Licensure Woes

[iliketohelppeople]

I have been trying to get licensed in my state for several months now. I sent in the application back in August (by mail), my check was cashed in early September. In August, I sent over my EPPP scores, transcripts. My supervisor submitted a form in August and another one in December of this year that is required by the state. At the time, I was told 6 weeks from cashing the check to processing the application.

So far, they have only updated my application as being received (the application form itself and the transcripts), which they did in December. Around this time, I got an authorization to take the EPPP (which I already passed).

I contacted them in late November to ask what was going on with my application, and a worker confirmed receipt of my EPPP scores, and also stated that there were additional considerations for post-docs and internships that were completed out of state. She was quite vague about the requirements (and they cannot be found in State Law or administrative documents relating to the board), and she stated she would send me an email with the information that was required for this particular case. I never did receive that email, or confirmation that my EPPP scores had been received.

Since that time, I have emailed the board on at least three occasions (an autoreply guarantees a response within 3 business days), left at least three voicemails with the psychology team, left at least two voicemail with the supervisor, all inquiring about what specific additional information is required and to confirm they have my EPPP scores. I have spoken with several individuals at the call center that have told me they personally reached out to the psychology team and to expect a response soon. I have spent around 16 hours on hold, trying to follow up, emailing, etc. To date, I have not received any communication from the psychology board in over a month. Furthermore, at this point, all of my documents should have been reviewed and updated even given their most generous processing times.

Thankfully, I have a job that doesn't require clinical licensure, but I would like to get it soon and get this off my plate. However, it seems like there are some major issues with the board. I get that they are backed up and have other things going on, but I have had multiple people assure me that they would get back to me, and then never do. I have been taking detailed notes of my discussions and reach out attempts to the board throughout this process.

There is no ombudsperson at the state agency to complain to (at least, that is what I have been told on the phone). I am thinking my best course of action is to reach out to my state representative and senator, and see if their constituency services can help. Does that sound like a solid plan?

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[WisNeuro]

I have been trying to get licensed in my state for several months now. I sent in the application back in August (by mail), my check was cashed in early September. In August, I sent over my EPPP scores, transcripts. My supervisor submitted a form in August and another one in December of this year that is required by the state. At the time, I was told 6 weeks from cashing the check to processing the application.

So far, they have only updated my application as being received (the application form itself and the transcripts), which they did in December. Around this time, I got an authorisation to take the EPPP (which I already passed).

I contacted them in late November to ask what was going on with my application, and a worker confirmed receipt of my EPPP scores, and also stated that there were additional considerations for post-docs and internships that were completed out of state. She was quite vague about the requirements (and they cannot be found in State Law or administrative documents relating to the board), and she stated she would send me an email with the information that was required for this particular case. I never did receive that email, or confirmation that my EPPP scores had been received.

Since that time, I have emailed the board on at least three occasions (an autoreply garuntees a response within 3 business days), left at least three voicemails with the psychology team, left at least two voicemail with the supervisor, all enquiring about what specific additional information is required and to confirm they have my EPPP scores. I have spoken with several individuals at the call center that have told me they personally reached out to the psychology team and to expect a response soon. I have spent around 16 hours on hold, trying to follow up, emailling, etc. To date, I have not received any communication from the psychology board in over a month. Furthermore, at this point, all of my documents should have been reviewed and updated even given their most generous processing times.

Thankfully, I have a job that doesn't require clinical licensure, but I would like to get it soon and get this off my plate. However, it seems like there are some major issues with the board. I get that they are backed up and have other things going on, but I have had multiple people assure me that they would get back to me, and then never do.

There is no ombudsperson at the state agency to complain to (at least, that is what I have been told on the phone). I am thinking my best course of action is to reach out to my state representative and senator, and see if there constituency services can help. Does that sound like a solid plan?

Sounds like a board I am familiar with that I've interacted with in the past. Though, many boards are generally terrible. Your state reps are mostly not going to do much unless they hear from a group of people, individual problems don't really move the needle unless you know them personally. Your better bet is to probably contact the state psych association. If other people are having similar issues, they can apply some pressure. We did something similar years ago here and got a major change from the board.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I have been trying to get licensed in my state for several months now. I sent in the application back in August (by mail), my check was cashed in early September. In August, I sent over my EPPP scores, transcripts. My supervisor submitted a form in August and another one in December of this year that is required by the state. At the time, I was told 6 weeks from cashing the check to processing the application.

