Licensure

The counseling programs of the Graduate School of Psychology convey the subject matter of their respective disciplines within a framework of training and education so that graduates may serve as professional counselors. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Thus, graduates of our program are able to inform licensing boards and potential employers that they graduated from a regionally accredited program.

Learners are strongly encouraged to carefully research the educational requirements for the intended licensure or certification in the state(s) where they will seek licensure or certification. The programs of the Graduate School of Psychology have not sought approval by the Council for Accreditation and Other Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Nevertheless, the faculty has developed the curricula with CACREP requirements, as well as other recognized professional and national standards, including the state of Colorado, in mind. Please note that the licensure requirements of state boards and licensing agencies vary from state to state and change over time. Consequently, successful completion of degree requirements does not guarantee that a state board or licensing agency will accept a graduate’s application for licensure. It is important that learners are aware of their responsibilities regarding licensure and certification; advisors are available to discuss professional and career matters with learners and graduates.

Naropa graduates have a history of success in receiving licensure/certification across the United States; faculty and advising staff will assist students in this regard, recognizing that some state requirements may include additional course work not covered in a single graduate program. Learners should monitor developments in their intended states for licensure/certification, and work with their faculty and advising staff to explore options for meeting their requirements.

Colorado State Licensure
In 1989, Colorado made licensure available on a voluntary basis to masters' level professional counselors by instituting a licensure board and creating standards and testing to determine qualification for such licensure. Many other states also require licensure. Each state often has its own regulations.

Insurance companies vary in their policies regarding recognizing master's-level licensure for reimbursement. As of July 1, 1998, Licensed Professional Counselors in Colorado are qualified to receive third-party payment from insurance companies.

To be licensed, counselors must submit syllabi and course descriptions for the courses that fulfill the eight LPC content areas; pass the LPC examination; complete 2,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical practice; and receive 100 hours of supervision over a minimum of twenty-four months. Students may sit for the LPC exam as early as their last semester of graduate studies or anytime thereafter. There is a time limit of four years to complete all requirements from the date of application for licensure. Full details on licensure are available from:

State of Colorado
Department of Regulatory Agencies
1560 Broadway #134
Denver, Colorado 80202
303-894-7766

At this time, licensure is not required to practice in the state of Colorado. However, any person practicing psychotherapy in Colorado is required to register with the Colorado state database of psychotherapists as an unlicensed psychotherapist. Failure to do so makes one subject to criminal and/or regulatory sanctions.

PLEASE NOTE: It is absolutely necessary that you save the syllabi from all of the courses you take and that you keep course catalogs from each year that you are a student in one of Naropa University’s graduate counseling psychology programs. Many licensing boards require detailed course descriptions that show what specific material and skills have been covered. By saving your own syllabi, you will have the appropriate sections and classes that correspond to your transcript.

Please also note that the above information on licensure does not apply to the low-residency MA in Transpersonal Psychology program.

Additional Credentialing and Certification

American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)
The Dance/Movement Therapy concentration of the Somatic Counseling Psychology program is designed in accordance with the training guidelines of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and has been an ADTA-approved program since 1987. The concentration fulfills the requirements for the ADTA’s certification as a Dance Therapist Registered (DTR).

International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA)
A student graduating from the Somatic Counseling Psychology Department may use core and elective classes to fulfill the requirements for the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association’s (ISMETA) certification as a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist (RSMT) and/or Registered Somatic Movement Educator (RSME).

United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP)
Students of the Body Psychotherapy concentration are highly encouraged to become affiliated with the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP).

American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
Upon completion of the Art Therapy concentration, students will have completed the course work necessary to fulfill the postgraduation requirements for registration (ATR) with the American Art Therapy Association.

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI)
The Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI) offers advanced placement in their clinical psychology, somatic psychology and pre- and perinatal psychology doctoral programs to students who have completed an MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology. This advanced placement eliminates one year of course work from a three-year PhD program.