What services do licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists provide?

 

LPC's offer counseling services to individuals, groups, organizations and the general public in private or other settings. These services may be in the areas of personal-social concerns, educational programs, and career decisions. Counseling services include the use of recognized counseling techniques, appraisal and assessment methods, and research activities.

 

LMFT's bring a systemic approach to consultation with individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations through independent or group practices, public or private agencies.

 

For example, LPC's & LMFT's assist people who are facing pre-marital, marital, couples, or sexual abuse problems; are suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, or personal growth issues; are experiencing problems with family members or in the workplace; or are recovering from chemical dependencies.

 

 

Since the law does not require that counselors be licensed, clients who are not willing or able to evaluate training or check credentials may be assured that LPC's & LMFT's have met the standards identified by the State of Oregon as being necessary to ensure competent service. The licensing board has verified that the licensee holds a degree from a recognized school, has completed appropriate courses and training, has completed supervised experience, and has passed an examination to identify a minimum standard of knowledge. In addition, licensees are held accountable to the state. State law and the licensing board's Code of Ethics require that conduct meets acceptable standards and all licensees must provide clients with a professional disclosure statement explaining their approach, credentials, and client rights.

 

Licensure is often used by insurance companies to determine eligibility for payment or reimbursement for mental health care services.

 

 

LPC's and LMFT's must hold a graduate degree (master's or doctorate) from an accredited college or university. The degree program must have been a planned course of study covering specific areas of knowledge and including clinical experience. Licensees must have completed approximately two years of post-degree supervised counseling experience with direct client contact hours and pass an examination. Renewal of licensure requires completion of 20 clock hours of continuing education every year.

 

 

The Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists was created by the Oregon Legislature to begin operations January 1, 1990. The seven-member Board, appointed by the Governor, is charged with establishing standards for licensure, identifying individuals meeting those standards, administering a state licensing examination, developing and enforcing disclosure and ethical standards for licensees, investigating complaints, and disciplining licensees found in violation of ethical standards, Board rules, or the licensing law.

 

Members include three licensed professional counselors, two licensed marriage and family therapists, a faculty representative for graduate counseling/therapy programs, and a member representing the public.

 

The Board conducts public meetings every other month in accordance with the Public Meetings Law and carries out its regulatory duties under the Administrative Procedures Act.

 

 

Any person may file a complaint alleging a violation of law, rules, or ethical standards, or for incompetence. Complaints must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. Forms may be obtained from the Board office. The Board will first determine whether there is sufficient reason to investigate the complaint. For example, complaints against individuals who are not or were not licensed are not within the Board's jurisdiction unless the individual is purporting to be a "licensed professional counselor" or "licensed marriage and family therapist" and then the individual may be fined. If an investigation is conducted, Board action may result in or may lead to findings that the complaint is unfounded, resolution, reprimand, suspension, or revocation.