If you’ve been researching therapists, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the various terms and acronyms you’re coming across. Here is a short guide to help shed some light on your options:
LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) like me are psychotherapists trained to work with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of settings, including non-profit agencies, schools, and private practice. They are interested in social relationships and dynamics, so they sometimes encourage the client’s family members to attend one or more sessions. Think of MFTs like the sociologists of therapy.
LMFTs can have a Masters, PsyD (Doctorate) or a PhD. MFTs do not prescribe medication; they strictly practice talk therapy (and play therapy with children). They will refer out to a physician if they determine that a client may benefit from medication.
AMFTs (Associate Marriage and Family Therapists) are not yet licensed, meaning they cannot have their own private practice yet, but they are actively supervised by an LMFT. They typically have at least 2 years of experience but haven’t yet taken the exam to become licensed. Think of AMFTs as residents on staff at a teaching hospital. They are also naturally lower cost than LMFTs for this reason.
LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) are trained similarly to MFTs, and their credentials allow them to essentially do the exact same type of work. Though many end up in public service (the concept that comes to mind when you think “social worker,”) many choose to go with private practice, which will look very similar to an MFTs private practice. Just like MFTs, social workers cannot prescribe.
Clinical Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (either Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and complete a year-long clinical internship and dissertation prior to obtaining a clinical license. They are trained in psychological assessment, as well as treating a range of concerns and diagnoses. They practice in various settings, and may provide therapy for individuals, couples, and groups, perform assessments, teach, or conduct research.
Psychiatrists are MDs whose chosen specialty is the human psyche. They can prescribe medication in addition to offering therapy, and their fees are generally much higher for this reason. The trend today is for psychiatrists to mainly prescribe and not provide therapy, so individuals receiving medication will often see a therapist from the above list for ongoing therapy and see their psychiatrist or general physician less frequently to monitor their medications.
Life Coaches are independent professionals who do not require a certification or a degree to practice. They are not regulated by state boards or ethics committees, and their scope is generally self-determined. They are typically more advice-driven, providing tangible tools and resources for bettering oneself professionally or personally. Therapists, on the other hand, are discouraged from providing advice, and would embolden clients to think independently after processing and reflecting.
Consider these important questions when choosing your therapist:
Is it important that my therapist be of a certain gender, age-range, or cultural background?
Is their fee affordable for me to commit to a weekly meeting?
Does the therapist offer teletherapy?
Is a free consultation available so that I can get to know the therapist before committing?
Do I wish to consider medication to treat my anxiety, depression, etc.?
What did and did not work about my previous therapist?