So far, they have only updated my application as being received (the application form itself and the transcripts), which they did in December. Around this time, I got an authorization to take the EPPP (which I already passed).

I contacted them in late November to ask what was going on with my application, and a worker confirmed receipt of my EPPP scores, and also stated that there were additional considerations for post-docs and internships that were completed out of state. She was quite vague about the requirements (and they cannot be found in State Law or administrative documents relating to the board), and she stated she would send me an email with the information that was required for this particular case. I never did receive that email, or confirmation that my EPPP scores had been received.

Since that time, I have emailed the board on at least three occasions (an autoreply guarantees a response within 3 business days), left at least three voicemails with the psychology team, left at least two voicemail with the supervisor, all inquiring about what specific additional information is required and to confirm they have my EPPP scores. I have spoken with several individuals at the call center that have told me they personally reached out to the psychology team and to expect a response soon. I have spent around 16 hours on hold, trying to follow up, emailing, etc. To date, I have not received any communication from the psychology board in over a month. Furthermore, at this point, all of my documents should have been reviewed and updated even given their most generous processing times.

Thankfully, I have a job that doesn't require clinical licensure, but I would like to get it soon and get this off my plate. However, it seems like there are some major issues with the board. I get that they are backed up and have other things going on, but I have had multiple people assure me that they would get back to me, and then never do. I have been taking detailed notes of my discussions and reach out attempts to the board throughout this process.

There is no ombudsperson at the state agency to complain to (at least, that is what I have been told on the phone). I am thinking my best course of action is to reach out to my state representative and senator, and see if their constituency services can help. Does that sound like a solid plan?

I agree with @WisNeuro , check in with the state psych association first. Your timing of applying unfortunately overlapped a bit with holidays, in some places a first attempt at in person school, omicron, etc. I imagine staffing is even worse than usual.

 

[Sanman]

I'm sorry for your troubles. I had a similar issue when first getting one of my licenses. It took months and numerous phone calls to the board office until a nice woman took pity on me and double checked my file to see that it was complete (everything was received) but had been marked as incomplete. At that time, much like many places now, they were short staffed and there was not much to be done other than being patient and repeatedly bothering the correct people. Good luck.

 

[iliketohelppeople]

Sounds like a board I am familiar with that I've interacted with in the past. Though, many boards are generally terrible. Your state reps are mostly not going to do much unless they hear from a group of people, individual problems don't really move the needle unless you know them personally. Your better bet is to probably contact the state psych association. If other people are having similar issues, they can apply some pressure. We did something similar years ago here and got a major change from the board.

Yeah, judging from what I have seen from you, I think so. Good advice about the state psych association. I will try them. I probably at some point will reach out to my state reps, because I like to get to comment, but also because they are on the mental health committee and may be interested to know that this state has a poor system. I started licensure in another state so I could take the EPPP, and that state was much more efficient/responsive.

I agree with @WisNeuro , check in with the state psych association first. Your timing of applying unfortunately overlapped a bit with holidays, in some places a first attempt at in person school, omicron, etc. I imagine staffing is even worse than usual.

Yes, I definitely believe so! I always try to keep these things in mind when I call them, and know it really isn't their fault (well, the not returning messages is, but the system isn't).

I'm sorry for your troubles. I had a similar issue when first getting one of my licenses. It took months and numerous phone calls to the board office until a nice woman took pity on me and double checked my file to see that it was complete (everything was received) but had been marked as incomplete. At that time, much like many places now, they were short staffed and there was not much to be done other than being patient and repeatedly bothering the correct people. Good luck.

I think that is what happened with my partner when applying for licensure. However, this has not happened to me yet. It just stinks because I believe they will need more information from my supervisors, but I don't know what the information is that they need. Once I find out and submit it, who knows how long it will be before I am licensed. There is some solace though in knowing I am not alone. It is extra hard, because after that November call, they changed their phone tree, and I have not been able to speak to a psych person since then.

 

[MiniLop]

I have been trying to get licensed in my state for several months now. I sent in the application back in August (by mail), my check was cashed in early September. In August, I sent over my EPPP scores, transcripts. My supervisor submitted a form in August and another one in December of this year that is required by the state. At the time, I was told 6 weeks from cashing the check to processing the application.

