»Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

There are numerous benefits of obtaining an LPCC license:

• Opportunity to provide mental health services in multiple settings (e.g., private practice, community mental health, medical settings, and schools)
• Increased job opportunities in the schools. Schools are continuously enhancing and developing mental health services. Many are seeking licensed professionals to provide services and oversee other mental health professionals' work
• Ability to supervise other professionals providing mental health services across settings
• Development of advanced counseling skills, at the individual and systems level, to support individuals during a mental health crisis

What can I do with an LPCC license?

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license holders can practice counseling and psychotherapy outside of schools in private practice or clinic settings. The license in professional clinical counseling is a master’s level license regulated by the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners (BBSE), the same state agency that controls licensing for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.  

When are Chapman University classes held?

To accommodate working professionals, Chapman graduate courses are conveniently scheduled in the late afternoon and evenings, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Where is Chapman University located?

Chapman University is located in Orange, California. Our beautiful campus is centrally located in Orange County, a short distance from the 5, 55, 22, and 91 freeways.

How many counseling hours are required prior to graduation?

If you began your graduate program at Chapman after August 1, 2012, the requirement is 280 trainee hours. These counseling hours are in addition to the hours required for your counseling or school psychology credential.

Can I take the LPCC coursework alone?

No. The additional coursework required to meet the educational requirement for the LPCC is embedded into two Chapman degree programs:

• MA in Counseling with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling
• MA in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling

Why must I be enrolled in CSP 624 (Clinical Practicum) to have my experience approved?

Students are legally defined as “trainees” after completing 12 semester units in the master's program. Chapman does not sanction the acquisition of clinical experience until students have enrolled in CSP 624.

In addition to helping you gain approved supervision hours, the most effective way to carry out the coordination and approval function mandated by state law is to monitor the clinical training experience of our students and to encourage their growth as therapists. The course structure also allows us to collect evaluations from supervisors, students, and practicum instructors that serve as the “regular progress reports” required by law.

The BBS requires that LPCC students be concurrently enrolled in the supervision course while earning clinical hours.

How many post-graduation hours will I need to accumulate?

3,000 supervised hours. Updated information on this requirement can be viewed on BBS and/or CALPCC's websites. 

What types of activities count as “counseling” hours?

For a detailed explanation of the counseling hours required and other topics related to the LPCC at Chapman University, download the Attallah College LPCC Track FAQs. 

How much supervision do I need? Who can provide this supervision?

For a detailed explanation of the LPCC supervision and other topics related to the LPCC at Chapman University, download the Attallah College LPCC Track FAQs.

What exams do I need to pass for LPCC licensure?

Licensure requires the successful passage of two exams:

• California LPCC Law and Ethics Exam (taken during first year of internship)
• National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (taken when supervision requirements have been met)

Until exams have been passed, applicants must attempt an exam at least once each year after eligibility.

How do I receive more information?

The Attallah College of Educational Studies offers monthly graduate information sessions. These sessions are great opportunities to obtain further information about the program and meet with the program specialist.
RSVP »

To request further information about Chapman University's graduate programs, please complete the form at the link below so that the Office of Graduate Admission can send you more information about life as a Panther.
Request Information »