[humanser] CACREP or Not for Counselors

[Merry Schoch]

Hello Janice,

My degree is in Social Work.  In Florida, after graduation from the graduate
program we apply to be "Registered Clinical Social Work Interns".  During
graduate school you receive 1000, my program was 900, but it has increased
to 1000 field placement hours.  Once you have been approved by the state of
Florida to be a RCSWI you then begin to work towards 1500 hours for the
Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW); which you cannot submit any earlier
than two years.  There are a few other courses one must take i.e. HIV,
Domestic Violence, Laws & Rules. and Medical Errors (I believe that is it,
and of course, the state licensing exam.  All of which cost money.  

I found it difficult to get employment even being a RCSWI.  My belief is
that I was a 50 year old female with only field placement experience, I did
not drive, and who knows what else might have come into play (big smile).  I
was very frustrated!  Luckily, I found a great supervisor - since you have
to be under supervision for the 1500 hours; another cost of $50 per hour.  I
rented a small office space from him, 4 1/2 feet by 10  feet for $160 per
month.  I was panicked because I felt the only way to begin the process of
getting those hours was to create my own job.  
My struggles are still going on even after receiving my LCSW licensed, but I
feel that things are finally coming to a place where I may be able to make a
living out of this career path.  

You are right, many of the insurance panels will not accept until
post-graduate five years.  I was not able to apply until I Received my LCSW
license which I obtained in February 2015.  Applying is an arduous task.  In
fact, I believe I just completed the CAQH application; I am calling them
tooday to receive confirmaiton on it.  To be on insurance panels this is
required.  This allows the insurance companies to go to one data base to
look up your credentials, place of practice, education, certifications, etc.
A CAQH number is not generated to one until one applies to an insurance
panel or at least this is how it happened for me.  It was confusing and
frustrating!  Oh, and the web site is very difficult to use with screen
access software.  It took an entire day.

CAQH is for all professionals who are applying to be an insurance provider.
I was talking with my chiropractor about insurances and CAQH, and he told me
you must update every 120 days.  This has been confirmed by other medical
professionals and counselors I have asked.    YAY!  I am so thrilled...NOT!

Someone once said to me, "Merry, you are a Clinician, this is a big deal,
rank yourself in the medical profession, treat yourself this way."  Now,
that I am going through the insurance panel provider process and the time it
takes; I do view my profession not as just a "couselor" but as a
"clinnician".

My purposed for this long post is to let you know it may take years, but it
is worth it!  I know everyone's path and challenges are different in our
professional goals and aspirations!  Know we are behind you cheering you on.
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
  Even it you just need an ear to vent too!
You may contact me off list at merrys at verizon.net or call me at 813 625
1850.

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for the doors of opportunity be
open to you!
Merry C. Schoch LCSW
National Federation of the Blind
Human Services Division
President

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Janice
Toothman via humanser
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2015 9:10 PM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List
Cc: Janice Toothman
Subject: [humanser] CACREP or Not for Counselors

Hi Everyone,

I do not know about social work; but in my field of counseling there is a
battle with the VA and Tricare to have Licensed Clinical Professional
Counselors (LCPC) receive reimbursement for their services.  Plus they
require the an LCPC have come from a CACREP program or Council on
accreditation of Counseling  and Related Education Programs.  They also
stipulate that an LCPC must work a minimum of 5 years post licensure to
qualify.

This affects many counselors because the American Counseling Association in
the future will not longer give licenses to applicants from non CACREP
programs. I was not aware of this issue/debate when I went to my University
to take my counseling courses.  As I struggle to look for a counseling job
to complete my 3000 hours to become an LCPC, even employers not associated
with the VA are asking for CACREP accredited counselors.  This is preventing
good counselors from providing services to patients or populations in need.
It is an injustice.

Janice

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