So far, they have only updated my application as being received (the application form itself and the transcripts), which they did in December. Around this time, I got an authorization to take the EPPP (which I already passed).

I contacted them in late November to ask what was going on with my application, and a worker confirmed receipt of my EPPP scores, and also stated that there were additional considerations for post-docs and internships that were completed out of state. She was quite vague about the requirements (and they cannot be found in State Law or administrative documents relating to the board), and she stated she would send me an email with the information that was required for this particular case. I never did receive that email, or confirmation that my EPPP scores had been received.

Since that time, I have emailed the board on at least three occasions (an autoreply guarantees a response within 3 business days), left at least three voicemails with the psychology team, left at least two voicemail with the supervisor, all inquiring about what specific additional information is required and to confirm they have my EPPP scores. I have spoken with several individuals at the call center that have told me they personally reached out to the psychology team and to expect a response soon. I have spent around 16 hours on hold, trying to follow up, emailing, etc. To date, I have not received any communication from the psychology board in over a month. Furthermore, at this point, all of my documents should have been reviewed and updated even given their most generous processing times.

Thankfully, I have a job that doesn't require clinical licensure, but I would like to get it soon and get this off my plate. However, it seems like there are some major issues with the board. I get that they are backed up and have other things going on, but I have had multiple people assure me that they would get back to me, and then never do. I have been taking detailed notes of my discussions and reach out attempts to the board throughout this process.

There is no ombudsperson at the state agency to complain to (at least, that is what I have been told on the phone). I am thinking my best course of action is to reach out to my state representative and senator, and see if their constituency services can help. Does that sound like a solid plan?

Oh god, is this New Jersey? It sounds like New Jersey

 

[iliketohelppeople]

Oh god, is this New Jersey? It sounds like New Jersey

Haha. Not New Jersey, but midwest. I guess it is good to know this isn't an uncommon experience.

I will follow up with the State Psych Association soon and let you know how it goes. Please, everyone, cross your fingers for me!

 

[cara susanna]

Haha. Not New Jersey, but midwest. I guess it is good to know this isn't an uncommon experience.

I will follow up with the State Psych Association soon and let you know how it goes. Please, everyone, cross your fingers for me!

I'm guessing that we're in the same Midwestern state. I've dealt with licensure boards in three states and this state most recently. I could not get over how bad this particular state one was. I was constantly frustrated. I tried to apply as an out of state licensed person, but after weeks and many calls I found out I needed to apply as a new examinee because my previous state's requirements didn't meet the new state's (which is hilarious, because my previous state is known for being more rigorous). It took a long time to get those forms to verify internship and post doc etc. Then, after I passed the state exam, I heard NOTHING for weeks. Then suddenly I just got this email giving me the link to print out my license. It was very anticlimactic.

 

[WisNeuro]

I'm guessing that we're in the same Midwestern state. I've dealt with licensure boards in three states and this state most recently. I could not get over how bad this particular state one was. I was constantly frustrated.

Yeah, your board is by far the worst that I've had to deal with. And, that's not a new thing, my supervisors way back in prac used to complain about it all the time as well.

 

[cara susanna]

Yeah, your board is by far the worst that I've had to deal with. And, that's not a new thing, my supervisors way back in prac used to complain about it all the time as well.

I find that so sad! I thought maybe it was because of COVID but I guess not. Even just reaching an actual person is extremely difficult.

 

[allantois]

I am not a psychologist but I have had success with contacting a state representative to expedite licensure process

 

[futureapppsy2]

Massachusetts is also terrible to deal with, in my colleagues' experience. The only Board I've heard explicitly good things about is Hawaii, FWIW.

 

[WisNeuro]

Massachusetts is also terrible to deal with, in my colleagues' experience. The only Board I've heard explicitly good things about is Hawaii, FWIW.

Kansas is popular with the VA crowd for ease and cheapness as you can be licensed anywhere to work in the VA.

 

[thebalmofhurtminds]

I only used Colorado to take the EPPP, but I loved it, all online and incredibly quick.

 

[summerbabe]

I only used Colorado to take the EPPP, but I loved it, all online and incredibly quick.

