Professional Goals Discussion

Professor and Class,

This writer is in the State of Florida and as such used the ACA boards to check into what the licensure requirements are for the state. These include proof that the 2 years of gradschool/ 60 semester hours in the form of a transcript. After the internship there is also a two years of Supervised experience on the Verification of Clinical Experience Form by the supervisor.

The supervision experience must have consisted of:

• At least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks;
• 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and,
• 1 hour of supervision every two weeks

The next part of the licensure process involves taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). In addition, there are a couple certifications that are required: Laws and Rules course, HIV/AIDS course, and the Domestic Violence course.

So far, I haven’t been too involved at my placement office as of yet. They have signed the learning contract and I am still waiting to attend orientation at the office. I am willing to be open and ask questions to ensure that I understand the rules and procedures.As of now, I know the days that I am set to report and the learning contract that we agreed to and the basics that I am required to adhere to while there.

References:

Licensed mental health counselor. Florida Board of. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2022, from https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/licensing/licensed-mental-health-counselor/

When I first considered pursuing a degree in Counseling and Human Service, obtaining a license was a primary motivation for continuing my education. Prior to entering this program, I had completed a Master’s in Criminal Justice but wanted to enhance my knowledge and advance my career through a license eligible degree. Therefore, in an effort to become prepared and equipped to take on this challenge, I spent a significant amount of time researching the licensing requirements for the state I intended on practicing in which is likely Connecticut. I mostly conducted research through Connecticut’s official state website and explored the documents that were provided along with other pertinent information. According to the website, which is through the Department of Public Health (DPH), there are requirements regarding credit hours, in addition to specific courses that must completed, as well as requirements related to supervised experience (DPH, 2022).

I have also relied on supervisors and other colleagues in the field to offer guidance in regards to the work that is necessary to be eligible for licensure. I have found that having discussions with other professionals who have gone through the process is extremely informative and valuable. Therefore, I intend on completing my degree through Post University to have a strong foundation as I enter the field to begin working on my clinical hours. State licensing boards are necessary to ensure that practitioners have the education and appropriate training, practicum, and internship experiences to protect the public from harm (Burns & Cruikshanks, 2018). Therefore, I will continuously make efforts to familiarize myself with these standards and potential changes to guidelines that may occur when pursuing a license in the state of Connecticut.

My current field practicum is being completed at a non-profit organization that requires a background check, among other application related documents, to be considered for internship or employment. After completing this process, it was necessary to go through a “pre-employment” training which is standard for all interns or employees. During the pre-employment training, I was introduced to many of the policies that are specific to my site. For example, I was provided with several documents that outline rules and regulations, standards of ethical practice, and various policies and procedures. I had found that this training experience was integral in preparing me for what to expect at the specific location I am placed in. I also intend on talking with my direct supervisor to become more familiar with their specific policies regarding operation and practice.

References

Burns, S. T., & Cruikshanks, D. R. (2018). Independently Licensed Counselors’ Connection to

CACREP and State Professional Identity Requirements. Professional Counselor, 8(1), 29-45.

Professional Counselor Requirements.Department of Public Health. (2022). Retrieved from

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing–Investigations/Professional-

Counselor/Professional-Counselor-Licensing-Requirements