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- #73
U
Uzuc
I think there are several of us on this thread who are attempting to say the same thing and we have different styles. Because it has gotten off track and some have tried to split hairs, (genuinely do not know or just want to argue behind a screen), some have gotten frustrated.
When we have something as serious as ptsd, it is difficult to make good decisions about choosing a therapist, but it is still "buyer beware". Whatever state you live in has a licensing board for all therapists, MSW, LPC, PsyD. etc. What we need to do, is know what is available in our state-then see training requirements. Each state will have a number of hours of training required , say 2000-5000 hrs of work before becoming licensed as well as passing an exam. Then you know the education and experience. From this, you can see what best suits you. Some think that those that have doc in psych are better educated (they have much more education), but much of it is in testing, does not apply to ptsd. I also can think of one local that is very very experienced and would trust with my life. However, many go into college teaching and testing such as kids and mental status for more severe diagnosis. The testing part is really critical but not for counseling.
Now you have the tools to interview therapists. You know their credentials and what they mean and can narrow it down a bit. When you show up for first appointment, have a list of questions ready, ask where they did their internships and supervision. That will tell you a lot. Much different if they did these at a Va hospital or at a youth service agency. Now you have more information. How long have they been practicing with a license. If they pass your criteria, you have the chance to get to know them and see if this is someone you can work with. Personally I would just not advice working with anyone with less than a masters degree and licensed. There are laws against practicing without a license but some agencies say they have a counselor and they are not licensed, but they may call them a rape counselor, or child counselor, they are really advocates. They cannot advertise as counselors and should not be misleading people, but I know it happens. Every licensed person has their license on their wall or you can ask for their license number and the board number. They are suppose to have a statement on their wall of competencies with the licensing board name, address, and phone.
I have had excellent to poor, but nothing tragic like some have described in a counselor. I feel for those that have been damaged this way. It is not acceptable or your fault. I think we just have to educate ourselves about what we should expect to prevent being a victim or being misled. While this is likely not the norm,I know that doesn't help if it happens to you.
When we have something as serious as ptsd, it is difficult to make good decisions about choosing a therapist, but it is still "buyer beware". Whatever state you live in has a licensing board for all therapists, MSW, LPC, PsyD. etc. What we need to do, is know what is available in our state-then see training requirements. Each state will have a number of hours of training required , say 2000-5000 hrs of work before becoming licensed as well as passing an exam. Then you know the education and experience. From this, you can see what best suits you. Some think that those that have doc in psych are better educated (they have much more education), but much of it is in testing, does not apply to ptsd. I also can think of one local that is very very experienced and would trust with my life. However, many go into college teaching and testing such as kids and mental status for more severe diagnosis. The testing part is really critical but not for counseling.
Now you have the tools to interview therapists. You know their credentials and what they mean and can narrow it down a bit. When you show up for first appointment, have a list of questions ready, ask where they did their internships and supervision. That will tell you a lot. Much different if they did these at a Va hospital or at a youth service agency. Now you have more information. How long have they been practicing with a license. If they pass your criteria, you have the chance to get to know them and see if this is someone you can work with. Personally I would just not advice working with anyone with less than a masters degree and licensed. There are laws against practicing without a license but some agencies say they have a counselor and they are not licensed, but they may call them a rape counselor, or child counselor, they are really advocates. They cannot advertise as counselors and should not be misleading people, but I know it happens. Every licensed person has their license on their wall or you can ask for their license number and the board number. They are suppose to have a statement on their wall of competencies with the licensing board name, address, and phone.
I have had excellent to poor, but nothing tragic like some have described in a counselor. I feel for those that have been damaged this way. It is not acceptable or your fault. I think we just have to educate ourselves about what we should expect to prevent being a victim or being misled. While this is likely not the norm,I know that doesn't help if it happens to you.