Texas-California equivalents

[gradschoolgirl]

Hello! I recently graduated with my master's in clinical psychology (completed thesis and clinical track with practicum) in December 2013. I also completed the five required courses in our counseling department through the college of education to keep open the door to take the NCE/become an LPC.

Here is my situation: Last month I moved from Texas to California, and would like more information regarding the jobs available. In Texas the lowest rank at a psychiatric hospital is called a mental health technician - from what I've seen so far it looks like that is called a mental health specialist in California. Is this correct? The same goes for a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. In TX it's called an LCDC (Licensed chemical dependency counselor), but I don't think that's the case for CA. Also, in TX there is a position called an LPA (licensed psychological assistant), who has a master's degree, but must work under the supervision of a psychologist. Does CA have anything similar? Also, in TX the state funded program is called MHMR (or now named Behavioral Health Centers of X County). What about for CA???

What's the job market like? I'd prefer to stay more in psychology (e.g., testing and assessments) but am definitely willing to go more counseling if needed. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

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[docma]

The information you need will be on the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners site and you should look up details about CADAC (substance use credential that is national) and psychological assistantship in the Board of Psychology website. Forums like this will give you opinions or some experience maybe but you need to go to the source for facts and as a grad it is your responsiblity to get them straight from the source.

 

[gradschoolgirl]

Oh, absolutely. Was hoping to get some insight regarding information that isn't necessarily on those websites, like the feel of the market currently. I've read quite a bit about how saturated the field is with psychologists, however that's primarily due to LPCs only very recently obtaining rights to bill insurance. There's an alternative healing office on every corner here, and I'm interested to see if clients view them (counselors/psychologists/alternative healing therapists) as all the same or prefer more formal training. This is all very general, of course, as individual differences will be there no matter what. Thanks for your opinion and experience!

 

[erg923]

My experience is that the public really has no clue about the different degrees and training programs of the mental health practitioners, nor do they really care.

 

[paramour]

My experience is that the public really has no clue about the different degrees and training programs of the mental health practitioners, nor do they really care.

^^ This.

The market in California sucks. Most clients don't haven't the slightest idea the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists vs. adding master's level practitioners to the mix. I repeatedly get to "educate" clients that no, LMFTs and LCSWs are not Dr. X, Y, or Z. Then you start throwing life coaches and other random alternative BS into the mix, and everything goes out the window.

There are *some* clients who question education, credentials, specialties, etc. However, these seem to be the minority. Most only care about cost (is it cheap?) and whether the provider is eligible under their insurance plan.

 

[eowyne]

^^ This.

The market in California sucks. Most clients don't haven't the slightest idea the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists vs. adding master's level practitioners to the mix. I repeatedly get to "educate" clients that no, LMFTs and LCSWs are not Dr. X, Y, or Z. Then you start throwing life coaches and other random alternative BS into the mix, and everything goes out the window.

There are *some* clients who question education, credentials, specialties, etc. However, these seem to be the minority. Most only care about cost (is it cheap?) and whether the provider is eligible under their insurance plan.

This. And since agencies and consumers have no idea that some practitioners are more competent/qualified than others, they usually pay the person who will provide services for the lowest cost. For example, the CMH agency where I am doing my practicum has dozens of social workers and MFTs, and ONE psychologist.

 

[eowyne]

There are *some* clients who question education, credentials, specialties, etc. However, these seem to be the minority.

Yup, and those who do often get labeled as narcissists... How dare you consider some clinicians more effective than others and prefer to use those?!