Career Goals

I will be recognized as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the Ohio Counselor,

Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board as well as a Chemical Dependency

Counselor Assistant (CDCA) by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board

(application currently in review). Within the first year of my career, I will have three primary

goals. My first goal is to identify a supervisor and start working toward becoming a Licensed

Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) -- this includes 3,000 hours of supervised experience

over two years and a passing score on the NCMHCE Examination. My second goal will be to

start the process of applying for the Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor

(LICDC). I am less familiar with this licensure process, but I know there is an examination,

education requirements, and experience requirements in the field of chemical dependency. The

biggest roadblock may be having to take more courses via a graduate-level certificate program

in the area of chemical dependency. In year one, my goal is to be involved with the Ohio

Counselors Association (OCA) including joining the advocacy committee, applying for OCA’s

Emerging Leaders Program, and participating in events when possible.

Three years from graduation, my goals build from the goals stated to be completed by

year one. First, I want to have both my LPCC and LICDC by the start of the year. In year three,

my goal will be to work toward my LPCC-S. Next, I will have identified and completed the

necessary requirements for national certifications that align with my career goals -- some that I

have considered include the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals

(NCC AP), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors

(CCMHC), and the Master Addictions Counselors (MAC). I also will continue to look for other

certifications to advance my career. Finally, I would like to apply to an online doctoral program in

counseling. I have already identified programs that have CACREP accreditation and would be

possible based upon my location and family commitments. At this time, I hope to have a

leadership role with OCA in the areas divisions of advocacy and specialists in group work. I also
will have wanted to attend multiple professional conferences (at least 5) by the end of my third

year as a professional.

Other professional goals include: establishing a blogging presence in the area of

chemical dependency and clinical mental health; participating in advocacy work centered

around increasing awareness of the need for mental health services for those with substance

use disorders and dual-diagnosis; develop and lead an IOP group focused on mindful-based

sobriety; and, presenting at least one regional conference.