Master of Arts in
Counseling Psychology, emphasis: Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC track)
2.5 YEARS | 66 CREDITS [UNITS]
A Pathway to Transformative, BBS-Aligned Healing
Step into the transformative world of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with Licensed Professional
Clinical Counseling (LPCC) track at Kairos Pacific University of California, Campus of AEU. Positioned at the
intersection of evidence-based psychological practice, clinical excellence, and vibrant Christian faith, this
program is designed for those who sense a calling to provide professional clinical counseling to individuals,
couples, families, and groups.
Joining the Counseling program means entering a supportive, academically rigorous community that nurtures your
desire to help others, while preparing you with the competencies required for professional practice and licensure in
California as an LPCC through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). (Board of Behavioral
Sciences)
Program Overview
The 66-unit MA in Counseling Psychology with LPCC track integrates:
ï‚· Theoretical foundations of professional clinical counseling
ï‚· Applied clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
ï‚· Academic research and evaluation to inform evidence-based practice
ï‚· Ethical and legal standards specific to California clinical practice
This program is not an MFT degree; however, students receive strong training to work clinically with individuals,
couples, and families within the professional scope of practice for LPCCs in California. (Board of Behavioral
Sciences)
Why Enroll in MA COUNSELING WITH LPCC TRACK at Kairos Pacific University?
Faith-Integrated Learning: Our unique educational approach seamlessly integrates rigorous academic and clinical training with Christian values, encouraging a therapeutic practice informed by spirituality. This prepares you to compassionately meet the diverse needs of your clients.
Experiential Training: Step beyond theoretical learning into extensive, hands-on clinical experiences. Practicums and internships across various settings allow you to apply what you've learned under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, enhancing your confidence and skills as a therapist.
Community and Mentorship: You're more than a student at Kairos University; you're an integral part of a nurturing community. Engage in enriching interactions with faculty and peers through small classes, group discussions, and personalized mentorship, supporting both your professional journey and spiritual well-being.
Flexibility for Working Professionals: Acknowledging the varied schedules of our students, we offer flexible class timings, including evening courses and part-time study options, ensuring that your educational ambitions can be balanced with personal and professional commitments.
Career Readiness: Designed with your professional future in mind, our program meets the licensure standards of California, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and network to excel in diverse environments such as private practices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and beyond.
Prepare for Licensure with Confidence: meticulously aligned with the licensure requirements set by the state of California. We are committed to preparing our students not only to meet but to exceed the professional standards required for licensure within California. Understanding that some of our graduates may choose to practice outside of California, we also offer comprehensive support for those pursuing licensure in other states.
Designed to Meet California BBS Educational Requirements
The MA in Counseling Psychology (LPCC track) is carefully structured to be consistent with the current educational standards of the California BBS for LPCC licensure (California Business and Professions Code§4999.33 and related sections).(Board of Behavioral Sciences)
Key educational features include:
ï‚· 66 semester units of graduate coursework, exceeding the BBS minimum of 60 semester units in
counseling or psychotherapy.
ï‚· Coverage of required core content areas and advanced clinical coursework as outlined in statute for LPCC applicants, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, multicultural counseling, addiction,crisis/trauma, law and ethics, and research.
ï‚· Integrated training in Christian ethics and spiritual care, offered in a way that respects client autonomy and professional boundaries while honoring the university’s Christian mission.
Licensure Note:
Completion of this program is intended to satisfy the educational requirements for California LPCC licensure.
Licensure itself is granted only by the California BBS and additionally requires registration as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), completion of required supervised experience hours, and passing allrequired exams. Requirements are subject to change; applicants and students are responsible to consult the BBS for the most current regulations. (Board of Behavioral Sciences)
Practicum, Supervision, and BBS Requirements
Practical, real-world training is a central feature of our LPCC track.
The program includes:
ï‚· At least 6 semester units of supervised practicum/fieldwork, meeting or exceeding the BBS minimum
for qualifying LPCC degrees.(Board of Behavioral Sciences)
ï‚· A minimum of 280 hours of supervised, face-to-face counseling experience with individuals, couples,
families, and groups in approved clinical settings, consistent with BBS standards for qualifying
practicum.(Board of Behavioral Sciences)
ï‚· Placements across diverse settings (e.g., community mental health agencies, church-based counseling
centers, clinics, and other approved sites) that provide a broad range of clinical counseling experience.
ï‚· Supervision by qualified licensed professionals (such as LPCCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, licensed psychologists,
or psychiatrists) who meet BBS supervision criteria.
Throughout practicum, students receive close faculty oversight, case consultation, and skills development to
support ethical, competent practice in alignment with state regulations and professional standards.
CAREERS
Graduates of the MAMFT program are poised for success in a range of settings,
including but not limited to:
Private Practice
Mental Health Agencies
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Schools and Educational Institutions
Nonprofit Organizations
The course curriculum develops students' core competencies for success in ministry and leadership. Possible careers include:
In-house Church Counselor
Nonprofit organization counselor
Child Advocate
Child Life Specialist
Community Outreach Worker
Disaster Relief Worker
Domestic Violence Counselor
Family Support Worker
Grief Counselor
Health Educator
Human Services Employee
Comparison
LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) vs ​MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist)
In the field of mental health counseling, two prominent licensure pathways in California & Most of other States are the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). While both credentials qualify professionals to provide psychotherapy and treat mental health disorders, they differ significantly in focus, training, and career direction.
The LMFT license centers on relational and systemic therapy. It is designed for those who are passionate about working with couples, families, and individuals within the context of their interpersonal relationships. The training for MFTs emphasizes family systems theory, marriage and couples therapy, and relational dynamics. As such, MFTs are often found in clinical settings that support family wellness, premarital counseling, and relational healing.
On the other hand, the LPCC license is broader in scope and is oriented around individual mental health counseling. LPCCs are trained to treat a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues in individuals, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and career challenges. The LPCC curriculum includes more emphasis on individual assessment, career counseling, testing, psychopharmacology, and crisis intervention—areas that may not be fully covered in an MFT program.
Despite their different orientations, both LMFTs and LPCCs in California are the programs also meets the educational requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in California, including the requirements of the Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37, .38, and .40. Graduates may sit for their licensing examination upon completion of the necessary 3,000 supervised hours.
Career opportunities also reflect these distinctions. MFTs commonly work as couples therapists, family therapists, and relational counselors, often serving in private practice, nonprofit agencies, or school settings (with proper credentialing). LPCCs, meanwhile, are more broadly trained to serve individuals across the lifespan in roles such as clinical counselors, mental health specialists, crisis counselors, and career advisors.
While both licenses equip professionals to address mental health concerns, the key difference lies in their philosophical orientation and training focus. MFTs approach healing through the lens of relationships and family systems, while LPCCs approach it through individual development and psychological wellness.
For those seeking flexibility and expanded licensure options, some graduate programs—such as the MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in MFT and PCC—combine both tracks, allowing graduates to pursue dual licensure if they meet all coursework and clinical hour requirements.
