What comes first, finding a supervisor or writing a disclosure statement?

There are several different requirements when applying for your LLPC license. My encouragement to newly graduated counselors is to begin putting together all of the document’s you need prior to graduation.; just start collecting things you’ll need, and submit them when you’re ready! LARA will keep all of your documents on file for several months (waiting for a completed application packet), so this gives you time to start sending things in as you’re able to gather them. One of the most frequent questions I get in regards to submitting the Michigan LLPC application (found here via Lara’s website) has to do with the professional disclosure statement.

Which comes first? The supervisor or the disclosure statement?

Well - tricky question. So here are the requirements for what needs to go into your disclosure statement:

1. Your name, working address (where are you providing counseling?), and telephone number. If you’re not currently working, you’ll put your contact information as it is shown on your LLPC application. So this could potentially be your personal contact information. Just remember this information goes into a database, so I don’t recommend adding your home address.

2. A description of your counseling work at the listed business. What type of counseling will you be doing?

3. A description of your education and counseling experience. This is professional counseling experience, so if you’re newly graduated you’ll add your practicum and internship information.

4. The fee you charge your clients or a statement if you will not charge a fee

5. LARA’s contact information for client’s to know where to file complaints and grievances should any arise: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing Investigations & Inspections Division P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 241-0205

6. And of course you’ll include the name and license number of the LPC that will be supervising you for the 3,000 hours and 100 supervision hours of your limited license experience.

Personally - I put a lot more into my disclosure statement. While this is not required by the state, I want my client’s to have a few more specifics and it helps us discuss expectations I have of them as clients, and learn more about their expectations of me as their counselor. Here is my template.

Remember that each time you switch jobs, change business addresses, or contact information (professionally of course) you’ll need to complete a new professional disclosure statement and submit it to LARA. My advice? Don’t make more work for yourself. Work on getting three things together before submitting your disclosure statement; your supervisor, where you’re going to gather your hours, and what contact information you’d like to use.

Overall - if you’re questioning “what do I put in my disclosure statement”, “when do I complete my disclosure statement” - ask for help, that is what your supervisor is there for!