Finding The Right Therapist – Key 1: Know the qualifications of the mental health provider.
Finding the psychotherapist that is right for you. . .
I know I need counseling, now what? How do I find a “good” therapist? What qualities should I look for? How do I know if they can actually help me? Where to begin?!? Just making the decision to get help is a huge step forward! Many people resist it because they feel vulnerable in sharing such deeply personal information about their problems and relationships with a “stranger.” Totally valid point! Therefore, it makes sense that you want to be wise about choosing the person to whom you are opening up your life and trusting to help resolve your concerns. Making an informed decision is key to feeling safe and finding your best fit with a psychotherapist. In this series, I will review 5 keys to finding the right psychotherapist for you. If you are finally ready to get the help you want, it is worth investing some time to consider your options!
So what’s the difference between all of these therapists?
There are many different professions, degrees, and licenses of those who provide psychotherapy. First things first. . . yes, we professionals like to call it “psychotherapy” and not “counseling.” I know it can be a loaded word, but it really isn’t all that stigmatizing and alarming to say. Why do we call it psychotherapy? Well, there are many forms of counseling-- financial, Biblical, legal, school, lay-- and many go unregulated, meaning people can call themselves “counselors” and say they do “counseling,” but they may have no specific training or credentials to back it up. There are also many kinds of therapists-- physical, occupational, massage, speech-- who help people with all different issues. “Psychotherapists” are generally regarded as trained professionals with a background in psychology or human behavior who treat mental, emotional, behavioral, and relational problems (the “psych” part) with specialized interventions to create change (the “therapy” part). So in a nutshell, going to psychotherapy is pursuing psychological change. . . and there are many different qualified people who can help you with that!
Not a lot of time to read? Go ahead and skip to my chart at the bottom for a quick and easy guide!
Interested in the deets?
(Hip people’s short-hand for details), then keep reading…
Looking for medication to help?
A PSYCHIATRIST (MD) is a medical doctor who is qualified to provide medical treatment and drug prescriptions for mental health diagnoses. A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER is a nurse with an advanced degree and additional training in psychiatry that is also able to manage mental health diagnoses with medication and medical treatments. While both professionals used to provide more counsel and regularly scheduled “talk time” with their patients, the need for their services has become so great that their time is now focused on biological intervention and symptom management. They generally refer their patients out for concurrent psychotherapy because they know that medication coupled with psychotherapy is likely to produce the best results. On an outpatient basis, both professionals see their patients a few times a year for short check-ups and/or to manage crises or adjust medications as needed. Much of the treatment they provide is covered by health insurance plans.
Need to talk or get some direction?
The remainder of psychotherapists below do not have medical degrees and cannot prescribe medication, but rather, use talk therapy and non-invasive interventions to treat mental health issues. Most work in tandem with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners providing counseling and cognitive-behavioral interventions to help individuals decrease symptoms and overcome mental health problems. All are generally trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, just from different philosophies of treatment and perspectives on problems. Most see their patients or “clients” (as those of us outside of the medical field call them) on a regular weekly or biweekly basis until issues are well managed or resolved, and then treatment slowly tapers off.
A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST usually has a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) and is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues from a psychological and biological perspective. They often treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, psychoses, PTSD, behavioral disorders, and personality disorders in adults or children. Some conduct psychological testing and intelligence testing, or provide specialized treatments for specific problems (such as ADHD, autism spectrum, and learning disorders) depending on their advanced training. Many accept insurance.
Under the umbrella of psychology, you will also encounter various specialists, including Psychoanalysts, Behavioral Analysts, and Neuropsychologists. These individuals often have Doctorate degrees in their fields, but are not MDs.
PSYCHOANALYSTS focus on the unconscious mind and how it affects thoughts and behaviors. They may help patients to interpret dreams, drives, and motivations in their subconscious; let their thoughts flow freely to uncover underlying patterns; and examine childhood influences.
BEHAVIORAL ANALYSTS focus on helping people change behavior through modification strategies, reinforcement plans, and skills training. Most commonly, they work with individuals with developmental disorders, autism spectrum, reactive attachments, conduct issues, or substance abuse and addiction problems.
