What is the primary purpose of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for LPCCs?

• A. To promote licensed counseling education
• B. To protect the public by regulating licensed professional clinical counselors
• C. To provide counseling services to the public
• D. To manage licensing examinations for psychologists

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) is to protect the public by regulating these professionals. This regulatory role involves ensuring that practitioners meet established standards of education, training, and ethical practice necessary for safe and effective counseling services. By overseeing licensing, enforcing compliance with professional standards, and addressing grievances or misconduct, the BBS aims to safeguard the well-being of the public. This protective function is critical in maintaining trust in the mental health profession, as it helps to ensure that counselors are qualified and adhere to ethical and legal guidelines in their practice.

In contrast, promoting licensed counseling education, providing counseling services, and managing licensing examinations for psychologists do not fall within the primary mission of the BBS concerning LPCCs. While these areas may be ancillary to the work of other boards or organizations, the core focus of the BBS is the regulation and protection of public interests in the field of behavioral sciences, which is distinctly encapsulated in option B.