LPC Associates are highly trained post-graduate counselors. They have already completed two years of a rigorous masters degree program, in which they had to complete 700 hours of counseling experience (on average) before graduation. During this time, they received training on various counseling techniques, assessments, and diagnostic skills. After graduation, they then go on to complete their national licensing exam, which allows them to receive their LPC Associate license from the state. This is when the period of clinical supervision begins. During the clinical supervision period, LPC Associates complete an additional 3,000 hours of counseling work over a minimum of 18 months (much like a doctor going through residency) before receiving their unsupervised LPC license. Throughout these 3,000 hours, they are supervised either on or off site by a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor who has had a minimum of five-years post license experience and has also taken another rigorous 40-hour course in order to be certified to supervise. The LPC Associate you see may discuss your case confidentially with their supervisor. When you are receiving treatment from an LPC Associate you receive the benefit of not just your clinician’s knowledge, experience, and expertise, but also the knowledge, experience, and expertise of the Associate’s supervisor as well, all at a reduced cost to you!