California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law, California Senate Bill 788, establishing licensure of professional clinical counselors in the state. The counselor licensure bill was introduced by Senators Mark Wyland and Senate President pro tem Darrell Steinberg.

ACA President Lynn Linde applauded California's enactment of the licensure bill. "This is a momentous occasion; now all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have licensure. What this means is that professional counseling is now recognized in all areas of the country and, more importantly, that protections for the consumers will now exist everywhere. Licensure for counselors significantly expands the availability of mental health services, which is crucial to helping meet the need for services."

ACA congratulates the California Coalition for Counselor Licensure (CCCL) for its success in leading the licensure effort in the state. ACA has long sought to gain licensure of counselors in all U.S. jurisdictions, and has provided both financial support and technical assistance to CCCL in support of California's effort.

For licensure requirements and more information, please visit the CCCL website.

IMPLEMENTATION DATES

January 1, 2010: The bill becomes law and the Board of Behavioral Sciences then has the responsibility for developing the rules and regulations to implement the bill and it will gear up to accept LPCC applications.

January 1, 2011: Applications for grandparenting and reciprocity will be available through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. These requirements are posted on CCCL’s website, under Licensure Requirements.

January 1, 2012: Applications for regular licensure will be available for those not eligible for grandparenting or reciprocity. These requirements are posted on CCCL’s website, under Licensure Requirements.