What kind of Therapist should I see?

Therapist 101

There are many types of mental health clinicians or practitioners. Therapists are usually called Professional Clinical Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, etc. I will review that more below.

Another distinction is licensed therapist versus pre-licensed therapist.

Licensed clinicians are often called Mental Health Professionals. They are independently licensed and can practice on their own. They have completed all of the required training/education.

Pre-licensed clinicians - often called mental health practitioners or clinical trainees. They have graduated with their Master’s Degree but have not completed all of their training. Practitioners are required to practice under a licensed supervisor who monitors their work and ensures quality care. The training process/licensure process often takes 2 or more years to complete and can include additional exams. All therapists go through this process.

All of these folks provide therapy and are trained in how to provide therapy. However, each group has had slightly different training focuses.

Clinician’s who have their Masters Degree:

Clinical Counselors have specific training in counseling skills. They often focus on the individual and what is going on within them.

Marriage and Family Therapists have specific training in how to work with family and couple systems. They often view things through a relational or systemic lens.

Social workers have specific training in how to support clients who may have social disadvantages. They help clients access resources to improve their life.

Drug and Alcohol Counselors have specific training in treating drug and alcohol abuse. They often specialize in harm reduction for people who are addicted to substances.

Clinician’s who have their Doctorate Degree:

Psychologists usually have either a Ph.D or PsyD.

A Ph.D is a Doctor of Philosophy and they usually have more training in academic endeavors including research and assessment.

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology and has more training in providing therapy and clinical work.

Clinician’s who have their Medical Degree:

A Psychiatrist has an M.D. and is a medical doctor. They often provide medication management.

Does training matter?

It is important to note that a clinician’s training is just the jumping off point. It may inform the way they view clients or their theoretical orientation. However, therapists all learn and grow throughout their clinical work. They receive training, clinical experience and life experience that shape who they are as a therapist. Therapy experiences are tailored to the individual or family and is not about the therapist.

My guess is that when you meet with a therapist, you won’t be able to tell which discipline they are trained in.

Although it is helpful to consider your therapists’ training, it is not the most important ingredient of therapeutic success. Your relationship with the human behind the degree is more important. The degree isn’t the one treating you, it is the person.

Research shows the most powerful part of therapy is the therapeutic relationship, your connection with your therapist. If you feel comfortable and safe, you will get more out of therapy.

Your relationship with your therapist may be one of the most vulnerable and powerful relationships you ever have. It is worth finding someone you fit with.