CACREP and a Master's in Counseling Psych

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I have been talking lately to people I know in Master's of Counseling programs leading to licensure as an LPC. They have been going on and on about the importance of CACREP accreditation at programs that lead to LPC licensure. I am attending a Master's in Counseling Psychology (this is quite different than Master's of Counseling programs) program that leads to LPC licensure as well, and I know of several Master's of Clinical Psych programs that lead to LPC licensure. My program, like all other Master's in Clinical or Counseling Psychology programs, is not CACREP accredited because CACREP doesn't accredit Master's programs in clinical or counseling psychology. Does anyone have any insight as to whether this CACREP stuff is at all problematic for LPCs getting their degrees in Master's programs in clinical or counseling psych even though CACREP does not accredit these types of programs? Does anyone know why CACREP does not provide accreditation for Master's programs in clinical or counseling psychology? It seems pretty fishy to me.....

 

[G Costanza]

CACREP isn't likely going to accredit a program with psychology in the title because they want to distance themselves from APA. CACREP and ACA need to establish a seperate identity from APA. Even though much of the material may overlap, they would be shooting themselves in the foot by accrediting a psychology program.

The problem for you is that APA wont' recognize a psychology master's level program either. In my state, you can still apply for an LLPC with masters in psych but you need to take the required classes typical of a CACREP program. The application for licensure is also a little more difficult because you have to prove that the classes you took meet the state requirements, whereas if you graduate from a CACREP program, you just check a box on the app saying it's a CACREP program and you're done.

 

[Goobernut]

The problem is that every state has different requirements. In my home state, their regulations aren't as stringent compared to other states. The end result there is a LPC. So the majority of counseling programs (be they labeled psychology programs or counseling programs) are not CACREP certified. Yet, in the state I currently live in, you end up being called a LMHC and nearly all programs are CACREP certified because it is also a requirement of the state.

You cannot, despite what license you have, bill Tricare if you did not graduate from a CACREP program. The only other counseling degree/program that Tricare recognizes is one certified by CSWE which leads (hopefully) to a LCSW. So if I decide to pursue a master's in my home state, I will probably end up getting an MSW. I want to work with military and their families (and not just at the VA), so it's looking like the better option for me. Also, I read on this board, but have not yet verified myself, that to bill Medicare, you have to follow the same guidelines as for Tricare (which makes sense).

I'm sure there are decent programs that aren't CACREP accredited/certified, esp. in those states that don't have it as a minimum requirement. I think it's more about deciding what demographic you want to work with. If you don't mind so much not working with military spouses/families/vets then go where you feel you will get the best education for the demographic you do want to work with.

 

[DrPablo]

The problem is that every state has different requirements. In my home state, their regulations aren't as stringent compared to other states. The end result there is a LPC. So the majority of counseling programs (be they labeled psychology programs or counseling programs) are not CACREP certified. Yet, in the state I currently live in, you end up being called a LMHC and nearly all programs are CACREP certified because it is also a requirement of the state.

You cannot, despite what license you have, bill Tricare if you did not graduate from a CACREP program. The only other counseling degree/program that Tricare recognizes is one certified by CSWE which leads (hopefully) to a LCSW. So if I decide to pursue a master's in my home state, I will probably end up getting an MSW. I want to work with military and their families (and not just at the VA), so it's looking like the better option for me. Also, I read on this board, but have not yet verified myself, that to bill Medicare, you have to follow the same guidelines as for Tricare (which makes sense).

I'm sure there are decent programs that aren't CACREP accredited/certified, esp. in those states that don't have it as a minimum requirement. I think it's more about deciding what demographic you want to work with. If you don't mind so much not working with military spouses/families/vets then go where you feel you will get the best education for the demographic you do want to work with.

You may want to double check the Tricare information. I am a Tricare provider and I did not attend a CACREP certified program. Tricare recognizes my license to practice in my state (LMFT and LPC). However, I have been a Tricare provider for about 10 years and the requirements for new clinicians may have changed.

 

[Goobernut]

You may want to double check the Tricare information. I am a Tricare provider and I did not attend a CACREP certified program. Tricare recognizes my license to practice in my state (LMFT and LPC). However, I have been a Tricare provider for about 10 years and the requirements for new clinicians may have changed.

I should have clarified, its for new providers, but they state it will be effective for all providers eventually. I'll add the link here

http://www.triwest.com/en/provider/...al-health-counselor-eligibility-requirements/

This is specifically the Tri-west area, and I know that certain regions of the country have different overseers (is that the correct term?) or administrators. However, at the top of the page it states that the new regulation comes directly from Tricare Management Activity.


Here is the text from the website:

Additionally, TMA [Tricare Management Activity] increased the educational and licensure requirements for mental health counselors. These requirements must be met by December 31, 2014 or the mental health counselor will not be reimbursed for care rendered to TRICARE patients.
Among the new requirements are:
Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE)
Possessing a master's or higher-level degree from a mental health counseling program of education and training accredited for mental health or clinical mental health counseling by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
Having a minimum of two years of post-master's degree supervised mental health counseling practice that includes a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision
For more information, refer to TRICARE Policy Manual, Chapter 11, Section 3.10, at http://manuals.tricare.osd.mil/.

edit**** I went to read the original tricare document and it also states:
2. Has met the requirements identified in paragraph II.A.2.a. or b., plus c. at any point
prior to January 1, 2015.
a. Possesses a master's or higher-level degree from a mental health counseling
program of education and training accredited for Mental Health Counseling or
Clinical Mental Health Counseling by CACREP and has passed the National
Counselor Examination (NCE); orb. Possesses a master's or higher-level degree from a mental health counseling
program of education and training accredited for Mental Health Counseling or
Clinical Mental Health Counseling by CACREP or from an educational institution
accredited by a Regional Accrediting Organization recognized by the Council
for Higher Education Accreditation and has passed the NCMHCE; and
c. Has a minimum of two years of post-master's degree supervised mental health
counseling practice that includes a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical
practice and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. This supervision must be
provided by a mental health counselor(s) who is licensed for independent
practice in mental health counseling in the jurisdiction where practicing and must
be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines for supervision of
the AMHCA.

SOOOOOOOO those who have (OR) of the two requirements prior to 2015 will still be able to bill Tricare, but unfortunately not those of us who will not graduate or finish our hours before 2015. I still haven't finished reading, but the website links to the text of the letter. Also, I haven't read as far as why Triwest mentions 2016, but I'll let current providers work that out for themselves heh.