Creative Being Therapy

Don’t dismiss Limited License Counselors (LLCs) because of the word “limited” – therapy with them is anything but constricted and can have major perks.

All counselors go through a limited or associate license period of about 2-3 years before achieving full licensure. During this time, they obtain thousands of hours of clinical work under the supervision and guidance of a fully licensed counselor. The exact title of the limited license varies from state to state, but it usually includes the words “limited” or “associate,” such as Limited License Counselor (LLC) in Michigan or Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) in California.

Despite the word “limited,” LLCs in Michigan can provide all aspects of mental health care, like assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, across a variety of healthcare settings, including community agencies, hospitals, and private practice, and can even take insurance. And, as you’ll see, working with LLCs can have unique benefits such as lower costs, cutting-edge techniques, supplemental support through supervision, and access to an enthusiastic (not burned-out) therapist.

Interestingly, studies show that there is no consistent relationship between a therapist’s years of experience and client outcomes ¹. Some studies even show that increased experience led to poorer results for people in therapy. Counselor improvement is a nuanced topic that deserves more attention. For now, read on to learn more about how therapy with a well-matched LLC may provide additional benefits.

Lower Costs

New therapists often offer lower session rates than fully licensed counselors. Sometimes this is due to a mistaken belief that less experience means less effectiveness, though research shows this isn’t true. Imposter syndrome – doubting one’s abilities despite evidence of success – can also influence fees.

Practical factors play a role as well. Beginner counselors are building their client base, and lower fees help attract more people to therapy. Many are passionate about making therapy accessible and set low rates to accommodate those with financial barriers. Having fewer certifications or credentials can also contribute to lower rates.

Most Current Research and Techniques

LLCs are fresh out of graduate school, where they regularly read, analyzed, and researched the most innovative techniques and the most relevant topics. They are bringing a wealth of knowledge to their work, from standard evidence-based treatments to cutting-edge methods. Counseling graduate programs continue to improve to keep up with their field, and master’s degree students reap the benefits, bringing that expertise straight to you, a person seeking therapy.

Supervisor Support

During their associate or limited licensure phase, counselors are supervised by fully licensed professionals. Supervisors provide guidance on therapy approaches, ethics, state laws, and even building a private practice. These supervisors meet strict state standards, ensuring your LLC therapist has expert support to make your sessions more helpful, all while maintaining your confidentiality. It’s like having the expertise of two therapists for the price of one.

Attentive and Engaged Therapists

Burnout – the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can result from prolonged job stress – is a major concern for mental health professionals. LLCs may experience less burnout and greater resilience, fueled by the excitement of beginning a career they are passionate about. A therapist who is less burned out is more present, attentive, and able to draw on the physical and psychological resources needed to provide effective counseling.

Conclusion

The quality of therapy outcomes depends more on the relationship with your therapist and on common factors across techniques than on experience ². The last word: find a therapist who is a good fit for you, listens deeply, and centers your therapy goals – and consider working with an LLC!

Holistic Mental Health Care with Liz Ahlbrand, LLC

I’m Liz, an LLC and expressive arts therapist offering a creative, somatic, and holistic approach to mental health. I work with individuals (aged 14+), relationships, and groups in Michigan, offering telehealth and in-person therapy in Detroit. I specialize in offering support for people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out, and those navigating the world as queer or highly sensitive people. Learn more about me and my services, or click here to schedule a free consultation with me.

References

1. Coleman, J. J., Freetly Porter, E., Musliu, S., Kopta, S. M., & Owen, J. (2024). Exploring therapist effectiveness across multiple domains over time. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 71(6), 633. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000763 ↩︎
2. Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update. World psychiatry, 14(3), 270-277. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20238 ↩︎