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Join Our Licensure Candidate Program: Supporting Your Path to Professional and Business Growth
Supporting the Next Generation
of Mental Health Professionals
It's no secret that there's a lack of access to quality mental health treatment. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive program to support future mental health professionals to address the growing need for mental healthcare.
We are committed to guiding emerging mental health professionals like you through the critical stages of your licensure journey. Our licensure program not only focuses on clinical skill development, but also offers business coaching to help you build a successful, sustainable practice. Whether you’re pursuing LCPC or MSW licensure, our team of experienced supervisors and business coaches is here to support your growth with a holistic approach to your professional development.
OUR PROGRAM
Supervised Practice Hours
Qualified Supervision:
Gain valuable insights and feedback from our experienced supervisors who are dedicated to your professional growth.
Comprehensive Training
Engage in specialized training to deepen your understanding of therapeutic practices, ethics, client care, and business management.
Collaborative Learning Environment:
Be part of a supportive community of fellow licensure candidates, sharing both clinical and business experiences as you grow together.
Business Training
Private Practice Preparation:
Learn the essentials of running a successful private practice, including marketing, client management, and financial planning so you’re fully prepared for life beyond licensure.
Integrated Education:
Our program includes workshops and resources that help you build the business acumen necessary for a sustainable career in mental health.
Insurance Billing Support
Navigating Insurance:
Many licensure candidates are forced into cash-pay-only client engagements during their licensure programs, limiting their ability to establish a consistent client list and get required hours. We include all of our licensure candidates under our insurance so you're never limited by having to see cash-only clients.
Our Unique Approach: BoTh Training
Included in our Licensure Candidate Program
At Helios Counseling, we believe that becoming a successful mental health professional extends beyond clinical expertise. Running a sustainable and rewarding practice requires strong business acumen, marketing strategies, and organizational skills. Our Business Development Program is a 1:1 coaching program designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and confidence you need to succeed as both a clinician and a business owner.
The Business of Therapy Program
Learning to Build a Thriving Practice
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Business Planning & Strategy
We help you build a strong foundation for your practice. This includes developing a business plan, setting financial goals, and creating a roadmap for growth.
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Marketing Your Practice
Learn how to effectively market your services to attract and retain clients. We'll guide you in creating a personal brand, developing an online presence, and utilizing social media, SEO, and local marketing strategies.
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Client Acquisition & Retention
Understanding how to consistently bring in new clients while keeping your current clients engaged is key. We offer strategies for networking, referrals, and building long-term client relationships.
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Financial Management
Learn the essentials of managing your practice's finances, including setting fees, managing overhead costs, and developing systems for invoicing, budgeting, and tax preparation.
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Legal & Ethical Considerations
Running a private practice involves legal and ethical responsibilities. We provide guidance on business licensing, insurance, contracts, and maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
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Practice Management Tools
Streamline your operations with practice management software. We'll show you how to automate administrative tasks, manage client records, schedule appointments, and handle billing with efficiency.
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Scaling Your Practice
Ready to grow? We'll support you in hiring additional staff, expanding into new service areas, or even opening new locations. Learn how to grow responsibly without sacrificing quality.
Joining The Licensure Program
1
Fill Out Our Inquiry Form
Visit our Contact Page and fill out the inquiry form to begin the process. We'll review your information and reach out to schedule a meeting.
2
Interview For A Position
Schedule an interview with our team to discuss your goals, experience, and how we can support you in our licensure program.
3
Onboarding
Receive acceptance letter and begin orientation to establish your schedule, get set up for insurance billing, and start taking clients at Helios.
4
Begin Supervised Practice
Begin supervised practice hours, working closely with experienced therapists who provide guidance and feedback. Receive ongoing trainings and support to enhance your skills in business and as a provider.
YOUR SUPERVISING THERAPIST
Cynthia Vlahos Palmer
Hello! I am a licensed psychotherapist residing and practicing under the expansive Big Sky in Billings, Montana. Holding a license as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Montana, I am also recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). My educational background includes a Master of Science in Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, both earned from the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. With over 18 years of experience, I have collaborated with individuals in diverse settings, including mental health centers, school-based services, home-based services, emergency department crisis intervention, and private practice. I am deeply passionate about personal development and consider it a privilege to assist others on their unique journey.
YOUR BUSINESS COACH
Russ Palmer
Russell Palmer is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with a deep connection to Montana. As the Partner and Director of Operations at Helios Counseling of Montana, Palmer is instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic vision and ensuring its operational success. His commitment to personal and professional development is evident in both his professional roles and his broader contributions.
A Montana native, Palmer began his entrepreneurial journey in 1989, marking the start of a distinguished career in business. He is renowned for founding and growing several prominent tech companies in Billings, MT, including Echo Computer Networks and Connect Telephone and Computer Group. Under his leadership, these companies have achieved significant success and established themselves as key players in their industries. Palmer's expertise in technology and business development has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
In addition to his accomplishments in the tech sector, Palmer has made a notable impact in real estate. His strategic investments in short-term rental properties have generated over a million dollars in revenue, showcasing his keen ability to identify and exploit profitable opportunities in the real estate market.
Palmer's entrepreneurial drive is complemented by his dedication to coaching and mentorship. His coaching practice is centered on essential areas such as mindset, focus, discipline, and effective marketing and accounting techniques. He is particularly passionate about assisting young business owners in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, offering guidance through both strategic and operational challenges.
Through his diverse career and coaching efforts, Russell Palmer continues to influence and inspire, using his extensive experience to support the growth and success of individuals and businesses alike.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Supervisors
Learn from seasoned practitioners who are dedicated to your growth and success, and tailor supervision and coaching to align with your career goals and aspirations.
Holistic Skill Development
Prepare yourself for both clinical and business success, mastering the skills needed for effective client care and practice management.
Balance and Support
Achieve your licensure goals without compromising your work-life balance, and join a network of like-minded professionals who provide encouragement and collaboration opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Our supervision includes clinical guidance, ethical practice support, professional development, and training on business practices. We will work with you to review your notes, coach you on improvements you can make as a provider, and prepare you with the skills needed to open and operate a private practice.
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Yes, our licensure program includes practical experience where you’ll work with clients under the supervision of our experienced therapists.
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Your hours will be varied as your skillset increases. You will start around 10 hours per week and move your way up to around 25 hours per week.
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No. We have all of our licensure candidates under our insurance, so you you're not limited to cash-pay only clients.
