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About NVLPC
As a group, we are committed to the mental health profession and to the mental health needs of the community. Licensed Professional Counselors are mental health professionals licensed to practice psychotherapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Members of NVLPC include a diverse group of Master and Doctoral level educated individuals with varied backgrounds, interests, expertise and areas of practice. LPCs may be employed in areas such as employee assistance, pastoral counseling, rehabilitation counseling, forensics, group psychotherapy, geriatrics, individual counseling, family counseling, substance abuse, career/life planning, couples counseling and work with adolescents and children, among other populations. Both public and private industry are represented in the NVLPC membership.
The mission statement of NVLPC is to meet the professional needs of counselors in Northern Virginia, so that we might more effectively contribute to the mental health and general welfare of our community.
NVLPC seeks to:
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Increase public recognition and the professional identity of the counseling profession
- Promote and provide high quality and affordable continuing education to enhance our professional and ethical competence, for the ultimate benefit of our clients
- Facilitate a networking system for members to develop collegial relationships to share information and ideas
- Increase awareness of and commitment to support or oppose legislation, depending upon its impact on both counseling professionals and our clients
- Provide information about the counseling profession and our services to the interested public
Licensed Professional Counselors are one of seven mental health professionals licensed to practice psychotherapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and thus are regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Health Professions. Each LPC must have a Master or Doctoral Degree in a mental health field, including 60 graduate semester hours in nine core content areas. They must also have two years of supervised clinical work experience totaling 4,000 hours and 200 hours of face-to-face supervision. All LPCs must also have passed a state examination.
Licensed Professional Counselors assess and treat a wide variety of mental health problems ranging from mild to severe, utilizing a broad range of tools and techniques. LPCs deal with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, personality disorders, child/adolescent disorders, stress, esteem issues, addictions, marriage and family issues, and other problems that interfere with normal adjustment and functioning. LPCs practice throughout Virginia in different work settings including private practice, mental health centers, hospitals, churches and businesses. Some LPCs specialize in addiction treatment, psychological assessment and career/life planning.
Assessment
LPCs evaluate, test, and diagnose clients using a variety of psychological tools and techniques to help individuals and families plan for an appropriate level of care.
Employee Assistance
Many LPCs work with business and industry, providing brief counseling or by making referrals to employees and their families in an effort to keep production high and families intact.
Rehabilitation
Some LPCs help clients achieve mental and emotional adjustment during times of illness, accident or disability. Other LPCs facilitate a return to work, assist their clients in finding new professions, or help clients cope with life changes.
Career/Life Planning
LPCs assist individuals in assessing vocational interest, abilities and goals. They also provide counseling for life planning decisions.
Consultation
Some LPCs specialize in providing stress management training, communication, problem-solving and team-building skills to help employers and employees function efficiently and effectively.
Monthly Luncheon Seminars
NVLPC offers monthly luncheon seminars from September through June in Vienna and Sterling. The topics are relevant to areas of professional development and current clinical issues. Presenters are recognized regionally and nationally in the mental health field and attendees receive CEUs and a certificate.
Special Workshops, Training and Seminars
These offer an opportunity for LPCs to acquire specific knowledge and skill development and may also support them in obtaining the necessary CEUs to maintain licensure. These opportunities also utilize expertise of clinicians in these areas.
Newsletter
NVLPC provides a monthly newsletter to keep members informed about other professional opportunities, relevant issues related to licensure, managed care and legislation on a state and national level. We also utilize the newsletter to facilitate development of peer support and mentoring of graduate students and non-licensed therapists who are working toward their license.
Website
NVLPC has utilized modern technology to meet the needs of counselors in Northern Virginia. It is our hope that this site will facilitate communication, disseminate information, and resolve informational delays. It is the intent to encourage counselors throughout Northern Virginia to continue their professional education and to mentor new clinicians and graduate students.
Professional Outreach and Peer Support
NVLPC offers various networking and mentoring opportunities for its members, including students, pre-licensure support, and licensed counselors.
Formation of Peer Support Groups
The Membership committee facilitates, through networking and referral, peer support and collaboration in developing groups to mentor new clinicians. There is a specific commitment to reach out to clinicians who serve non-English speaking and handicapped clients, as well as minority clinicians.
Outreach to Graduate Students
Our Student Development Committee has a special commitment to graduate students that includes a “Basket of Books” to one Graduating Counseling Student in Northern Virginia. A brief essay is the criterion for the selection process that will begin a professional library for one new therapist. A mentoring program for students is also available. Outreach and partnerships with counseling programs at local universities are done with the leadership of NVLPC through a presentation package. The focus is on “professional roles and expectations following graduation from graduate school.”
Preparation for LPC Examination
NVLPC offers a pre-licensure support group to assist in applying to take the licensure exam, as well as preparing for the exam by identifying study techniques, resources and possible study-buddies.
Government Relations/Advocacy
The Government Relations Committee disseminates information from state and national organizations. This information is usually time-specific to particular legislation or policy issues in the State of Virginia or in the Federal Government. Legislative or Informational Alerts are sent out to encourage involvement or action by professionals on behalf of their clients and our profession. Specific issues of current interest are Medicare inclusion of Masters level clinicians, managed care accountability, and adherence to Fair Business Practices.
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