State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

The board can issue final orders if no exceptions are filed after an Initial Decision. This means there is no legal challenge to the decision and it becomes official.

These are issues that don't affect the core of a case, like typos or formatting errors in documents. The Board Chair can decide how to handle them.

The board checks if applications meet basic requirements before further review. It's like a first check to see if you pass the initial screening.

The board dismisses a complaint without full review if it's not within their jurisdiction - meaning they can't handle it. It's like when a store can't help you with a problem.

The board has the authority to handle complaints related to the Mental Health Practice Act and its violation. They can't handle general disputes.

The board holds regular meetings and can call special meetings if needed. The meetings are part of how they make decisions.

This policy outlines how the board is organized and functions, covering meetings, location, and procedures. It's a guide for how they work.

The policy's objective is to define the structure, procedures, and policies that govern the board's operation.

The process the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners follows when dealing with complaints of unlicensed practice of professional counseling in Colorado.

The Board reviews complaints, investigates potential violations, and determines if sufficient evidence exists to support a finding of unlicensed practice.

An order issued by the Board to someone practicing counseling without a license, requiring them to stop their practice immediately.

The Board can refer a case of unlicensed practice to the Office of the Attorney General for potential legal action, including injunctive proceedings.

Not responding to a complaint filed with the Board regarding unlicensed practice violates Colorado law (CRS § 12-43-222(1)(x)).

The board assesses factors like the nature and recency of the unlicensed practice, risk to the public, prior history, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and whether the practice constitutes a crime.

A Cease and Desist Order is issued when there's an imminent risk or harm to the public, based on credible allegations like reports from employers, law enforcement, or the individual themselves.

The grounds include credible allegations of unlicensed practice, criminal charges related to unlicensed practice or impersonation, and fraud involving false credentials.

It refers to an immediate or impending chance of injury, loss, or damage caused by unlicensed practice, making it a critical factor for issuing a Cease and Desist Order.

The board enforces the orders through quarterly audits conducted by the Division's Office of Investigations to ensure compliance.

The Program Director or designee, in consultation with the Board President, Vice-President, or Chair, has the authority to issue a Cease and Desist Order when there's imminent risk or harm to the public.

The policies outline the Board's structure, procedures, and policies, ensuring its efficient operation and compliance with relevant regulations.

The Board's responsibilities include overseeing the regulation of licensed professionals, investigating complaints, and taking disciplinary action when necessary.

Individuals seeking Licensed Professional Counselor Examiner (LPCC) licensure who have prior military service.

Specific qualifications and criteria outlined in the Board Rules and Regulations that veteran applicants must meet to be eligible for the LPCC examination.

The process by which veteran applicants who meet LPCC requirements can apply to the Board for licensure by passing the national examination.

A request made by an LPCC candidate seeking an extension of their license before its expiration date.

The process by which the program director reviews and approves LPCC extension requests.

Criteria for LPCC extension approval include making the request before expiration and not having previous extensions granted.

The process by which LPCC applicants licensed in other states can obtain a license in Colorado without taking the national exam.

The Board delegates the authority to evaluate veteran applications to the Program Director or their delegate.

Providing counseling or therapy services through electronic means like video calls, emails, or chats, connecting a provider and client in different physical locations.

The state organization responsible for regulating and overseeing licensed professional counselors in Colorado, ensuring ethical practice and protecting the public.

Teletherapy can offer advantages like increased convenience and accessibility for clients, especially those in rural areas or with mobility limitations.

The Board must address potential risks to clients when therapy is delivered remotely, such as ensuring confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in online settings.

The Board aims to balance client access to teletherapy with responsible practice, providing guidelines for therapists to use these technologies effectively.

Therapists using teletherapy are expected to maintain high professional standards, including prioritizing client welfare, adhering to ethical codes, and ensuring confidentiality.

Therapists using teletherapy are still required to provide appropriate supervision to trainees and other clinicians as per regulations.

Therapists must ensure the privacy and security of client information when using electronic platforms for therapy, complying with data protection regulations.

Ensuring the person you are communicating with online is actually who they claim to be, especially when dealing with minors.

Having backup plans in case technology fails during online therapy sessions.

Understanding how to communicate effectively online when you can't see the client's facial expressions or body language.

Knowing how to handle emergency situations when working with clients online, often requiring different approaches.

Protecting client information and ensuring secure communication by using encryption and firewalls.

Inform clients about the importance of secure communication practices and potential risks.

Having a system in place to store and keep client information securely for proper documentation and legal reasons.

Making clients aware that their health insurance might not cover therapy services provided online.