HOW DO I KNOW IF MY THERAPIST IS QUALIFIED?

netdoctor.co.uk

Mental health professionals can be identified in two different ways: (1) by level of education, and (2) by type of license. The level of education is usually represented by the letters directly following the person's name, and includes the following abbreviations (average years of education beyond college in parentheses):

MD: Medical Doctor (8-10 years)

DO: Doctor of Osteopathy (8-10 years)

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy (4-8 years)

PsyD: Doctor of Psychology (4-6 years)

MA: Master of Arts (2-4 years)

MS: Master of Science (2-4 years)

MSW: Master of Social Work (2-4 years)

MEd or EdD: Master/Doctor of Education (2-4 or 4-6 years)

MDiv/MMin or DDiv/DMin: Master/Doctor of Divinity/Ministry (2-4 or 4-6 years)

BSN or RN: Psychiatric Nurse (0-4 years)

The second set of initials after the professional's name refers to the license that person holds. In order to obtain a license, professionals are required to obtain a certain number of hours of supervised experience, to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical requirements of their profession, and to pass a test showing their competence in the field. Whereas MDs and DOs do not typically code their license in a second set of initials, those who have completed psychiatry residency and board certification identify themselves as psychiatrists You can ask any doctor which “boards” he or she is certified by. A doctoral degree from a graduate school (i.e., PhD) is usually required for licensure as a psychologist.

Here is a sampling of the license names and abbreviations associated with other professions:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker: LISCW

Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist: LMFT

Licensed Professional Counselor: LPC

Certified Pastoral Counselor: varies (check the website for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors at aapc.org).

This list does not cover every license issued to therapists. These vary by state, as do the titles and abbreviations for the license.

Beyond these quick indicators, it is up to you to find out the professional's areas of expertise and reputation, and to be honest with yourself about whether you trust and like your therapist. Usually a therapist will frame the first session or sessions as a “consultation” for the purpose of evaluating your problems as well as the “fit” between client and therapist. Sometimes people check out a few therapists before making a decision. Also, keep in mind that the “letters” after a clinician's name do not always indicate their expertise or qualification to treat a certain problem—you want to know what experience the clinician you see has in treating anxiety disorders in general, and your specific disorder in particular. Also, clinicians in supervised training programs may provide excellent service. Explore your options carefully.

Source: The Anxiety Answer Book by: Laurie A. Helgoe, PhD, Laura R. Wilhelm, PhD, Martin J. Kommor, MD