This post is a FAQ about becoming licensed. Connect with me on our Facebook page if there’a a question you’d like answered!
- What is the difference between a mental health counselor, psychologist and psychiatrist? A mental health counselor has a masters degree and works with people using talk therapy. A psychologist has a doctorate degree and works with people by providing formal assessments and some talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with training in psychological disorders who prescribes and manages psychotropic medication, and may also provide some talk therapy.
- What is the difference between a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, rehabilitation counselor, and addictions professional? All of these professionals work with clients using talk therapy, but the type of work they do is usually different. Mental health counselors generally work with individuals on psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, marriage and family therapists generally work with couples or families on communication and intimacy issues, social workers usually focus more on connecting clients with services and client advocacy, rehabilitation counselors work with clients on psychological issues related to disabilities, and addictions professionals help people overcome addictions and develop healthier coping behaviors.
- What is required for each one? With the exception of the addictions professional, who is required to have a bachelor’s degree, all of these professionals are required to have masters degrees. The differences are primarily in the course content of the masters program that the person attended. They also vary a bit on how they are regulated. State licensure is required for the first three, and certification is required for the last two.
- Must I be licensed by my state to do talk therapy? Yes, you must be licensed by the state in which you reside. Requirements vary, and so the best thing would be to find out what your state requirements are. All licensure requires three components: 1. a masters degree by an accredited university, 2. passing a state licensure exam, and 3. supervised experience.
- What do you mean by “supervised experience?” Each new counselor must work initially under another counselor’s license. The period of time varies by state, but usually involves at least a thousand hours of face-to-face time with clients. During this process, you are required to meet regularly with a qualified counseling supervisor who will review cases with you. During this period of time you are considered an “intern” (exact lingo varies with the state) or a “pre-licensed professional.” Many states regulate the use of titles such as “mental health counselor.”
- How long will I have to be in school? The typical counseling masters program takes about two and a half years.
- How do I find a qualified supervisor? Check with your professional organizations. Many local counseling organizations maintain a list of qualified supervisors. Also, check with the professors in your program, as many of them may be qualified supervisors.
- What should I look for in a supervisor? You must have good rapport with your supervisor. If you do not feel comfortable with him or her, find a new one. As a new counselor, there will be much you do not know. If you aren’t comfortable admitting that to your supervisor, find a new one. Also, make sure that the supervisor is qualified to supervise for your particular licensure. For example, in some states mental health counseling supervisors cannot supervise social work interns.
- Will I get to work as a counselor during my masters program? Yes. Depending on state requirements and your institution, you must complete a certain amount of counseling hours in order to graduate. Some part-time counseling work, with a period of full-time work, is required. Usually these positions are not paid. You will have two supervisors- one at the counseling site, and one from the university. In addition to doing the counseling work, you will also attend a class for credit.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barb LoFrisco
