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FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTERED INTERNS
INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
 
 
1. Why do I have to have a "degree review" before I am officially registered as an Intern (or before I take the national exam?)
 
Three basic requirements must be satisfied before licensure can be granted:
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Examination.
 
Education is the first evaluation to be made in any applicant´s file. A graduate from a Board-approved program, or a CACREP, COAMFTE, or CORE - approved program does not need a review. Other programs, however, must demonstrate to what extent they satisfy Oregon educational requirements. Once the Board makes an official finding, the applicant is notified and told what (if any) supplemental coursework needs to be completed prior to licensure.
 
2. Why can´t I count my hours before I am officially registered as an intern of the Board?
  • Mandatory registration allows the Board to carry out its mission, which is to assist the people of Oregon who use the services of licensees, and of persons working to become licensed by extending practice standards and regulatory oversight to future licensees.
  • Mandatory registration ensures that the majority of licensees will have completed similar work experience under uniform standards. This second reason not only helps assure a minimum standard of competence, it also assures a fair-handed uniformity of standards for all applicants.
  • Up to 800 direct client contact hours from your degree program can be accrued toward an LPC license. No pre-degree hours can accrue toward a LMFT license.
  • Pre-licensure for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists require an internship of no less than 1,000 direct client contact hours.
 
3. How do I find a supervisor?
 
You can use several sources like peer recommendations or professional organizations who provide lists of supervisors. (Oregon Counseling Association: www.or-counseling.org ).
 
4. What are the 4-point criteria for supervisors? I understand that unless they meet the criteria, the hours they supervise won´t count toward licensure!
 
It is true - for supervised hours to count, every supervisor must meet the criteria set in Administrative Rule. At present, the criteria are as follows:
 
SUPERVISOR CRITERIA FOR LPC CANDIDATES
  1. Hold a graduate degree in counseling [psychology, social work, education counseling, medicine, marriage & family] will be considered.
  2. Have at least three years of clinically supervised experience as a licensed mental health professional.
  3. **Have completed at least 30 clock hours of post-masters training [NOT experience] in how to be a supervisor. This may come from doctoral courses, workshops, or seminars.
  4. Have been licensed for at least 3 years as a counselor or similar [licensed psychologist, LCSW, marriage and family therapist, standard school counselor, psychologist assoc.] or one of the following national certifications: NCC, CCMCH, CRC, CCC.
  5. IN LIEU OF #1-4 above: be an AAMFT approved supervisor, a NBCC approved clinical supervisor, or an APCA diplomate.
 
SUPERVISOR CRITERIA FOR LMFT CANDIDATES
  1. Hold a graduate degree in marriage & family therapy [counseling, psychology, social work, education counseling] will be considered.
  2. Have at least five years clinical experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist.
  3. **Have completed at least 30 clock hours of post-masters training [NOT experience] in how to be a supervisor. This may come from doctoral courses, workshops, or seminars.
  4. Have been licensed for at least three years as a marriage and family therapist or similar [licensed psychologist, LCSW, counselor, standard school counselor, psychologist assoc.] or one of the following national certifications: NCC, CCMCH, CRC, CCC.
  5. IN LIEU OF #1-4 above: be an AAMFT approved supervisor, a NBCC approved clinical supervisor, or an APCA diplomate.
 
**Applies to supervision undertaken after 6-30-92.
 
5. Can I move back and forth between a part-time and a full-time plan during every Six-Month reporting period?
 
Yes. If your caseload falls below 45 direct client contact hours, you may hold a minimum of 2 hours of supervision meetings. If it rises to 46 or above, you must hold a minimum of 3 hours of supervision meetings.
 
If you fail to meet this minimum level, the entire month´s client contact hours will be disallowed.
 
6. Can I take my national exam at any time during my internship?
 
No. Exam provider rules stipulate that an applicant for the LPC may take the NCE once they receive official notice from the state Board that they have completed all the educational requirements. Exam information is sent out automatically once an individual is eligible.
 
Because of different exam provider rules, an applicant for the LMFT may take the Marriage and Family Therapy Exam only after they receive official notice from the state Board that they have completed the educational and work experience requirements.
 

 

RECIPROCITY INFORMATION
THE OREGON LMFT and RECIPROCITY
The reciprocity method of licensure is for applicants who want licensure in Oregon using supervised work experience while licensed in another state.  The Board does not grant blanket reciprocity but will review the other state's rules and laws for comparability.
 
In order to apply for Oregon licensure through reciprocity, the license from the other state must be currently active and without discipline.  The license in the other state must have been given based on a review of education and experience standards and not through other means such as reciprocity or waivers of requirements.
 
Other rules apply that to reciprocity include passage of a competency exam, a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and documentation of supervised work experience.

 
Page updated: August 18, 2008

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