Why can’t a licensed clinical professional counselor supervise a social work applicant or provide a reference letter?
A social work applicant is seeking licensure as a social worker not as a professional counselor. In many jurisdictions (states) supervision is only accepted by licensed social workers at the level of licensure sought. If you moved out of state, to one of those jurisdictions, you may not meet the minimum licensing requirements of that jurisdiction if your supervision is by any other professional than a clinical social worker. The licensed clinical social worker should as a minimum competency meet the Medicare standards (the licensee will want to be able to bill Medicare in independent practice), and the professional counselor is not recognized at this time under Medicare law as a qualified provider of service. Psychiatrists, and PhD psychologists are recognized providers under Medicare, thus they can provide part of the supervision and give reference letters. The statute was written with those considerations in mind and with the given reality of the rural nature of the state.
Related Questions
- When I complete the terminal MA program (clinical track) can I sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam in Colorado?
- Why can’t a licensed clinical professional counselor supervise a social work applicant or provide a reference letter?
- What is a Licensed Professional (Clinical) Counselor?
