Therapy is a service that is purchased by customers, similar to other services people purchase such as carpentry, plumbing, auto maintenance / repair, and education.  Shopping for a therapist may be confusing at first, but there are really just a few factors to consider when choosing a therapist. 

In Minnesota, Mental Health Professionals are usually licensed by a governing body that is called a licensing board.  Licensing boards are put in place by states to protect clients.  There are several different boards that offer licensing in Minnesota, such as the MN Board of Social Work, the Board of Psychology, the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, the Board of Nursing, and the Board of Medical Practice.  You can find out more about licensing boards in Minnesota at  http://www.hlb.state.mn.us/ .

Therapists with a Doctorate degree (MD, Ph.D., PsyD) have more education and training than therapists with a master’s degree; therefore, their services may cost slightly more.  The initials after a therapist’s name indicate the therapist’s type of education, level of education, and licensure.   Some initials you may encounter are M.S.W., M.A., M.D., Psy.D., L.P.C., L.P.C.C., and L.I.C.S.W. Sometimes counselors will list their educational degree(s) as well as their license.

Although such qualifications aren’t a guarantee of quality service, finding out a person’s education and license type can help you when you choose a counselor.