[MSCPgradstudent]

I am just wondering if someone can be prevented from obtaining licensure for LPCC if they have BPD. I understand if one doesn't have their stuff together they shouldn't be counseling. But what if someone is managing his/her symptoms of BPD and could counsel effectively. Is there any law or code (APA, ACA, etc.) that would prevent someone? Currently I'm going to school for my masters with my ultimate goal of either a Psy.D. or Ph.D. I also have BPD and I'm concerned I won't be licensed if people find out.

[pegasus]

Hello, you will need to be fit to practice. I'm in the UK so the system may be slightly different but when it comes to being employed you will have police checks and health checks. It will be up to the occupational health dept if you are fit to work in the job you want. Providing that you are keeping yourself well and continue to do so you will be able to practice.

If you go to the APA website they probably have the code of conduct, rules and regulations there.

Good luck and keep well.

[MSCPgradstudent]

Thank you. I do realize the utmost importance of living my life in moderation as I do not want to be seen as a hypocrite. In my ethics book it had the APA and ACA codes of ethics but neither really touched on the counselor's own mental health. But I reckon I should check out the website. Thanks again.

[pegasus]

Oh yeah, you might like to see what they have to say at the Student Doctor Network. Click link...

Students in Psychology

[Perna]

The licensing is to standardize for a minimum amount of education and training. That being said, the supervised portion of your training, if a supervisor knew and was personally prejudiced against you, that could, unfortunately, cause a problem. But there is nothing in any "laws" that can prohibit you, you might have to lie on some applications though? I know I didn't apply to a certain school because they asked on the application about mental health issues and I didn't want to lie.

[sunnygirl1uk]

I would have thought that you need to be stable enough or symptom free to be able to practice being in the mental health system. Im from the Uk and i know that some things are different from the States.

the only thing i can suggest is that you ask them directly if you would be bared.

[sisu]

If you no longer meet the criteria for active BPD, they can't barr you from treating or licensure. If you do, but are not working with counselling, you can do other things.

If you have yourself together, you can do it. Stay in therapy. I am doing the same. It's a challenge, but the truth is, they can't bar a doctor with MS from treating patients, so think of it that way. Provided you can do the job- if you need a wheelchair for your MS but can manage with that- you can be a doctor.

No different for us. I'm in undergrad for clinical psych. Same boat, here's your paddle.

[lotusflames]

i dont know but i can tell you my cpn has told me she had 3 years of psychological counselling for her issues

[sunrise]

I have recently been reviewing the criteria for licensure as a mental health counselor in my state. On the application for licensure it asks:

"Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable?"

The application further states that "medical condition" includes "physiological, mental or psychological conditions or disorders" and these include "emotional or mental illness".

If you answer yes to this question, you must answer further questions such as how treatment has reduced or eliminated your condition. In addition, if you answered yes, the licensing board will assess how severe your medical condition is and your ongoing treatment and decide whether to grant or restrict a license. This may include undergoing mental or psychological exams at your own expense.

Anyway, this is the way it is done in my state. If it were me, I would not apply for licensure until I was able to answer "no" to the question. So if I felt I was currently impaired in my ability to practice, I would seek treatment for my condition until I was no longer impaired. Then I could truthfully answer "no" to the question. The application for licensure would vary from state to state, I would guess, so it is probably a good idea to locate the information for the state you live in. Good luck.

[callingforthesun]

personally, i think the only mental health professionals who REALLY understand what their patients are going through are those that have been there themselves at some point in their lives.