FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST, AN LCSW, LSW, AND AN LMFT?
A psychologist is a clinician who holds a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.). Typically these clinicians have spent at least 5 to 6 years of graduate work strictly studying psychology. They then move on to complete another 1 to 2 years of internship. This is then followed by an additional 1 to 2 years of supervised clinical work experience before qualifying to sit for the licensing examination. A psychologist does NOT prescribe medication. They do provide psychotherapy through their extensive knowledge of psychological theory, therapy, research and diagnostic testing. Psychologists are the only group of clinicians trained to specialize in psychological testing. Psychological testing involves years of training on not only how to administer the tests but also how to score the tests and integrate the test information with clinical interviews and background information, knowledge of personality theory, human development and research.
The title "Psychologist" can only be held by someone who has completed the aforementioned training and has passed both national and state licensing examinations. A psychologist can also be informally called a "therapist," a "counselor," or a "clinician," however, other mental health professionals may also use these terms even though they are not formally trained and licensed as psychologists.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) will typically hold a Masters degree. An LCSW's training usually consists of 2 years of graduate school and 1-2 years of internship. An LCSW can assess, diagnose, intervene and treat individuals, families and groups with psychosocial problems. They may frequently partner with a psychiatrist if they feel medications may be necessary.
A Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) will hold a Masters degree in Psychology and/or Marriage and Family Therapy required plus supervised experience.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN?
No, I only work with adults 18 years old and over.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
Monday through Thursday by appointment only. My hours vary. Please call me to discuss what your scheduling needs are.
DO YOU DO HOME VISITS?
Please call me to discuss this. I may do scheduled home visits with you at my discretion.
DO YOU DO IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS?
Yes, I do. Please call me to discuss what your needs and timelines are concerning an evaluation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST, AN LCSW, LSW, AND AN LMFT?
A psychologist is a clinician who holds a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.). Typically these clinicians have spent at least 5 to 6 years of graduate work strictly studying psychology. They then move on to complete another 1 to 2 years of internship. This is then followed by an additional 1 to 2 years of supervised clinical work experience before qualifying to sit for the licensing examination. A psychologist does NOT prescribe medication. They do provide psychotherapy through their extensive knowledge of psychological theory, therapy, research and diagnostic testing. Psychologists are the only group of clinicians trained to specialize in psychological testing. Psychological testing involves years of training on not only how to administer the tests but also how to score the tests and integrate the test information with clinical interviews and background information, knowledge of personality theory, human development and research.
The title "Psychologist" can only be held by someone who has completed the aforementioned training and has passed both national and state licensing examinations. A psychologist can also be informally called a "therapist," a "counselor," or a "clinician," however, other mental health professionals may also use these terms even though they are not formally trained and licensed as psychologists.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) will typically hold a Masters degree. An LCSW's training usually consists of 2 years of graduate school and 1-2 years of internship. An LCSW can assess, diagnose, intervene and treat individuals, families and groups with psychosocial problems. They may frequently partner with a psychiatrist if they feel medications may be necessary.
A Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) will hold a Masters degree in Psychology and/or Marriage and Family Therapy required plus supervised experience.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN?
No, I only work with adults 18 years old and over.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
Monday through Thursday by appointment only. My hours vary. Please call me to discuss what your scheduling needs are.
DO YOU DO HOME VISITS?
Please call me to discuss this. I may do scheduled home visits with you at my discretion.
DO YOU DO IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS?
Yes, I do. Please call me to discuss what your needs and timelines are concerning an evaluation.