Texas LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Jurisprudence Exam

Are clients allowed to make payments directly to an LPC Intern for services?

1. YES

2. NO

3. Only with prior approval

4. Depends on the service

The correct answer is: NO

The correct answer to the question of whether clients are allowed to make payments directly to an LPC Intern for services is that they are not permitted to do so. The regulations governing LPC Interns in Texas stipulate that they must operate under the supervision of a fully licensed professional counselor. As such, financial transactions must flow through the supervisor rather than directly to the Intern. This policy is in place to ensure that the supervisory relationship is maintained and that the LPC Intern is not functioning independently as a licensed professional. By having payments processed through a licensed supervisor, it promotes accountability and adherence to ethical guidelines within the counseling practice. While some might think that prior approval or conditions might allow for direct payments, that is not aligned with the overarching regulatory framework designed to safeguard both the clients and the interns during their training period. The focus is on the systemic structure that governs intern supervision, where financial matters must be managed by the licensed professional to ensure proper oversight.