Associate Therapists: Who We Are, What We Do, & How It’s Good News for You
Ever been looking for a therapist and see someone listed as an “Associate Therapist”, “LPC- Associate”, “Pre-Licensed Therapist” or something of the sorts, and just scratched your head wondering “Hmmm, what’s that?”. It’s a slightly frightening thing to see right? Like… is this person…a therapist? Are they qualified? What does this exactly mean?
As an associate therapist now, I’ll be honest, prior to my education and training to become a therapist I had no idea what an LPC-Associate was, let alone they even existed! I think unless you’ve worked with one, are one, or have been one, it’s a concept that seems a little challenging to wrap your head around. Together we’ll take a look into what this credential means and how it can benefit you as a client in therapy.
So, LPC-Associate… What does that mean?
LPC-Associates are considered recently licensed therapists. After completion of earning a master’s degree and passing a national comprehensive exam, therapists are licensed by their state as an associate. With the status of associate tied to our licensure, we spend the first portion of our “therapist life” under the supervision of a more experienced therapist who has undergone extensive training to become a "supervisor". This supervision ensures that we are practicing ethically with the clients we encounter, and allows us to continue to learn through case consultations and training (Think of it like a residency to be a doctor). We are licensed trained professionals, just with some additional guidance to be the best for you!
As a client, how’s this ideal for me?
While all therapists are continually learning and educating themselves in their field of expertise and on new skill sets to bring into sessions, associate therapists have this information fresh due to the short window of time they’ve had since receiving their formal education and licensure. So for you as a client, this means you get all the new and innovative practices for bettering your mental health, along with a therapist with fresh eyes, and new perspectives for your care.
As mentioned, LPC-Associates undergo supervision for an established amount of time determined by their state (Yes, ALL therapists go through this process). This supervision means we work closely alongside and under the guidance of another therapist. As a client, you’re basically getting TWO therapists in one!
Now if this isn’t enough, then there’s one last thing I should mention. For many associate therapists, being credentialed with an insurance panel is unlikely due to various regulations (though few panels do accept us for services). Since we typically will resort to out of pocket rates for sessions, session rates tend to be less-expensive than fully licensed therapists. On the client side, this is great for you! You get cheaper sessions, which may help you see someone more frequently and consistently, while also getting all, if not more, of the benefits of therapy.
So in short, LPC-Associates are indeed therapists! We have the training and licensure to see clients, and we want to work with you! If you’re interested in working with an associate therapist, seek them out through the various therapist databases or your local offices.
Supervised by Shannon Lynch McFarlin, Ph.D., LPC-S, CSC
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