What type of license should my therapist have?
Mental wellness is a lifelong journey that often extends beyond your time in therapy. The same can be said for therapists and clinicians who dedicate themselves to understanding the human mind. Most mental health professionals don’t stop learning once they’ve left school, meaning we, as therapists, are evolving alongside our patients. Beyond seeking further education and becoming clinicians, most therapists grow tremendously while gaining field experience. By studying new information surfacing in the psych world and learning how to better facilitate patients with different struggles and backgrounds, they become better and better with time. (Yes, you heard it here first- therapists age like fine wine). Make no mistake, though: both associates and clinicians are highly capable of providing quality care. We employ both at our practice because, despite the differences between their levels of education or background of practice, they’re all therapists. We’re proud to be part of any therapist's growth and know that having a broader array of therapists on our team means better care for our patients. This may leave you wondering: What is the difference between a clinician and an associate? What makes someone a therapist, and what other mental health certifications are there? For those of you who are considering therapy, knowing the different designations may benefit you while choosing a partner for your mental health journey. That’s why we’ve laid it all out for you in this issue of our blog.
Licensing and Education
Many psychology firms, including ourselves, have licensing as a primary concern when considering a potential therapist to join our team. Therapy is one of many professions you must be properly licensed to practice. This protocol protects patients from unethical or unqualified would-be “therapists” who haven’t undergone proper studies or testing. If you ever have concerns about the care you are receiving from your therapist, it's important to double-check their licensing. Luckily, there are open databases for verifying. Also, never agree to meet with a therapist without at least a master's Degree, as that is the minimum education required for a therapist to practice legally in California and in most other states.
Therapy Licenses
A therapist's licensing is often listed next to their designation, but if you're unfamiliar with it, looking at a therapist's home page can feel a bit like staring into a bowl of alphabet soup. A wide variety of licensing is available because therapy and psychology are highly multifaceted subjects with several specialization niches. Not to mention, there are provisional licenses for soon-to-be therapists, which can be even more confusing. Don't worry; we’re going to untangle some of it. Here are some of the most common licenses therapists receive and what they mean:
LPC: Licensed professional counselors
LMHC: Licensed mental health counselors
LMFT: Licensed marriage and family therapists
LCSW: Licensed clinical social workers
PhD or PsyD: Psychologists
MD or DO: Psychiatrists
Provisional Licenses
As mentioned before, to become a therapist who can practice independently, associates must obtain a provisional license and practice under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. These provisional licenses mean that they have completed their Masters level education but show they’re still not fully vetted. These licenses often begin with an A for associates. For example, a provisionally licensed therapist aiming to become a clinical counselor would be an APCC. A family therapist who is not yet fully licensed would be an AMFT. These individuals can see patients like average therapists or may be involved in administrative work in a firm. Still, the main difference is that they would require mentorship from a senior therapist.
Education
Every therapist takes a unique path during their education. It’s common for therapists to finish school and ask, “What now?” just like anyone else. Yet, whether they stop at a master's, pursue their doctorate, focus on a niche discipline, or go general, their expertise is guaranteed. We applaud those who further their education and work hard to become masters in their field and hold a prestigious title. However, we also want to acknowledge that having a more modest academic background doesn’t disqualify a therapist from excelling in their field. That being said, you don’t automatically need to search for a therapist with a PhD. This is only relevant when searching for a psychiatrist for medical intervention. Most psychiatrists focus on approaching mental health from a biological perspective and don’t have a practice where they prioritize talk therapy alongside their medical expertise. If you choose to use medication, you likely will still need to find a therapist who can help you through one of the various types of talk therapy.
Erasing Stigma
Despite our practice and many others prioritizing high-level care and qualified therapists, some people may feel apprehensive about working with an associate. We’re here to tell you that it’s not a negative experience and, in some cases, it may be a better solution. For one, you know your associate always has a licensed therapist standing by to help if they hit a snag. So, in some ways, it’s like you get two therapists in one. Not to mention, a new associate will be up-to-date on the most recent and relevant information and training available for their field and have it fresh in their mind. Another unique factor about those with provisional liscencing is that patients often pay a lower rate to work than a fully licensed therapist. This works well for those who may not be as able to afford therapy but also allows these up-and-coming therapists to acquire clients for that much-needed experience more easily. The relationship between you and an associate is mutually beneficial, which can be exciting for some.
Considerations for Choosing a Therapist
Now that we know that you don’t have to shy away from provisionally licensed therapists or those who have yet to receive their doctorate, we can focus on what might actually impact your choice when choosing the right therapist for you. One potentially good approach is to focus on a therapist who specializes in a type of therapy that resonates with you or specializes in an area of concern for your mental health. Doing this can ensure you get the desired results and care. It can also be beneficial to see a practitioner who frequently works with your demographic, aligns with your values, or provisions for your unique needs. However, the biggest factor in finding your ideal therapist will always be whether or not you feel comfortable with them. Though a therapist is not your friend, having a level of rapport and a feeling of mutual understanding is essential. This closeness, respect, and understanding can help motivate you to dig deep and be vulnerable when needed. Having someone who gets you on your side can motivate you to achieve your goals and break out of negative patterns. For those of you in the San Diego area considering therapy now who might be having difficulty getting started, we can help. We offer consultations that match you with our roster of amazing therapists and associates at bareWell and our network of partners. That way, we can find an excellent fit for you wherever you are in your journey.