Another wrinkle to the situation is the introduction of the new Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license in California. This is California’s attempt to bring its qualifications for counselors in line with the other states. Programs aimed at producing LPCCs are new. The qualifications look very promising in that they are quite oriented to the treatment of mental pathology. However, the masters programs leading to the LPCC will have high unit requirements and are long. This begs the question of why do the masters for an LPCC when a little more work will net a doctoral degree and licensure as a psychologist?
That said, I think students who are certain they only want masters training would be well advised to enter into an LPCC program. For those with an MFT license or who are currently in school studying for an MFT, there is an upgrade path to allow them to earn the LPCC through additional education. More information about the LPCC in California can be found here: www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/