Do you have important decisions to make about a career path? There’s so much information to sort through. There are a lot of rumors, misconceptions and misleading information.  You need to do this…You better make sure that…You won’t find a job if…It can be confusing. With some much information out there, how do you decide what’s best for you?

There are people in the field of mental health and addictions counseling that lead people to believe that you have to come from a specific type of program to have a chance to succeed. Some folks profess that there is a particular exclusivity in counseling training that makes it absolutely essential that you attend such a program. This part of the rumor mill that adds to the confusion of those who are interested in a career identity as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Some important factors to consider when making a choice to attend Loyola’s Clinical Professional Counseling as well as Master’s Plus/LCPC program:

• Loyola University Maryland is regionally accredited.
• Historically, all 50 states have licensed counselors who graduated from regionally accredited schools.
• Our program curriculum is aligned with the State of Maryland requirements to become an LCPC
• Loyola has been training counselors on the path to licensure since the legislation’s inception in 1997.
• Loyola Psychology program graduates enter the job market with a competitive edge compared to similar programs offered in the state of Maryland
• Our faculty is diverse, with varied interests and expertise in the field of mental health and addictions evaluation, treatment and prevention.
• Three options for Master’s Plus/CAS students include the Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Psychology Associate.

There are many options and opportunities for those who have a master's degree in psychology and are looking to be of service in the field.  Forecasts are positive for mental health and addictions professionals entering the field.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates demand for counselors growing 29 percent by 2022, or much faster than average for other fields. The need for professional services in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of emotional and behavioral disorders is on the rise.  I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to be of service to others and the profession. In addition to my faculty position at Loyola I have a private practice, and also provide employee assistance counseling for various companies. I am also on the staff of the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling where I am trainer and treatment resource for those with gambling problems. I have held positions as an addiction specialist for a medical practice and various state funded agencies. Earlier in my career I was employed in community mental health agencies.

During my tenure as the Director of the Master’s Plus (LCPC) & CAS Programs, it has been fulfilling to have had the opportunity to be of service to Loyola’s students, its graduates, as well as those who practice as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors.   I am also an alumnus of the Psychology Department’s graduate program.  I have been a professional in the mental health and addiction fields for over thirty four years.  I have been an LCPC since the inception of counselor licensing in Maryland.  My additional credentials include: National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.); Master Addictions Counselor (M.A.C.); International Certified Gambling Counselor (I.C.G.C. II).

Please contact me if you have questions or would like further information.

ANTHONY S. PARENTE, MA, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ICGC II

aparente@loyola.edu or 410-617-5384