The information below pertains to those individuals who have a master's degree and are seeking Maine certification as a professional school counselor or Maine licensure as a clinical professional counselor (LCPC). Also, included below is information on the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination and certification.
Professional School Counselor Certification
School counselor certification is granted by the Maine Department of Education to individuals who have met certain standards. These standards require that candidates come from graduate counselor education programs that provide a wide range of experiences integrating theory and practice and that prepare candidates to provide comprehensive developmental school counselor programs in schools. The USM Counselor Education Program is one of the programs* approved by the State of Maine. The PDF links below will assist you in the review process:
- Policy & Procedures for Review of Credentials Pursuant to Eligibility for Certification as a Professional School Counselor
- Academic Worksheet
- Application Checklist for School Counseling Certificate Eligibility Pathway 2
- Reviewer's Checklist - Coursework Requirements for Pathway 2
- How to Take Credits at USM
*Note--the University of Maine (Orono) is also approved.
Maine Licensure
The Maine Office of Licensing and Regulations has set forth requirements for licensure of mental health counselors in the state of Maine. Individuals graduating from USM with concentrations in school counseling and rehabilitation counseling meet the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LCP) in the state of Maine. Individuals graduating from USM with a concentration in mental health counseling meet the educational requirements for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). With additional coursework, graduates can also meet the requirements for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).
Individuals who have graduated with counseling degrees from programs other than USM, or from states other than Maine, may wish to consult with a faculty member regarding their current standing with requirements for licensure. These individuals can contact Sue Jones at sjones@usm.maine.edu for guidance. (Please be aware that feedback from USM faculty does not represent the Licensing Board, but rather some general guidelines to consider as individuals pursue licensure.)
Below, please find links to the Maine Office of Licensing and Regulations, as well as requirements for LPC, LCPC, and LADC:
Help Sheet for Licensure:
CRC Certification
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services through its internationally recognized certification program. Individuals passing the voluntary certification examination become qualified as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, or CRCs. To maintain the CRC designation, individuals are required to renew their certification every 5 years, either through re-examination or by meeting specific ongoing educational requirements. The CRC Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The CRC Certification Guide and links below will assist you in the application process:
The CRC Certification Guide
CRC Examination Application & Fees:
http://www.crccertification.com/pages/application___fees/70.php