Only ever been licensed in Colorado and have always gotten email responses within 24-48 hours. Plus the renewal process is also a total breeze and fees seem on the lower end.

 

[ccpsych16]

Kansas is popular with the VA crowd for ease and cheapness as you can be licensed anywhere to work in the VA.

Only ever been licensed in Colorado and have always gotten email responses within 24-48 hours. Plus the renewal process is also a total breeze and fees seem on the lower end.

How does this work for post-doc supervision? For unlicensed professionals, is it required to start the licensure process in the state you’re accruing hours in if you work in the VA/other federal sites? I hear people mention applying in random states they’ll likely never live in, but everyone I’ve spoken to had a provisional license application in the state they resided in as well. Some never completed the follow-up forms for one of them, though, especially if there was a second hefty fee.

In the state I’m moving to for a staff position, they seem to be incredibly slow and backed up several months (first hand accounts from staff there). It would be nice to apply to a state with a more efficient process.

 

[WisNeuro]

How does this work for post-doc supervision? For unlicensed professionals, is it required to start the licensure process in the state you’re accruing hours in if you work in the VA/other federal sites? I hear people mention applying in random states they’ll likely never live in, but everyone I’ve spoken to had a provisional license application in the state they resided in as well. Some never completed the follow-up forms for one of them, though, especially if there was a second hefty fee.

In the state I’m moving to for a staff position, they seem to be incredibly slow and backed up several months (first hand accounts from staff there). It would be nice to apply to a state with a more efficient process.

No, you don't have to be provisional in your accruing state. I never planned to stay where I did postdoc, and never interacted with the board there. Obviously look at your state regulations, but, some of those regulations are not in effect at federal sites.

 

[summerbabe]

How does this work for post-doc supervision? For unlicensed professionals, is it required to start the licensure process in the state you’re accruing hours in if you work in the VA/other federal sites? I hear people mention applying in random states they’ll likely never live in, but everyone I’ve spoken to had a provisional license application in the state they resided in as well. Some never completed the follow-up forms for one of them, though, especially if there was a second hefty fee.

In the state I’m moving to for a staff position, they seem to be incredibly slow and backed up several months (first hand accounts from staff there). It would be nice to apply to a state with a more efficient process.

I completed a VA postdoc in a different state than Colorado (where I got licensed) and then moved to a VA position in another state all together and didn't run into any problems.

If you did a formal VA postdoc and accrued the minimum 2080 or whatever hours that are standard, Colorado just needed a single form signed by your postdoc TD verifying those hours (plus passing the EPPP, doing a short online jurisprudence test, and completing their app).

The only drawback is that you wouldn't be able to do any independent practice in the state where you're moving but it's been a great setup for me.

 

[ccpsych16]

I completed a VA postdoc in a different state than Colorado (where I got licensed) and then moved to a VA position in another state all together and didn't run into any problems.

If you did a formal VA postdoc and accrued the minimum 2080 or whatever hours that are standard, Colorado just needed a single form signed by your postdoc TD verifying those hours (plus passing the EPPP, doing a short online jurisprudence test, and completing their app).

The only drawback is that you wouldn't be able to do any independent practice in the state where you're moving but it's been a great setup for me.

Thanks! I have some questions about Colorado licensure I’d like to PM you about if that’s OK.

 

[ClinicalABA]

Initial license was long enough ago for the experience to probably not be representative of current practices. That was in MA, and the process seems to work as advertised in a relatively timely manner. Got second license in CT about 4 years ago, and there were significant delays throughout the process- months between submitting app and getting approved for jurisprudence; even more months between approval and test scheduling. Took many calls (actually probaably not that many, but a lot of time spent on hold) to get things moving. My impression was that is was not an issue with the Psych Board, per se. They meet when they meet and run through the apps as they have them. Seemed more to do with the systems involved in routing the materials to the correct board (e.g., the folks who go over the checklists to see if you have submitted everything in the proper numbers, formats, and dollar amounts. On two occasions when I called to see what the hold-up was, they pulled my materials during the call, said that everything was in place, and forwarded my info on to the next step (board?) where it was quickly processed. It really seemed like the practice (if not the policy!) was to wait until somebody calls to ask about what's taking so long before you actually do anything with their materials. Oh yeah- and also seemed to be policy to complain about that "other girl who works Tuesdays and doesn't know what she's doing"!

