MIND MOSAIC PSYCHOLOGY

Our Training

What Is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)?

Your Guide to Understanding Provider Roles at Mind Mosaic Psychology

At Mind Mosaic Psychology, both Sarah and Taylor are Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs) with extensive training and many years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults. We understand that the title “LPA” may be unfamiliar, so we’ve answered some common questions below to help you feel confident in your care.

FAQs

What is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA)?

1

A Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) is a mental health professional trained to provide psychological testing, therapy, and other mental health services. In North Carolina, LPAs have completed an advanced graduate degree in psychology—such as a master’s, Specialist in School Psychology (SSP), or Education Specialist (EdS) degree. Their training includes advanced coursework and supervised experience in understanding and helping with emotional, behavioral, and learning concerns.

What are SSP and EdS degrees, and how are they different from a master’s degree?

2

SSP (Specialist in School Psychology) and EdS (Education Specialist) are both advanced graduate degrees that go beyond a typical master’s degree.

While a master’s degree usually takes about two years after college, SSP and EdS programs typically require 3 years of graduate study, additional coursework and more supervised practical experience.
These specialist-level degrees are designed to provide deeper training in assessment, intervention, and consultation, preparing professionals to handle more complex cases and work closely with schools and families.

Can LPAs practice independently?

3

As of October 1, 2023, some LPAs can practice independently if they have completed at least 4,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of two years and are approved by the North Carolina Psychology Board.

What does this mean for my care at Mind Mosaic Psychology?

5

How is an LPA different from an LCSW or LCMHC?

4

LPAs, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) can all provide therapy, but LPAs are the only master’s-level clinicians in North Carolina who can conduct formal psychological testing and evaluations. LCSWs and LCMHCs focus mainly on counseling and do not provide psychological testing

Sarah and Taylor each bring a strong foundation of experience to their work—Sarah has been practicing for over 16 years, and Taylor for about 10 years. Sarah is independently licensed and serves as Clinical Director, focusing on clients ages 5 and up, with a particular expertise in working with teens and adults. Taylor, who also has extensive experience, specializes in children, adolescents, and young adults. Taylor is currently practicing under supervision due to a more recent transition from school to private practice setting, but this does not reflect on her skill or quality of care. Both are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based evaluations and recommendations tailored to your needs

Our Mission

We are fully invested in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can feel safe, respected, and supported.

We honor and affirm the full spectrum of identities, experiences, and backgrounds that make each person who they are. No matter your race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other part of yourself, our goal is to provide a space where you are accepted and valued.

Our practice is guided by respect, equality, and the inherent worth of every individual. We are here to offer compassionate support and guidance to anyone seeking help.

As proud allies of the LGBTQ community, we are committed to supporting individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities with empathy, understanding, and care.

Together, we aim to foster an environment where healing, growth, and empowerment are possible, and where every person feels truly seen, heard, and valued.