Live Scan Process for Psychological Associate Applicants: Everything You Need to Know

Becoming a licensed Psychological Associate in California requires a thorough screening process to ensure that all candidates are qualified to provide mental health services to the public. One part of this process is undergoing a criminal background check, which is performed using Live Scan fingerprinting, a form of electronic fingerprinting in California that is used to access the applicants’ criminal history. The California Board of Psychology requires all applicants for licensure to complete a Live Scan fingerprint submission, enabling the state to verify the applicant’s criminal history before granting them permission to practice.

What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is a digital fingerprinting process used by various regulatory agencies in California to conduct background checks on applicants for jobs, licenses, and other positions that involve public trust. Unlike traditional ink-based fingerprinting, Live Scan captures fingerprints electronically, which are then submitted directly to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for processing. Once processed (usually 24-48 hours), your criminal record is sent electronically to the Board of Psychology.  This method is faster, more accurate, and more efficient than traditional methods, allowing for quicker background checks and a smoother application process.

Why Psychological Associates Need a Background Check

For Psychological Associate applicants, the California Board of Psychology requires Live Scan fingerprints as part of the licensure application to verify that candidates meet the necessary legal and ethical standards for practicing in the field. As a Psychological Associate, you will work closely with vulnerable populations, providing assessments, therapy, and other mental health services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. To protect the safety and well-being of the individuals you serve, the California Board of Psychology requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check. This background check is designed to verify whether an applicant has a criminal history that may indicate a potential risk to clients or affect their ability to perform their duties ethically and responsibly. The background check is conducted by reviewing an applicant’s criminal record for any arrests, convictions, or pending charges that may disqualify them from practicing as a mental health professional. By requiring a background check through Live Scan fingerprinting, the Board helps ensure that only individuals with clean records and strong ethical standards are granted licensure as Psychological Associates.

The Live Scan Process for Psychological Associate Applicants

At Anshinotary.com, we make this process as simple and stress-free as possible, guiding you through each stage from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Live Scan process:

1. Obtain Your Live Scan Service Request Form

Before you can complete the Live Scan fingerprinting process, you’ll need to obtain the required Live Scan Service Request Form from the California Board of Psychology. This form is specific to your application for licensure as a Psychological Associate and must be submitted when your fingerprints are taken. You can obtain this form by visiting the Board’s website or contacting the Board and downloading the form under the licensing section for Psychological Associates.

The Live Scan Service Request Form includes essential information, such as:

• Applicant Information: Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal details.
• Requesting Agency Information: The California Board of Psychology’s contact details and ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number, which ensures that your fingerprints are sent to the correct agency.
• Type of License/Job: Psychological Associate (License Type).

Once you have this form, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.

2. Schedule Your Live Scan Appointment

After obtaining your Live Scan Service Request Form, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a Live Scan provider. Anshinotary.com offers convenient scheduling options, making it easy for you to book your fingerprinting appointment at a time that fits your busy schedule.

To schedule your appointment, you can contact us by phone or online. We understand that many Psychological Associate applicants are juggling work, school, and other commitments, so we offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs.

3. Prepare for Your Appointment

When preparing for your Live Scan appointment, it’s important to bring the following items with you:

• Completed Live Scan Service Request Form: This form is mandatory and provides the information required to submit your fingerprints to the appropriate agencies.
• Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. This ensures that we can verify your identity during the fingerprinting process.
• Payment Method: Depending on the Live Scan provider, you may be required to pay a fee for the fingerprinting service. At Anshinotary.com, we accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, cash, Zelle, Venmo, or third-party payments via phone or a Stripe link.

4. Complete Your Live Scan Fingerprinting

When you arrive for your appointment at Anshinotary.com, our experienced staff will guide you through the Live Scan process. We use state-of-the-art technology to capture your fingerprints electronically, ensuring that they are submitted accurately to the DOJ and FBI. The fingerprinting process typically takes only a few minutes and is quick and painless. During the session, your fingerprints are scanned digitally and transmitted securely to the appropriate agencies for background check processing. This electronic submission allows for faster turnaround times compared to traditional ink fingerprinting methods.

5. Receive Your Copies of the Live Scan Service Request Form

After your fingerprints have been submitted, we will provide you with two copies of your Live Scan Service Request Form. One copy is for your personal records, while the other should be retained for the California Board of Psychology. At Anshinotary.com, we also comply with legal requirements by securely storing a copy of your Live Scan Service Request Form in a locked safe for 12 months. This ensures that your information is protected and available in the event that you need to reference it in the future.

6. Wait for Results

Once your fingerprints have been submitted, the DOJ and FBI will process your background check, and then securely and electronically send the results directly to the California Board of Psychology. The Board will review your criminal history and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for licensure as a Psychological Associate. You may contact the Board about your record after it has had time to process your results. The processing time for Live Scan results can vary depending on factors such as the volume of requests and the completeness of your fingerprint submission. In most cases, results are processed within a few days to a few weeks.

What Happens If There’s an Issue with Your Fingerprints?

In rare cases, an applicant’s fingerprints may be rejected by the DOJ or FBI due to poor quality or incomplete data. If this happens, you will be notified and asked to resubmit your fingerprints. Anshinotary.com is committed to helping you resolve any issues that may arise during the fingerprinting process, and we will work with you to ensure that your fingerprints are resubmitted as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Anshinotary.com for Your Live Scan Needs?

As a Psychological Associate applicant, you want to ensure that your background check is completed accurately and on time. At Anshinotary.com, we are dedicated to providing fast, reliable, and secure Live Scan services that meet the specific requirements of the California Board of Psychology.

Here’s why you should choose Anshinotary.com for your Live Scan needs:

• Expertise: Our staff is knowledgeable about the fingerprinting requirements for Psychological Associate applicants, ensuring that your background check is handled correctly.
• Efficiency: We prioritize fast turnaround times to help you complete your licensure application as quickly as possible.
• Flexible Payment Options: We offer a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, cash, and third-party payments via phone or Stripe link.
• Secure Handling: Your personal information is stored securely in compliance with state and federal regulations. We store a copy of your Live Scan Service Request Form for 12 months in a locked safe to ensure your data is protected.
• Convenient Scheduling: We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your busy schedule, making it easy to complete your Live Scan at a time that works for you.

Conclusion

Completing the Live Scan background check is an essential part of becoming a licensed Psychological Associate in California. By partnering with Anshinotary.com, you can be confident that your fingerprinting process will be handled professionally, accurately, and securely. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your background check is submitted without delay so you can move forward with your career in mental health.

Contact Anshinotary.com today to schedule your Live Scan appointment and take the next step toward becoming a licensed Psychological Associate. Let us help you make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.