 

[iliketohelppeople]

Contacted State Association. They said I was one of many callers, including a few that week alone about these issues. So other folks are having issues too.

They recommended I reach out to my state legislators, file a complaint with the board, and continue to contact the board.

 

[counselor2b]

Contacted State Association. They said I was one of many callers, including a few that week alone about these issues. So other folks are having issues too.

They recommended I reach out to my state legislators, file a complaint with the board, and continue to contact the board.

I had been waiting on my license to go thorough for 8 months (LPC). I left numerous messages and emails for the licensing department and never received a return call or email. I messaged my state legislator and my license went through the following day.

 

[iliketohelppeople]

Just updating you all: still no license or response from anyone. My state legislators have done some looking into things, but really haven't gotten anywhere either.

At this point, I am just a bit frustrated - but I guess I have to turn that into some productivity.

 

[WisNeuro]

Just updating you all: still no license or response from anyone. My state legislators have done some looking into things, but really haven't gotten anywhere either.

At this point, I am just a bit frustrated - but I guess I have to turn that into some productivity.

I just got mine here last week, so May 2021 started the process, license conferred February 2022. And that was with the "expedited" ABPP license process.

 

[cara susanna]

Just updating you all: still no license or response from anyone. My state legislators have done some looking into things, but really haven't gotten anywhere either.

At this point, I am just a bit frustrated - but I guess I have to turn that into some productivity.

I remember how frustrated I was dealing with that licensure process. The hilarious thing is how anticlimactically it ended. After passing the state exam, I went weeks upon weeks without hearing anything and then one day I just got this email saying I was licensed. Okay then.

 

[iliketohelppeople]

I remember how frustrated I was dealing with that licensure process. The hilarious thing is how anticlimactically it ended. After passing the state exam, I went weeks upon weeks without hearing anything and then one day I just got this email saying I was licensed. Okay then.

Hahaha! It will be great...eventually! Thanks for the support, y'all!

 

[livinwell]

California is pretty bad as well.

The process is basically 2-3 months between each step, approval for EPPP exam, to approval for CPLEE (Ethics) exam, to getting your number then finally getting your certificate.

*sigh*

Board is citing short staff.

I did see an article: Nurses are frustrated by months-long delays to get licensed in some states

about nurses that have long waits as well.

Just waiting for that email is rough. Hopefully, you have a job right now.

 

[iliketohelppeople]

Reporting back. I am finally licensed after ~ a year. I contacted my state rep, and they were relatively helpful in the process.

Unfortunately, the day before I was supposed to be approved by the board, the board of psychology updated their processing rules because PSYPACT was passed in my state. While I value PSYPACT, the legislation as it was written required the board to need fingerprinting/background checks. I now needed a background check and fingerprinting. After the fingerprinting placed cancelled on me twice, it took about another month or so for folks at the board to get the results and process them.

Really was a terrible process. As Cara mentioned, it was quite anticlimatic. I got an email late in the day and it was just done. Now I am figuring out what I hope to do - maybe build a small cash pay pp (~afternoon per week) or something. Just wanted to update everyone and thank everyone for the advice/support!

 

[bluecolourskies]

Reporting back. I am finally licensed after ~ a year. I contacted my state rep, and they were relatively helpful in the process.

Unfortunately, the day before I was supposed to be approved by the board, the board of psychology updated their processing rules because PSYPACT was passed in my state. While I value PSYPACT, the legislation as it was written required the board to need fingerprinting/background checks. I now needed a background check and fingerprinting. After the fingerprinting placed cancelled on me twice, it took about another month or so for folks at the board to get the results and process them.

Really was a terrible process. As Cara mentioned, it was quite anticlimatic. I got an email late in the day and it was just done. Now I am figuring out what I hope to do - maybe build a small cash pay pp (~afternoon per week) or something. Just wanted to update everyone and thank everyone for the advice/support!

Jeeze louise! What a process. We really need a better system.

 

[WisNeuro]

Jeeze louise! What a process. We really need a better system.

Well, theoretically, PSYPACT is part of that evolved system, but it will take some growing pains as states adopt it and adapt their processes.

 

[borne_before]

Reporting back. I am finally licensed after ~ a year. I contacted my state rep, and they were relatively helpful in the process.

