- Joined
- Aug 18, 2014
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- 101
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Okay I'd like some clarifications of a few things I've heard opposing things about:
1.) Can a LCSW actually call themselves a "therapist"? Yes I know a LCSW (also LMFT and LPC) can provide therapy services, I've seen some people on forums state that you cannot call yourself a therapist with LCSW. I'm 99.99% sure you can call yourself a psychotherapist as a LCSW, but its weird people keep saying you can't. I mean, I know the coursework of a MSW doesn't really train you to be a therapist very well (its usually not clinical-based), but that is a different issue.
2.) How long do you have to get licensed as a LMFT after you complete your MFT degree? Obviously you still need more clinical hours after you finish your degree, but I'm just wondering if there is a maximum number of years you have before your clinical hours are voided or before you can apply for a license? Or does this heavily vary by state and area? If so, give me examples please. I can't find this information anywhere. I am in California.
3.) What are the defining characteristics that allow you to get licensed in another state after getting licensed in the state where you completed your masters program? Or is it just random? I'm talking about at a masters level, and obviously the APA is not involved with masters level programs. I can't figure out why people are saying its soooooo hard to transfer a MFT license out of state. It can't just be due to CACREP/COAMFTE accredited programs, because I've seen many people without either get licensed pretty quickly.
1.) Can a LCSW actually call themselves a "therapist"? Yes I know a LCSW (also LMFT and LPC) can provide therapy services, I've seen some people on forums state that you cannot call yourself a therapist with LCSW. I'm 99.99% sure you can call yourself a psychotherapist as a LCSW, but its weird people keep saying you can't. I mean, I know the coursework of a MSW doesn't really train you to be a therapist very well (its usually not clinical-based), but that is a different issue.
2.) How long do you have to get licensed as a LMFT after you complete your MFT degree? Obviously you still need more clinical hours after you finish your degree, but I'm just wondering if there is a maximum number of years you have before your clinical hours are voided or before you can apply for a license? Or does this heavily vary by state and area? If so, give me examples please. I can't find this information anywhere. I am in California.
3.) What are the defining characteristics that allow you to get licensed in another state after getting licensed in the state where you completed your masters program? Or is it just random? I'm talking about at a masters level, and obviously the APA is not involved with masters level programs. I can't figure out why people are saying its soooooo hard to transfer a MFT license out of state. It can't just be due to CACREP/COAMFTE accredited programs, because I've seen many people without either get licensed pretty quickly.