Therapist Licensure in Illinois (Chicago, Wheaton: insurance, employment, transfer)

[phxgirl1009]

Hello, I have googled this several times and found limited information for what I'm looked for, so I am hoping someone familiar with the mental health field can help me!

I live in Arizona and am employed as a mental health therapist...my husband and I may be moving to Chicago soon. This is my question - what are the requirements for becoming an LPC or LCPC in Illinois? Also, any names of counseling agencies in the Chicago area would be helpful, when I get ready to begin looking for a therapist job...thanks so much in advance for any info or helpful links!

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friend:

In reality, I don't have an answer for you. However, as a general rule, Illinois is quite 'tough' regarding a re-license for existing license individuals migrating into Illinois.
So here are a few very generalized comments. It is my guess that since you are highly specialized in your field - - that you would not have any problem obtaining employment in Illinois. That's providing you are re - licensed in Illinois.
As an example that is not exactly your situation. One of our neighbors in our town of Wheaton, IL - - moved from California. In California, she had at least a master's degree in education. And she also had a California teacher's license. Hoping that she might be able to 'Grandfather' those accomplishments, she tried the circuit of a non - recertification in Illinois. However, the state of Illinois made her basically start over with some of her Master's Degree education and Illinois re-certification.
So my point, here, is that Illinois is very tough in its requirements.
Perhaps this gets the ball rolling for other people to make comments.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[jessiegirl_98]

I'm actually not sure of this either, but there are a ton of hospitals that are always looking for LCPC or even masters levels therapists. Mt. Sinai Hospital, Cook County, Illinois Masonic, Pediatric Developmental Center.....

[phxgirl1009]

Thank you so much, both of you! Anyone else with thoughts, please feel free to respond. Thanks again!!

[DocFeetz]

I'm an LCPC in Illinois. The requirements:
1. Master's degree from a psychology or counseling program that meets CACREP standards, otherwise you have to show that you've had all the required course areas.
2. Two years of post master's experience supervised by a licensed professional (psychologist, LCPC, or LCSW, they're not too territorial!)
3. Take the test (It's the National Board of Certified Counselors' Clinical Mental Health Counselor exam, so if you've taken that, it may transfer).
4. Continuing Ed to the tune of (I think) 30 hours in two years. They just added a requirement for 18 hours of that to be in supervision training (how to supervise counselors).

I don't know about transferring and reciprocity, but I hear they're not as bad as some states (like Indiana).

More at:
State of Illinois - Professional Counselor
Good luck! There are a lot of places to look for work - private practices, hospitals, community mental health agencies, freestanding psychiatric facilities

[jessiegirl_98]

Also, you should repost this in the Chicago forum if you are moving to Chicago. Check with any residential treatment centers and large hospitals for employment.

[mariadelmar]

Hello,
I just finished my MS in Clinical Psychology, and relocated to Chicago. I've been conducting an extensive job hunt. Illinois Licensure is confusing me!!!

I have the requirements for the LPC or LCPC minus the work hours. What is the difference between the two in terms of marketability, and remuneration?

I appreciate any words of wisdom...

Thanks,
Maria

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by mariadelmar

Hello,
I just finished my MS in Clinical Psychology, and relocated to Chicago. I've been conducting an extensive job hunt. Illinois Licensure is confusing me!!!

I have the requirements for the LPC or LCPC minus the work hours. What is the difference between the two in terms of marketability, and remuneration?

I appreciate any words of wisdom...

Thanks,
Maria

My understanding ist hat LPS is slightly below LCPC and many job require LCPC

[Bought.with.a.price]

Originally Posted by mariadelmar

Hello,
I just finished my MS in Clinical Psychology, and relocated to Chicago. I've been conducting an extensive job hunt. Illinois Licensure is confusing me!!!

I have the requirements for the LPC or LCPC minus the work hours. What is the difference between the two in terms of marketability, and remuneration?

I appreciate any words of wisdom...

Thanks,
Maria

I live in Illinois, have a Masters Degree in Human Development Counseling (specialized in Community Counseling) and am licenced as a professional counselor (LPC). You can work as an employee for an agency/company with the LPC, but insurance may not reimburse for your services until you have completed your clinical licensure (LCPC). When you complete the LCPC, you may work for an agency or be self-employed as a counselor, but without the clinical licensure (as 'only' an LPC) you can not be self-employed. Some places will hire you with 'only' the LPC, but they usually prefer LCPC. You might try to get a job with an agency that will provide your supervision without charge as part of the perks of the job. The going rate for supervision in central IL is $75 hour and an hour of weekly supervision for a minimum of two years is required to sit for the exam. There are some people will do group supervision and split the $75 per hour. Anything else I can share with you? God bless you.

[MsHeavens]

To phxgirl1009, here are a couple of helpful websites to explore to find the answer to your questions. Licensure Exam and FAQ: Career Services: Training and Service: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and IMHCA: Licensure. I hope this helps.