Unfortunately, the day before I was supposed to be approved by the board, the board of psychology updated their processing rules because PSYPACT was passed in my state. While I value PSYPACT, the legislation as it was written required the board to need fingerprinting/background checks. I now needed a background check and fingerprinting. After the fingerprinting placed cancelled on me twice, it took about another month or so for folks at the board to get the results and process them.

Really was a terrible process. As Cara mentioned, it was quite anticlimatic. I got an email late in the day and it was just done. Now I am figuring out what I hope to do - maybe build a small cash pay pp (~afternoon per week) or something. Just wanted to update everyone and thank everyone for the advice/support!

Congrats! Please celebrate somehow. Getting licensed is a huge deal and the culmination of all your hard work. For real, appreciate this moment. Even though it should have happened sooner.

Now you just have to worry about keeping track of CEs. I suggest a cloud based folder for that.

 

[medium rare]

Agreed with the above. Psychology really needs to improve its licensure process in most states. My state finally started online licensing/renewal 2 years ago and it was a mess. Better now but still not good. In contrast, getting my nursing license and APRN state certification was a breeze. Nursing licensure renewal has been very efficient and takes minimal time.

 

[deleted1129370]

I JUST got licensed in Texas as of Friday. They took 6 weeks to grant it. I swear, getting licensed in Ohio was so much easier. The Texas board could stand to learn better customer service practices.

 

[borne_before]

I JUST got licensed in Texas as of Friday. They took 6 weeks to grant it. I swear, getting licensed in Ohio was so much easier. The Texas board could stand to learn better customer service practices.

Texas gov’ment as a whole has a big FU vibe. It’s funny because some of nicest and most helpful strangers I’ve ever met are Texans.

 

[deleted1129370]

Texas gov’ment as a whole has a big FU vibe. It’s funny because some of nicest and most helpful strangers I’ve ever met are Texans.

I'm a Texan, born and raised. 🙂

 

[Locrytham]

Massachusetts is also terrible to deal with, in my colleagues' experience. The only Board I've heard explicitly good things about is Hawaii, FWIW.

When I was getting licensed in MA back in 2016, one of my supervisors at my first job said the inside scoop was that the president of the BoP was refusing to retire, but only willing to work 2 hours 2 days per week, thus the licensure approvals were taking a particularly long time because the president only had so much time to attend their licensure review meetings. My application process was frustrating enough (because my postdoc hours were erroneously notarized on the internship hours form, I had to arrange from MA for a mobile notary to go to my postdoc training director in CA not once but twice). When I heard about the BoP president situation, I was absolutely livid!

Hopefully by now this individual--if that rumor even was true in the first place--has stepped aside, or at least stepped up how often they were willing to work.

 

[PikminOC]

When I was getting licensed in MA back in 2016, one of my supervisors at my first job said the inside scoop was that the president of the BoP was refusing to retire, but only willing to work 2 hours 2 days per week, thus the licensure approvals were taking a particularly long time because the president only had so much time to attend their licensure review meetings. My application process was frustrating enough (because my postdoc hours were erroneously notarized on the internship hours form, I had to arrange from MA for a mobile notary to go to my postdoc training director in CA not once but twice). When I heard about the BoP president situation, I was absolutely livid!

Hopefully by now this individual--if that rumor even was true in the first place--has stepped aside, or at least stepped up how often they were willing to work.

Not surprised

 

[WisNeuro]

When I was getting licensed in MA back in 2016, one of my supervisors at my first job said the inside scoop was that the president of the BoP was refusing to retire, but only willing to work 2 hours 2 days per week, thus the licensure approvals were taking a particularly long time because the president only had so much time to attend their licensure review meetings. My application process was frustrating enough (because my postdoc hours were erroneously notarized on the internship hours form, I had to arrange from MA for a mobile notary to go to my postdoc training director in CA not once but twice). When I heard about the BoP president situation, I was absolutely livid!

Hopefully by now this individual--if that rumor even was true in the first place--has stepped aside, or at least stepped up how often they were willing to work.

Most boards are composed of appointed positions, for a set amount of time, I would be surprised if this were not the case here as well.

 

[WisNeuro]

Update, yes, MA is the same way as almost every other state, voluntary positions that are appointed by the Governor for 5 year terms, and there are term limits.