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By considering a prospective therapist's credentials along with the particular license they possess, you may be able to determine the amount and kind of academic training and experience they have had. Pyschologists can hold doctorates in either philosophy (Ph.D.), psychology (Psy.D.), or education (Ed.D.). Typically they have completed four or more years of graduate school and are all eligible for licensing. However, only those who have been licensed can call themselves psychologists. There are many Ph.D.'s from other related or unrelated academic fields who still practice therapy without being licensed or clinically trained. Psychologists can also specialize in a wide variety of non-clinical practice areas, including statistical research, industrial psychology, or diagnostic testing and evaluations. Licensed Clincial Social Workers (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Professional Counselors (LPC) have typically graduated with a master's degree from a two year graduate school. Some may also have gone on for a doctoral degree beyond the master's degree. Social workers may also have other credentials: B.S.W. (Bachelor's of Social Work), M.S.W. (Master's of Social Work), A.C.S.W. (Academy of Certified Social Workers; a 2 yr post graduate national credential), BCD (Board Certified Diplomate; 5 yr post graduate credential) or DCSW (Diplomate of Clinical Social Work; 5 yr post graduate credential). Social workers can also be licensed as an LSW (Licensed Social Worker) when trained to specialize in a variety of non clinical practice areas, for example, community organization and development, or administrative management. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors have other Master's degrees such as: M.A. (Master of Arts), M.S. (Master of Science) or M.Ed. (Master of Education). Marriage and Family Therapists have specialized training in the area of family systems while Professional Counselors may have a variety of more generalized training in the area of psychology and counseling. DORA, The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (www.dora.state.co.us/Mental-Health) provides more information about all licensed psychotherapists. By going online, you will find relevent information, like the current Colorado statues pertaining to all psychotherapists, the public grievance records filed against any practitioner and more. |
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