A SOCIAL WORKER may or may not be trained in providing mental health treatment or psychotherapy. Many social workers receive Masters degrees and are generally trained in helping people and communities to overcome barriers and improve their lives. They may work in social welfare systems, schools, community programs, hospitals, or other social institutions. To provide psychotherapy, a social worker must receive additional clinical training and supervision specific to mental health diagnoses and treatment. These individuals are credentialed as licensed CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS (CSW) They often treat general mental health issues as well as social and relational problems.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS (MHC) typically have Masters degrees and licenses specific to treating mental health diagnoses. They often treat mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional disorders. Some receive additional training to provide trauma treatment, substance abuse counseling, or other specialized treatments.
PASTORAL COUNSELORS (PC) provide both mental health counseling and spiritual guidance. Many work as pastors and chaplains as well. They have training in both psychology and theology, usually at the Master’s level, and use the patient’s faith system to help alleviate symptoms and resolve concerns.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS (MFT) are trained both in treating mental health issues and relationship problems. Of all of the professions listed here, MFTs are the only ones who specifically focus the majority of their training on treating more than one person in the therapy room. Their plan for treatment takes into consideration the whole family system, helping people to build satisfying relationships that foster and support mental health and growth. Unlike many of the therapists above that either focus on adults or children, marriage and family therapists, much like family physicians, treat all ages from young children to the geriatric population. They have specific training in conducting marital therapy, teaching parenting, and intervening in family conflicts and can assess, diagnose, and treat individual mental health conditions as well. They have a Masters degree at minimum, but some have Doctorates.
ADDICTION COUNSELORS (CASAC) often have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service or other social sciences, however NYS only requires a high school diploma for this certification. These professionals mainly receive on-the-job training and take classes in order to learn how to work with individuals seeking to overcome addiction. They do have to meet various educational requirements, adhere to ethical standards, and pass regulatory exams to become certified. The focus of their work is on assessing and counseling people with substance abuse issues both inpatient and outpatient.
ART THERAPISTS use art and self expression to help people process their feelings, work through problems, gain interpersonal skills, and understand themselves better. Art can be used to reduce anxiety, improve mood, increase self-esteem, and promote relaxation and health. Art therapists have specialized training and Masters degrees.
Similar to art therapists, there are other creative arts therapists that use art forms to help people express their emotions and work through problems, using movement and creative expression to induce change rather than relying on words. These people receive specialized training in mental health or psychology along with having degrees in their chosen performing arts field. Such therapists include DANCE THERAPISTS, MUSIC THERAPISTS, AND DRAMA THERAPISTS. PLAY THERAPISTS, specifically, receive training in using play techniques (art, sand toys, dress-up, puppets, therapy games) to work with young children who do not have the verbal skills to engage in regular talk therapy.
LIFE COACHES are people who have gotten some form of training to help others improve their lives in a specific way. While these individuals may have formal education as well, life coaches generally take a class and receive a certification from the organization that sponsors the class. They may specialize in career coaching, addiction coaching, setting life goals, etc. Life coaches generally charge lower fees than counselors because they do not have professional training or state licenses to provide psychotherapy. That said, they are a great source of support and can be a resource for those looking for an outside perspective on their life goals or peer mentorship.
Seek those with certifications and licenses.
Whatever profession, anyone with a Masters or Doctoral degree who treats mental health problems using a background in psychology and talk therapy is often referred to as a psychotherapist. Beware of people who call themselves “counselors” but do not have a state-issued license to provide psychotherapy. Many people say they offer “counseling” but have not been properly trained and do not have the needed educational background to provide ethical and effective care. Your best safeguard is to verify that the person is licensed to practice their profession in your state. State licensure affirms that this person has received all of the necessary training and education, gained adequate experience practicing psychotherapy under an approved supervisor, and passed standardized exams to practice in their field. In general, the higher the degree, the more training they have pursued; the more time in practice, the greater their level of expertise!
Degree is key... In sum, Key 1 is to consider the professional’s degree, credentials, and area of training to determine their qualifications. A few points to consider:
Look at their educational degree and the field of study. Consider the reputation of the college or university from where they obtained it.
Make sure the psychotherapist is licensed in your state. In New York, go to: http://www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm.
MD and Ph.D. are the highest degrees, with the most training required, followed by Masters degrees. Except for life coaches or addiction counselors, Bachelors or Associates degrees are not enough to practice psychotherapy. Also, be sure the degree is in a psychotherapy field! A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Ph.D. in physics or a Masters in business (MBA) does not qualify a person to practice psychotherapy!
Consider the problem you are seeking help for and who would be the best trained and qualified to treat it. Is it a mental health concern, a relationship concern, a social issue, a career issue, a spiritual matter, or an addiction? Go to the person with the most expertise and training in the area of concern you are seeking to resolve!
