Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors

History

For more than eight years, dance/movement therapists throughout California worked tirelessly alongside colleagues of other clinical counseling specialties to establish licensure in our state for the clinical counselor. On October 11, 2009, SB 788 was signed into law by the Governor which made California the long-awaited 50th state to license professional counselors.

What is "LPCC"?

The LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) is a master’s level license to practice psychotherapy in California. Requirements to become an LPCC are on par with California Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors in the other 49 states. 

“Professional clinical counseling” means the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques to identify and remediate cognitive, mental and emotional issues, including personal growth, adjustment to disability, crisis intervention, and psychosocial and environmental problems, for purposes of improving mental health.

Dance/Movement Therapy is considered one of a number of specialties in clinical counseling, just as there are numerous, distinct specialties in the practice of medicine.

Becoming an LPCC

For the most current information on how to apply for the LPCC please visit the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.