, and your Michigan LPC Supervisor can provide invaluable assistance in this pursuit. However, commencing a private practice entails navigating ethical, legal, and clinical considerations, where guidance and support are crucial. With proper support and guidance, it's entirely feasible to establish a thriving private practice as an LLPC.
How is supervision scheduled?
For Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC), supervision sessions are typically scheduled in convenient 1-hour blocks, available either virtually via Zoom (compliant with state regulations) or in person. It's imperative to maintain regular 1:1 meetings with your clinical supervisor, ensuring at least bi-weekly sessions for consistent support and professional development.
What do I need to have prepared for supervision sessions?
Your supervisor expects you to come prepared with questions, concerns, and topics for discussion during your supervision sessions. While your supervisor will gradually gain insight into your therapeutic style and client cases as you work together, clinical supervision is YOUR time. Feel free to prioritize specific areas for discussion or seek guidance on particular challenges you're facing in your practice.
Group LPC supervision vs. Individual, how do I know what’s best for me?
The Michigan LPC Supervisor recommends individual supervision, at least bi-weekly, especially for new counselors. While group supervision offers valuable insights and peer support, 1:1 time with your supervisor is crucial, particularly as you're starting out in your counseling journey. Some LLPCs opt to supplement their individual sessions with participation in group supervision to further enrich their learning and professional growth.
What is needed to become a fully licensed LPC in Michigan
These requirements are taken straight from the Counseling Licensing Guide on LARA's website
You must have your Limited Licensed Counselor (formally Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, LLPC) in order to begin counting hours toward your full licensure
Official LLC supervision sessions also begin AFTER the Limited Licensed Counselor license is received
You must earn 3,000 hours of mental health service practice in no less than a 2 year period
You must complete 100 face-to-face hours with your LLC supervisor (post COVID, for those who begin supervision with me after 3/2021 , 100% of supervision is able to be virtual.)
You need to renew your Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) annually through MIPlus. You can do so for up to 10 years, during that 10th year you must be prepared to complete your full LPC license application, as your LLC cannot be renewed after the 10th year
Your Limited Licensed Counselor must remain in active status throughout your supervision period for accrued hours to count towards full licensure
YOU need to ensure that you keep up to date with new rules and regulations published by LARA - The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Michigan LARA LPC Requirements; expanded
Michigan LARA requires that a Limited Licensed Counselor, LLC (formally Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC) complete 3,000 working hours, POST degree (and POST issuance of the LLC) in no less than a 2 year period. During this 3,000 hours of supervised working experience, the Michigan Limited Licensed Counselor must complete 100 hours of supervision “in the presence of” their LLC supervisor.
*** LATEST UPDATE FROM LARA REGARDING VIRTUAL SUPERVISION (last checked 6/2023) 100% of supervision is now able to be virtual.***
This works out to be about 1 hour of supervision per week during that 2 year period, if LLC supervision is completed consistently.
These expectations for Limited Licensed Counselors in Michigan are incredibly vague. 100 hours of what TYPE of supervision? What is to be learned during supervision? How is progress measured?
The Michigan LPC Supervisor expands on what is required of Limited Licensed Counselors in Michigan by LARA, making the requirements of completing supervised experience for full LPC licensure in Michigan more well rounded and specific to gaining experience working as a therapist. The Michigan LPC Supervisor does NOT require MORE than what the state requires for full licensure, we just strongly encourage that LLCs get some experience in several different aspects of professional counseling.
During supervised working ours, The Michigan LPC Supervisor’s Limited Licensed Counselors (supervisees) are expected to gain the following experience:
Utilization of the DSM 5 to make diagnosis and compile a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment
At least 1 method of crisis screening/intervention
Basic utilization of at least 1 assessment tool (delivering, scoring, interpreting results)
Ongoing, long term, individual therapy (individual, couples, families) utilizing at least 2 different evidence-based models of treatment
Ongoing facilitation and/or co facilitation of group therapy
Development of an ongoing plan for continued learning and training in the field of counseling
Utilization of case management techniques and resources
Skills for coordination of care with other health providers
Development of an understanding of client resources in and around their area of practice
Ability to compile and present a client's case
Discussion and development a better understanding of a clinical area, or areas of expertise regarding LLPC's practice
You can read the full Supervision agreement between The Michigan LPC Supervisor and a new Limited Licensed Counselor here