I Need a Counselor, but What Kind?
- lesliecochrane99
- Mar 16, 2023
- 4 min read
Therapist, Counselor, Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Psychologist, Psychiatrist…..
Did You Know by Leslie Cochrane, LPC at CochraneCounseling.com
The variety of terminology used today for counselors can turn choosing one into a confusing experience. To make the experience even more confusing, the popularity of apps offering help may not provide you with a counselor who has received good training or has any kind of licensure or requirement for continuing education. Some digital options do offer licensed counselors who are excellent. I am going to give you a short description of the most common terms for mental health professionals (MHP) so that you can make an informed decision on who you want to work with. The most important thing to understand is that the years of training can vary drastically between one MHP and another.
These first two types of MHPs which I will describe are LPC & LICSW. They commonly use terms such as Counselor, Therapist, Psychotherapist or Christian Counselor. Most LPCs and LICSWs do talk therapy with clients, though some have certifications in other therapeutic treatments. They can complete some mental health assessments but may refer clients to a psychologist for in-depth testing. They may refer clients to a psychiatrist if medications or treatments are needed.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC - To earn this license from the Alabama state board you must complete a Masters program with specific course work in counseling that includes internships; as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), complete a 24 month program that includes 3,000 working hours in Alabama under a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor (LPC-S); pass either the state or national comprehensive exam; and apply by the state board who will issue your license. Only after all of this do insurance companies recognize that you are a professional counselor and approved to receive payments for services. To maintain the state licensure a LPC must complete continuing education, approximately 20 hours per year.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LICSW, or LMSW - To earn this license from the Alabama State Board of Social Worker Examiners you must complete a Masters program in Social Work that includes internships; complete 24 months of LICSW-S - supervised social work experience. At this point you become “license eligible” which will allow you to sit for the Association of Social Workers Board (ASWB) exam. Once the state has issued your license to practice, you will be recognized by health insurance companies as a professional counselor and approved to receive payments for services. To maintain the state licensure, a LICSW must complete continuing education.
Next is the PhD and MD levels. While both are technically doctors, a Psychologist, PhD, can provide counseling, or in-depth testing and interpretation of the testing results with suggestions for counseling. A Psychiatrist, M.D., generally is more involved with managing your medication needs and not one-on-one counseling, as only the psychiatrist is allowed to prescribe medications. The Psychiatrist will refer the patient to a LPC or LICSW for counseling.
Psychologist, PhD - To earn these credentials in Alabama you must complete your doctorate from a school of psychology that is accredited and recognized; complete an internship program accredited by the American Psychological Association; pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
Psychiatrist, MD - To earn these credentials in Alabama you must have completed four years of premedical education in a college or university; complete a course of study leading to an MD degree from a qualified medical school; pass a written examination to gain a state license; and complete three to five years of full-time experience in an accredited residency training program with a specialty in psychiatry. Psychiatrists must maintain their knowledge of medications and treatments for mental health.
Finally, there are Life Coaches who are often referred to as counselors or coaches. They are usually very easy to work with and very motivating. Some big companies may include the help of a life coach as part of their wellness program.
Life Coach - In Alabama there is no educational requirement to become a life coach and there is currently not a state board which oversees them. There is a national and international certification option for them. Over 50% of Life Coaches have completed a bachelor degree and most are certified by a program which trains life coaches. Most are very well helpful with making life changes with career, nutrition, and lifestyle, but they are not trained to assist with mental health disorders.
