You passed your exams. You got your associate license. And now you are sitting there wondering what on earth you are supposed to do first.
I remember that feeling. How am I going to talk to someone for 50 minutes? Will I get any clients? How do I handle marketing? Nobody hands you a map, so let's build one together.
Here is a simple checklist for your first 90 days as an LPC associate. Take what helps and leave the rest.
Before you see your first client
This is the boring part, and it is the part that protects you. Do these before anyone sits down on your couch.
Get your supervision agreement in writing. Fees, meeting schedule, how hours get signed off, and what happens if either of you wants out. If you are still choosing a supervisor, start with How to Find a Good LPC Supervisor.
Set up liability insurance. Even if your employer has coverage, ask what it covers and whether you want your own policy. Get the answer in writing.
Decide how you will track your hours. Pick one system, a spreadsheet or an app, and use it from day one. Log hours the same day, because "I'll catch up on Friday" turns into a nightmare at month three.
Keep copies of everything. Your agreement, your approval letters, your signed hour logs. Store them somewhere safe that is not just your work computer.
Know your board's rules. Read your state board's requirements for associates yourself, even if your supervisor knows them. It is your license.
Days 1 to 30: Get set up and get comfortable asking for help
Your first month is about building habits, not being perfect.
Set up your notes. Pick a note format and learn it. Write notes the same day while the session is fresh. Messy and finished beats perfect and three days late.
Start building your caseload. Start small if you can. A few well-matched clients will teach you more than a full schedule you are barely holding together. If your site assigns clients, speak up early if a case is outside what you feel ready for.
Practice asking for help. This is the big one. You will have moments where you do not know what to do. Write your questions down as they come, and bring them to supervision. Call or message your supervisor between sessions when it is urgent. A good supervisor wants that, and a good associate is one who asks.
Build one support person. Find someone at your own level, a peer who is also in the in-between years, and check in regularly. This is a big reason I created The After Hours. It is easier to laugh, vent, and ask "is this normal?" with people who are living it too.
Days 31 to 60: Your first real check-in
By now you have a rhythm, and you probably have a few things you want to change.
Schedule a review with your supervisor. Do not wait for them to bring it up. Ask: What am I doing well? Where should I grow? Are my notes where they need to be? Is my caseload the right mix?
Look at your hours. Are you on track to hit your requirements in the time frame you want? If you are behind, now is the time to adjust, not month ten.
Notice what drains you. Which clients, tasks, or situations leave you wiped out? That is useful information about your limits and your interests. Bring it to supervision and, if needed, to your own therapy.
Adjust one thing. Pick one change, like a better note template or a firmer boundary around your lunch break. One change that sticks is worth more than ten you abandon.
Days 61 to 90: Look ahead
You have survived the beginning. Now start thinking about the year.
Map out your hours. Count how many you have, how many you need, and about when you will finish. Put a rough date on the calendar.
Name what you want to learn. A population? A modality? A certification? Pick one thing to move toward this year.
Plan your self-care before you need it. Burnout rarely shows up with a warning. Decide now what your limits are, when you will take time off, and who you will talk to when things get heavy.
Celebrate. Seriously. Ninety days of seeing clients, taking notes, and showing up is a big deal. Write down three things you are proud of.
You do not have to do this alone
The first 90 days are easier with people who understand. If you want a place to ask questions, compare notes, and feel less alone, come join The After Hours ✨ , a free community for prelicensed therapists. It is a verified Discord space for practicum students, interns, associates, and anyone on the road to LPC, LMFT, or LCSW.
Inside, you will also find the Counseling Binder, a growing library of clinical resources I built to help you in the room. Come take a look.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first as a new LPC associate? Get your supervision agreement in writing, confirm your liability coverage, and set up a system to track your hours before you see your first client.
How often should I meet with my supervisor? It depends on your board's requirements and your agreement. Whatever the minimum is, ask for what you actually need, and speak up if you need more support.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed in the first few months? Yes. Almost everyone does. Feeling unsure is part of the developmental phase of becoming a therapist, and it does not mean you are doing it wrong.
This post is general education and not legal or licensure advice. Always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.
