Newly graduated Michigan LLPC, now what?
Graduation is over! You're done and you've got some really cool letters to go after your name now. If you're like most of the new graduates I know - this is a time of excitement and.... tremendous fear, apprehension and a lot of ok....now what?
I recommend reading and beginning the process of applying for your LLPC as graduation approaches, if not awhile before. Why? Because you've worked hard to get to this point - and you need to know what the next steps are because, truthfully, you're stepping out on your own; no professors to help guide you. You hopefully are aware, that none of your working hours (as a LLPC) can begin to count toward the hours you need to accrue (3,000 direct with clients, 100 direct with your supervisor) for your full LPC license until you 1) have your LLPC and 2) have a supervisor. I'm big on steps - so I've broken this down; take a deep breath - there are only 6.
Step 1: Begin to search for a supervisor. Why? Because not all supervisors are the same- and you can't really complete your LLPC application until you have a supervisor (you need this persons contact info for the application among other things). Check out my blog on how to prepare yourself to find the right supervisor for you here and make sure your supervisor is considered a Qualified LLPC supervisor in the state of Michigan by reviewing my blog about that here.
Step 2: Get onto LARA and review the application for LLPC; the requirements, what you need etc. Fill out all you can (if you've got your supervisor you're golden and this should be pretty easy to complete)
Step 3: Order official transcripts from your University and have them mailed directly to the State of Michigan - you'll thank me later for having this be step 2 - because this takes awhile and it's good to just start with this so the time can elapse while you're getting the rest of the LLPC application together. The transcripts must be official and must go from your University directly to the state of Michigan here:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing Investigations & Inspections Division P.O. Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909
Step 4: Write your disclosure statement - don't worry, the application details exactly what needs to go in there. Your supervisor can also help you edit and tweak it a bit. I require the LLPC's I supervise to add a specific blurb to their disclosure statement about being limited licensed, what that means and that they are supervised by me. It includes my LPC number and telephone number. This is not required by the state of Michigan (but it should be). This disclosure statement will be submitted to the state - instructions on where/how in the LLPC application.
Step 5: Follow up - all of this is done by mail and involves many moving pieces. You'll have to decide for yourself what the line is between I'm just following up and I am totally stalking you now. You can email BPLHelp@michigan.gov anytime to check on the status of your application.
Step 6: while you're waiting and following up - begin to research what is required for the NCE. A lot of LLPC's in Michigan tend to wait to take the exam and it's a HUGE mistake, HUGE. Let me tell you why - you've just finished school, you've just taken some kind of comprehensive exam as a part of your graduation requirements - and your mind is in the PERFECT place right now to take the NCE (even if it doesn't feel like it). Begin your research here, and I STRONGLY suggest signing up for the test within 6 months of graduation.
That's all I've got - now, head back to step one and get to it!
