Finding A Therapist and How A Therapist Becomes A Therapist – Ep 279

Finding a therapist – especially one that understands anxiety disorders and is trained in treating them – can be really difficult. There are so many acronyms, theories, and approaches!  Which is right for you?  What does it all mean?

Becoming A Therapist

It can help to understand the process of becoming a therapist and what makes one mental health professional different from another. In all cases, take some comfort in the idea that becoming a therapist is a demanding journey, involving intense education, training, and practical experience. Even though it can be hard to know which therapist is right for you, know that virtually all therapists have been extensively trained, put through their paces, and likely do have your best interests at heart.

Decoding The Alphabet Soup of Therapists

There are several titles and credentials a therapist can have, such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These roles require a rigorous training regime, typically involving four years of undergraduate studies followed by two and a half to three years of graduate training.

Clinical social workers can also provide mental health counseling or therapy services. They are subject to the same educational and licensing requirements as the rest of us. When it comes to social workers, you will find acronyms including LISW, LCSW, MSW and LMSW.

Master’s level therapists undergo further training and practical work, all of which must be supervised. This includes passing a national qualifying exam and working for quite some time under the supervision of a more experienced therapist/mentor.

Masters Degree vs Doctoral Degree

The role of a master’s level therapist is differentiated from a doctoral level psychologist, as the latter has far more time in an academic setting (a Ph.D or Psy.D both take 4-5 years to obtain at a minimum) and has likely been involved in advanced research in the field of psychology. Doctoral level psychologists are able to provide some services that Masters level therapists cannot including use of advanced testing and assessment tools and certain clinical evaluations.

What About Psychiatrists and Medication?

The role of psychiatrists in the mental health field is also examined in the podcast. Unlike therapists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe and manage medication. This points to the interdisciplinary nature of mental health treatment, where various professionals bring their unique skills to the table.

Specific Help With Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

When it comes to seeking help for anxiety disorders, finding the right therapist can be challenging. This is because anxiety disorders require specific therapeutic approaches. It’s crucial to understand a therapist’s theoretical approach, worldview, and their specialty in treating anxiety disorders. Professional affiliations can be a helpful indicator of a therapist’s focus and expertise.

The podcast episode concludes by underscoring the importance of understanding the qualifications and expertise of the therapist you choose. Remember, the letters after a therapist’s name indicate their training and credentials, but it’s their experience and approach to therapy that will determine their effectiveness in helping you navigate your mental health journey.

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