HELP. I need to respond soon.

[firsttracks]

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I have been accepted into a MFT program and I am having second thoughts if I want to pursue a MFT license or a psychologists (PsyD) license. I want to enter private practice (mostly therapy, so ythe MFT seems adequate), but I like the idea that the PsyD will allow me to do psychological assessments. Can anyone tell me if (in California) a MFT can receive insurance payments the same as a PsyD? Also, is the ability to take insurance payments a good thing? I notice many ads for MFTs include a statement promoting the benefits of out-of-pocket payments, because that way a client's employer will not have access to his/her psychological issues. Is that a substantial argument? I need to respond soon my MFT acceptance. Thanks for your input.

 

[aequitasveritas]

I have been accepted into a MFT program and I am having second thoughts if I want to pursue a MFT license or a psychologists (PsyD) license. I want to enter private practice (mostly therapy, so ythe MFT seems adequate), but I like the idea that the PsyD will allow me to do psychological assessments. Can anyone tell me if (in California) a MFT can receive insurance payments the same as a PsyD? Also, is the ability to take insurance payments a good thing? I notice many ads for MFTs include a statement promoting the benefits of out-of-pocket payments, because that way a client's employer will not have access to his/her psychological issues. Is that a substantial argument? I need to respond soon my MFT acceptance. Thanks for your input.

MFTs usually cannot bill insurances in CA and alot of other states, which is why MFTs do that little advertising scheme where they tell patients how great the benefits are of paying out of pocket...because that's the only way they get paid. You will end up working in mental health agencies.

IMHO, MFT is not an adequate degree to practice psychotherapy with.

 

[sydb1367]

MFTs usually cannot bill insurances in CA and alot of other states, which is why MFTs do that little advertising scheme where they tell patients how great the benefits are of paying out of pocket...because that's the only way they get paid. You will end up working in mental health agencies.

MFTs can and do bill insurance in CA (idk about other states). I can't speak to whether they get the same reimbursement rates as a psychologist, but I doubt it. And I know several who work in private practice.

 

[aequitasveritas]

MFTs can and do bill insurance in CA (idk about other states). I can't speak to whether they get the same reimbursement rates as a psychologist, but I doubt it. And I know several who work in private practice.

I said they USUALLY cannot bill insurances; they can't. Many panels do not cover them.

I have been in private practice for two years now and I've seen the most unethical and clinically contraindicated behavior coming from MFTs. For example: many pull for clients to come and bring spouses; family in for all different sorts of reasons (but the real reason is they want to bill insurances). And this is only payable on certain panels...most i work with do not pay for anything but 90806. I have a client right now who's sister's therapist (an MFT) told the family she would see all of them in individual psychotherapy at the same time....wow.

As you can tell, I have a chip on my shoulder about MFTs. I think there is a certain grandiosity that goes with entering a 2 yr degree and thinking that one can then provide therapy; even to the general public.

 

[Phipps]

I said they USUALLY cannot bill insurances; they can't. Many panels do not cover them.


As you can tell, I have a chip on my shoulder about MFTs. I think there is a certain grandiosity that goes with entering a 2 yr degree and thinking that one can then provide therapy; even to the general public.

YES! This. Thanks for pointing that out. I just finished with a MS in Counseling Psychology and do NOT feel well equipped or trained to provide therapy in pp or elsewhere...after only two semesters of practicum...supervised by a LCSW.

I am glad I got accepted into a doctoral program so that I can get adequate and thorough training. I do not want to do harm to patients out of my lack of training or experience. More is needed than the training one receives in a MS/MA program or afterwards through supervision while practicing...the scary thing though is that many in my program already did provide therapy/group therapy while in a MS program.. It was scary to me because of how they would talk about what they do and the like.