There are so many different degrees and certification routes that therapists may go through.
And to make matters worse, there can be differences from state to state.
For ex. I am considered a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Michigan. Were I to transfer to another state, I would probably get a title such as licensed Clinical Social Worker.
I also have the credential Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor which is a masters level certification. Had I completed it as a bachelors clinician it would be called a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Again, this can vary from state to state.
These types of credentials require completion of a board examination and are registered by a state, federal, or international board.
I have also completed what is called certification in EMDR, dissociation, auricular acupuncture, and a program called Y12SR. These are optional and not required in my field, but I felt they were important for the type of work I want to do. There are other important certifications out there as well.
Also, different fields have different continuing education requirements and limits to how they practice. Some specialties such as EMDR can have “trained” practitioners and “certified” practitioners.
It is important to know more about the type of provider you need and what they can practice.
When in doubt, ask! A good google search or checking with state licensing boards or your insurance company can also go a long way.
Comments