What are LPC's?

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Licensed Professional Counselors are one of seven mental health professionals licensed to practice psychotherapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  They are a diverse group of professionals committed to providing quality counseling and mental health services.

LPCs are regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Health Professions. Each must have a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field, including 60 graduate semester hours in 9 core content areas.  They must also have 2 years of supervised clinical work experience totaling 4,000 hours and 200 hours of face-to-face supervision.  All LPCs must also have passed a state written examination.

LPCs assess and treat a wide variety of problems, ranging from mild to severe, utilizing a broad range of tools and techniques. Length of care depends upon required needs.  LPCs deal with anxiety, depression, problematic relationships, personality disorders, child/adolescent disorders, stress, esteem issues, addictions, marriage and family issues, and other mental health problems interfering with normal adjustment and functioning. LPCs practice throughout Virginia in different work settings including private practice, mental health centers, hospitals, churches, and businesses. Some specialize in addiction treatment, psychological assessment, and career/life planning.

WHEN CAN A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR BE HELPFUL?

handEven the most competent person sometimes needs help when life experiences become complicated and seem overwhelming. Therapy with a skilled LPC can help people during stressful times, as well as with long-term concerns.  This process begins with the establishment of a caring, trusting relationship between counselor and client.  A plan of action is developed mutually to guide the course of treatment.

About fees: Many private healthcare insurers and managed care plans cover services provided by LPCS.  Coverage differs according to the terms of each plan. State law requires that insurance companies licensed in Virginia reimburse LPCs for services they are qualified to provide.  Some self-insured companies, out of state companies ancf some federal programs may not reimburse LPCS.  Fees for treatment by LPCs are generally comparable to those of other mental healthcare providers in your area. Nearly 75% of clients seen bv LPCs are treated in twenty sessions or less.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIALIZED SERVICES OFFERED BY LPCs?

ASSESSMENT: LPCs evaluate, test, and diagnose clients using a variety of psychological tools and techniques.  Assessment allows individuals and families to plan for an appropriate level of care.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE: Many LPCs work with business and industry to help troubled employees and their families by providing brief counseling or referrals. EAP programs often make the difference to keep production high and families intact.

REHABILITATION: Some LPCs help clients achieve mental and emotional adjustment during an illness, accident, or disability.  Other LPCs facilitate a return to work, help find new professions, or help clients cope with life changes.

CAREER/LIFE PLANNING: LPCs assist individuals in assessing vocational interests, abilities, and goals. They also provide counseling for career and life planning decisions.

CONSULTATION: Many businesses face unique problems that require creative solutions.  Some LPCs specialize in providing stress management training, as well as the communication, problem-solving and team building skills employers and employees need to function efficiently and effectively.

More About LPC's

HOW DO LPCs WORK?

INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY helps alleviate or modify distressing thoughts, feelings or behaviors. ft is helpful in changing ineffective ways of coping with stressful situations which interfere with family living.  The helping relationship promotes more positive personality growth and development.

FAMILY COUNSELING helps a family work together more effectively, and supports its positive growth and development. A troubled member is treated by focusing on past and current relationships, as well as communication and behavior patterns, to develop a more satisfactory way of living for the family as a whole.

GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY uses a group process to help individual members identify and resolve troublesome ways of communicating, relating or behaving. The group provides support, direction, and feedback to help members develop and practice better understanding and problem solving methods.

COUPLES COUNSELING helps partners explore and discuss concerns to develop a more satisfying relationship.  The focus may be on improving communication, problem-solving, roles, responsibilities, and ways to achieve greater intimacy.

CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPY enables children to deal more effectively with stress and helps them feel more confident and self-assured. Individual, family, or play therapies are used to address adjustment or behavioral difficulties.

FINDING LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

LPCs are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Counselor", "Alcoholism", "Employee Assistance", "Mental Health", and "Marriage, Family, Child & Individual Counselors."

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