Current and New Students
Check the program website for student and scheduling information and licensure information.
Program Planning
Students are encouraged to contact Christina Huck (612-728-5113) or Mary Louise Wise (612-728-5104) for program advising. We are glad to work with students throughout the semesters. Special times for drop-in advising for registration: July 17 through July 20 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Students with a change of address, phone number, or email address should contact the Program Coordinator, Lisa McBain (612-728-5106 or lmcbain@smumn.edu), to insure all information is relayed in an efficient manner.
Electives
PY students may take MFT topics courses as electives, but must take MFT610 as a prerequisite. These courses can count as PY general electives.
Practicum Deadlines and Procedures
A detailed outline of all practicum deadlines and procedures is available across from the Practicum Coordinator's office at the Twin Cities Campus, LaSalle Hall, Room 146. Important dates are as follows: Practicum Approval Forms (PAFs) are due on August 18, 2006 to allow for PY695/690 Fall 2006 registration. Summer 2006 PY696/691 (or 695/696 concurrent) students must complete Practicum hours by Tuesday, September 26, 2006 or register for PY692. The Practicum Search Workshop will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2006, 9:00am to 12:00pm.
October 8, 2006 Graduation
The signed advisor approval forms and four copies of the integration paper are due to Dr. Christina Huck by August 1, 2006. The Application for Graduation and Commencement is due to Student Services on or by August 18, 2006. All academic requirements must be completed on or by September 22, 2006.
January 21, 2007 Graduation
The signed advisor approval forms and four copies of the integration paper are due to Dr. Christina Huck by November 1, 2006. The Application for Graduation and Commencement is due to Student Services on or by December 1, 2006. All academic requirements must be completed by January 5, 2007.
June 2007 Graduation
The signed advisor approval forms and four copies of the integration paper are due to Dr. Christina Huck by April 1, 2007. The Application for Graduation and Commencement is due to Student Services on or by April 13, 2007. All academic requirements must be completed by May 18, 2007.
UPDATE ON THE LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Information and Question and Answer Session
with Nick Ruiz, Ph.D., L.P., L.P.C., Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy Member (BBHT)
Monday, July 10 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Disclaimer:
Dr. Ruiz wishes all students to know that he cannot speak for the board as a whole; however, he can share that information which has been made public. All decisions of the BBHT are made by the entire board at their scheduled meetings.
Highlights of the Meeting
Dr. Ruiz provided some historical background on the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy and on the Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota.
- He noted that the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy meets on a quarterly basis, and meetings are open to the public. Students would be welcome.
Since the LPC is new to Minnesota, third party reimbursement is still being worked out. This happens when a license is new to a state. LPCs are receiving some third party reimbursement. The professional organization is working toward additional reimbursement of LPCs. Currently, LPCs are not receiving Medical Assistance.
To receive Medical Assistance a profession’s name must be included in a state law listing mental health providers (the process of approving mental health provider status for profession is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)). Other mental health professions and consumer groups voiced concern about the lower level of supervised post degree supervision currently required of LPC’s (2000 hours). A second level of licensure was proposed to DHS, the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), which would require 4000 hours of post degree supervised experience additional coursework in the area of assessment and treatment in therapy.
It was noted that the above changes would bring LPCC licensure requirements to a level comparable or above current licensure requirements of other professions, with the exception of Psychology, which requires a doctoral degree for licensure. During this process, differences among the mental health professionals in hours and coursework for licensure were noted. To address this issue, the legislature passed a bill requiring the Department of Human Services and mental health licensing boards to evaluate requirements needed to receive medical assistance. The language of the law follows:
The Law
In the 2006 session, the legislature passed a bill, S.F. 367, which includes the requirement for a study of clinical standards. A copy of the bill is attached. The language is on lines 6.10-6.20. The provision states:
"The medical director for medical assistance and the assistant commissioner for chemical and mental health services of the Department of Human Services, in conjunction with the mental health licensing boards, shall evaluate the requirements for licensed mental health practitioners to receive medical assistance reimbursement under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivision 38. The purpose of this study is to evaluate qualifications of all licensed mental health practitioners and licensed mental health professionals and make recommendations regarding requirements for medical assistance reimbursement. This study is to be completed by January 15, 2007. Written results of the study are to be submitted to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over health related licensing boards."
- Thus, before January 15, 2007 we should know more about whether there will be a need for legislation proposing the LPCC licensure level.
- Students were encouraged to get involved in the process, e.g. going to board meetings, attending the professional association meetings, writing letters.
- It was noted that there are only three staff members at the Board of Behavioral Health, and one works with Drug and Alcohol Counselors.
- A list of approved supervisors is available from the board. (Christina will have the list.)
- Other specific questions were answered.
Reproduced information from meeting handout
Minnesota Board of
Behavioral Health and Therapy
2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Professional Counselor Licensure (LPC)*
Phone: 612-617-2178
Fax: 612-617-2187
E-mail: bbht.board@state.mn.us
Website: www.bbht.state.mn.us
Other Resources:
Minnesota Counseling Association
Lynette Sickler, MS, LPC, President: 320-308-4851
Website: www.mncounseling.org
American Counseling Association: www.counseling.org
National Board for Certified Counselors: www.nbcc.org
American Association of State Counseling Boards: www.aascb.org
*The Board also licenses alcohol and drug counselors.
