What are all those initials by professional's names?
MD: Medical Doctor (A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialty in psychiatry)
Ph.D. : Doctorate degree (psycholgists, but also may include marriage therapists. social workers or professional counselors who have a Ph.D. instead of a Master's degree)

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
QMRP: Qualified Mental Retardation Professional
LCSW: Licensed Certified Social Worker
SWA: Social Work Associate
LCDC: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

In addition to licensures through the State Licensing Boards, many therapists also have numerous credentials and membership affiliations, some of which have differing levels of membership based upon experience and evaluation. In order to maintain licenses, professionals must submit yearly CEU's (Continuing Education Units) in specific areas as designated by the different licenses. Many state require yearly 'ethics' CEU's.

What is the difference between a 'shrink', psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist? "Shrink" is a slang word and usually refers to either a psychologist or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is an individual who has graduated from medical school, with a specialty in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are mental health professionals able to prescribe medication (as they are doctors/physicians). They provide psychiatric evaluations and limited 'talk' counseling, mostly focusing on medication management and review.

A licensed psychologist has obtained a doctoral degree and has passed an exam allowing licensure. Psychologists also provide testing (such as for school problems, ADD/ADHD, IQ testing, etc.). Depending upon their specialty, they may focus on testing, such as in a school setting, or on private practice testing or counseling.

Psychotherapists (LMFT, LPC, LMSW/ACP) have a minimum of a master's degree and have passed board exams pertaining to their particular specialty. They may also have doctoral degrees (listed as PhD or Ed.D). They are usually considered 'talk therapists' and many also provide other types of therapy.

Even though fees vary widely between the different groups (many times based upon years of experience, location, etc.), many times the psychotherapist is least expensive, then the psychologist, with the psychiatrist the most expensive. Be sure to inquire regarding fees, however, as fees are set by each office independently and may vary depending upon the type of testing, med. management or counseling provided.

In order for licenses to be renewed, evidence of continuing education, as required by each separate licensing board, must be submitted, usually on a yearly basis. It is illegal for a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional licensed to practice without a current license.

How do I know which type of therapist is best? Hopefully, this site will take some of the 'guesswork' out of the selection process for you by providing information which lists the therapist's experience, licensures and background! By clicking on 'topics', our site will direct you to therapists who work in particular areas. By clicking on the different therapists names and finding out information about then, you are then able to see which therapist may be most appropriate for you. After making the selection, we recommend you contact the therapist's office for information about hours, fees or questions regarding insurance. We strongly encourage you to verify their licensures (using our 'verify licensure' link).

What about confidentiality? Confidentiality exists in most cases, however your insurance company may require that the therapist disclose confidential information before payment is made for your sessions. Some insurance companies do not require that confidential information be disclosed, however, others require it from the initial (diagnostic session) forward. If this is a concern, please discuss this with your insurance carrier or your therapist. Therapists may be required to release confidential information if court ordered by a judge. Some individuals prefer to pay for sessions 'out-of-pocket' to prevent insurance companies from having information. Discuss any concerns regarding confidentiality with your therapist. It is unethical for a therapist to release confidential information without your permission. Licensing Boards need to be notified if a professional is releasing unauthorized information without permission.

Reporting abuse? Therapists will report abuse or suspected abuse of a child, the elderly or handicapped to appropriate authorities, as required by law.

What if we need counseling, but family members (or spouse) refuse to go? Take care of yourself! If a family (or family member) is resistant to counseling, you may still need help in dealing with a difficult situation or environment. A therapist will provide tools to help you make goals, seek options and prevent the likelihood of depression. Oftentimes, family members who were originally resistant to the counseling process may decide at a later date to participate. Either way, your own mental and emotional health will be stronger.