You’ve finally decided you need some help and are ready to contact a mental health professional, but when you start to look around you become more confused than ever! There are degrees and licenses including Ph.D., Psy.D., LPC, MD, LPA, LMFT, LCSW, LCDC, DO and more. Who does what?
First, credentials can vary from state to state and new ones come up from time to time. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some of the most common ones in Texas.
PSYCHOLOGY LICENSES
Psychologists will have a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., which are doctorate degrees. The Average Ph.D. program is 5-7 years and includes academic work which culminates in a dissertation, along with several years of clinical experience including a year of structured internship placed through the competitive match system. Most of the time you call them Doctor and they have Dr. as part of their title. You might see a psychologist listed in either of these ways: Dr. Ruth Broadnax or Ruth Broadnax, Ph.D. (or Psy.D.)
Psychologists are licensed by the State to do most types of mental health work if they have had training in the area. For example, some psychologists perform psychological evaluations. They have training and experience which allows them to do that. Other psychologists focus only on therapy or research, so they wouldn’t do testing. Even in the testing part of the work, a psychologist must have extensive training for the type of testing they do. Psychologists in Texas do not prescribe medication.
Neuropsychologist is a specialty certification that a clinician can earn within the field of psychology. They start with a doctoral degree in psychology. The work of a neuropsychologist focuses heavily on the physical functioning of the brain and how it impacts behavior. Often neuropsychologists work in hospitals and rehab settings to help with issues such as traumatic brain injury. To be a certified neuropsychologist, a clinician must have extra years of training and board certification. Sometimes there is crossover in what psychologists and neuropsychologists do, as the base education is the same. Qualifications for specialty work usually comes down to training.
Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA) have a master’s degree in a psychology-related field. Depending on their level of experience they can do a variety of work similar to a psychologist, but the scope of their work is usually narrower. Most of the time they work under the supervision of a psychologist. They will have two parts to their credentials: MA or MS denotes the type of university master’s degree they received, and then LPA identifies they are licensed by the State to do the work they do. For example, Dante Owens, MS, LPA.
COUNSELING LICENSES
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) have a master’s degree in a psychology-related program (MA or MS) or sometimes in education (M.Ed.) and primarily provide talk therapy. The type of therapy they do depends on training. Some work with children, others only with adults. Some do family or couples work, others do not. Many have experience with a variety of ages and issues, and you can usually easily see what their scope of work includes by reading their bio or talking with them. They will have two parts to their credentials: MA, MS, or M.Ed. denotes the type of university master’s degree they received, and then LPC identifies they are licensed by the State to do the work they do. For example, Cassie Worth, MA, LPC.
If a clinician has an “A” after their credential (ex. LPC-A) it means they have recently graduated and are working under supervision until they complete 3000 hours of practice. This means they meet once a week with a licensed supervisor to go over their cases and get input to make sure they are providing the best possible treatment. Their supervisor’s name should be included in all documentation. Often these early career therapists are wonderful clinicians and offer lower rates. If you plan to use insurance for therapy, though, they often are not reimbursable.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) have a master’s degree in a psychology-related program and primarily offer talk therapy. They can do all types of therapy but have extra education and training in looking at family systems and working with family-based issues. They will have two parts to their credentials: MA, MS or M.Ed. denotes the type of university master’s degree they received, and then LMFT identifies they are licensed by the State to do the work they do. For example, Aliesha Davis, MA, LMFT. As with all master’s-level clinicians, they are required to be under supervision for the first 3000 hours of practice, and this is denoted by an “A” at their end of the credential and their supervisor’s name is included in documentation.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) have a master’s degree in a social work-related program and primarily do talk therapy. They can do many" types of therapy but have extra education and training in looking at an individual through the bigger picture of their social world. They will have two parts to their credentials: MA, MS or M.Ed. denotes the type of university master’s degree they received, and then LCSW identifies they are licensed by the State. For example, Joseph Garcia, MA, LCSW. As with all master’s-level clinicians, they are required to be under supervision for the first 3000 hours of practice.
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) is a certification that a person can earn with a variety of academic coursework at many levels of education. They have specialized training in treating substance abuse issues.
MEDICAL DOCTORS
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor prescribe medication. They have a degree of MD or DO and are referred to as “Doctor.” They have training in all areas of medicine through an accredited medical school and then years of residency and extra training in psychotropic medication and mental health issues. Some psychiatrists also provide therapy. In Texas, a psychiatrist must have extra years of training and be Board certified to work with children and adolescents.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NP) often work in practices with psychiatrists and provide similar services. Typically, they are supervised by the psychiatrist.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
If you are looking for a provider, look for someone with the background and experience that fits your needs. Most clinicians are transparent about the type of work they do and are happy to answer questions.
Research shows that the most important component for success in therapy (70% - 80%!) is the relationship between client and therapist, so make sure you or your child feel comfortable with the person you select.
Over time the other factor which I’ve learned is critical is convenience. You must be able to get to therapy and it has to be at a time that works. You can select the best provider in the world, but if you can’t get your schedules to synch then therapy won’t work.
Hope this helps! – Dr. H.
Comments