So You Wanna Be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint!
Ah, Georgia, the Peach State! Famous for its stone fruits, sweet tea, and... well, apparently a whole lot of counseling hours if you want to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Don't worry, my friend, I've been down this road (or should I say therapy couch?) and I'm here to spill the beans on the number of hours you'll need to rack up before you can officially hang your shingle.
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| How Many Hours For Lpc In Georgia |
The Great Internship Hours Heist
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First things first, let's talk about those internship hours. As part of your master's degree in counseling (because yes, a fancy degree is involved, duh!), you'll need to complete at least 300 hours of supervised practicum or internship. But hold on to your metaphorical cowboy hats, partner, because things got an upgrade in September 2018. Now, some programs require a whopping 600 hours. So, the moral of the story? Check with your specific program to see what their rodeo looks like.
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Post-Grad: The Hour Grind Continues
Alright, so you've survived grad school and your internship. Congratulations! Now comes the directed experience under supervision, which basically means working as a counselor and getting those sweet, sweet supervision hours. Here's where things get a little choose-your-own-adventure:
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- Option A: The Two-Year Hustle - If you're feeling ambitious (or maybe just have a serious case of wanderlust and need a job that pays the bills), you can opt for 2 years of supervised experience, which translates to 2,400 hours. Buckle up, because this is a long haul!
- Option B: The Three-Year Slog - Feeling a little less speedy Gonzales? No worries! You can take 3 years to get your 2,400 hours. Just remember, patience is a virtue, especially in the world of counseling.
Important Side Note: No matter which path you choose, you'll need to have at least 120 hours of those supervised by a qualified LPC. So, find yourself a good mentor, someone who can guide you through the intricacies of the counseling world and maybe even offer sage advice on navigating all those paperwork mountains.
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QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Phew! That Was a Lotta Hours
Yeah, it can definitely feel like you're logging enough hours to qualify for astronaut training. But hey, all those hours are there for a reason: to make sure you're well-equipped to handle the challenges and rewards of being a counselor.
FAQ: How to Become an LPC in Georgia - The Cliff Notes Version
Alright, alright, I know all that information can be a bit overwhelming. So, let's break it down with some quick FAQs:
- How many internship hours do I need? It depends on your program, but expect anywhere from 300 to 600 hours.
- How many supervised experience hours do I need? You'll need 2,400 hours total, spread out over 2 or 3 years.
- How much supervision do I need? At least 120 hours of your experience needs to be supervised by a qualified LPC.
- What else do I need to become an LPC? You'll need a master's degree, pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and apply for your license with the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors.
- Is there a shortcut? Nope, sorry! These hours are essential to ensure you're qualified to help others.
There you have it, folks! The not-so-secret secret on how many hours you'll need to become an LPC in Georgia. Now get out there, clock those hours, and remember, helping others is a pretty darn rewarding career path. Just be prepared to put in the groundwork (and maybe stock up on some comfy shoes, those therapy sessions can be long!).
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