On my different pages I have already noted that there
are many types of therapy. Here I offer some general remarks:
For fairly circumscribed problems such as anxiety, depression, fears,
difficulties in life adjustment, marital discord, among others, various
forms of cognitive behavioral therapy are effective. Choosing a therapist
who is trained in these procedures is recommended.
Therapists differ by credentialing:
Ph.D. level psychologists, like myself, are broadly trained and offer
a range of services. They are licensed in the states in which they practice
and are required to follow strict continuing education rules and are subject
to State Boards of Psychologist Examiner rules.
There are also Master level psychologists who have an Associate term
identifying themselves. There is licensing at the master's level in some
states. Although having less formal training than Ph.D. level psychologists
these people usually have specialties in more limited areas.
Probably the most prevent providers are those with social work degrees
(LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and providers offering various
counseling options. Often times people in these disciplines offer services
very similar to those offered by doctoral level providers.
Marital and family therapists cut across all of these training groups:
some are Ph.D. level providers, whereas others at trained at the master's
level.
Most professions list a referral source in the yellow pages; these serve
as clearing houses for their members, and often have toll-free phone numbers
(e.g., Oregon Psychological Association, 1-800 541-9798). However
these referral sources cannot make specific recommendations about anyone's
competence. Therapists should also indicate how they provide for emergency
services. This information should be contained in the therapist's disclosure
statement explaining their orientation, training and fees for examples,
see my Disclosure
and Managed Carepages.) All
professionals are guided by the ethics of their respective profession and
by state regulatory agencies (e.g., Professional Boards) and State Associations.(For
an example of the ethics of the American Association of Mariage and Family
Therapists, click AAMFT.)
Related Links:
Choosing a Therapist
