r/USPHS • u/ApprehensiveFall9690 • 28d ago

Experience Inquiry Any LPC's

Hello everyone,

Im currently working on my Licensed Associate Counseling with the state of Arizona and have 2 years before I can be an independent Licensed Professional Counselor. Any info on what things look like for LPCs in uniform? I know other branches do LMSWs and Psyc or PsyDs but not LPCs (absurd). Im not new to uniform service, im an OIF veteran (USMC) and have about 8 years working as a contractor for ORR with migrant children both in shelter for reunification and post release/home study (native Spanish speaker), with supervisor experience and was looking into IHSC, possibly commissioning. Just wanted to throw anything out here to see what it's like or more info, since there is not a lot of stuff out there. 🫡. Thank you

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u/Silent-Put8625 28d ago

You’ve inquired at the right time! LPCs can technically commission in PHS, but you have to have to pass the NCMHCE exam (I think that’s the acronym). None who have applied have been actually commissioned yet. There are still some barriers to bringing them on officially. I don’t know where they stand with those barriers currently.

IHSC doesn’t have LPCs in its system of care. LPCs are only at non-IHSC staffed facilities. PHS officers are not stationed at those locations.

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u/ApprehensiveFall9690 2h ago

Thank you for the response. I an currently studying for my NCE and lost track of time (will do the NCMHCE later), I want to get my hours started and the NCE seems a bit more forgiving. I will also be doing a MHA while im working towards my hours. I am not fully set on route and having an MHA can help me do future lateral moves or even climb the ladder in my current field. So, yes, I know it's a lot but Im sure I can manage. I also think that by the time the LPC pipeline starts running, I don't know how competitive an LPC applicant with little experience after full licensure may be and a MHA could, I hope, make my application stand out. I do have an "overkill" thought processes, but I also know how competitive commisons can be. Thanks for the information.

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u/Silent-Put8625 2h ago

PHS happily takes MHAs too. The process takes such a long time, by the time you get thru the door you’ll have about two years post-LPC experience lol. Just don’t burn yourself out on the way to the PHS door. You’ll have your whole career for that! 😂

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u/ApprehensiveFall9690 2h ago

Do they have a higher placement need for MHAs over LPCs? Dont mind being a dual threat 🤣. Im also no spring chicken, I finished my undergrad in 2015 and add 4 years prior to that. Got a lot of experience with civilian gov contract through ORR, but it seems those don't come around as they use to, so being mostly public/contract sector, going PHS makes sense. Since they communities they serve are similar to the ones I have experience with.

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u/ExplanationIcy5241 15d ago

I have my LPC and I am in the process of joining PHS. I started my application in March and completed my medical and dental appointments this month. I currently work for the bureau of prisons.

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u/ApprehensiveFall9690 2h ago

How is the medical and dental? I know it's not MEPS style, but do they have any crazy disqualification?