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I wanted to know who can diagnose psychological disorders. I know it varies from state to state, but what are the general requirements? Thank you.
In Ca., Co. and Wy all licensed mental health providers (LPC, LCSW, MFT etc..) can diagnose with the exception that in Wy mid-level providers need a cosignature from a doctor (MD/PhD/PsyD) to bill medicaid.
A prerequisite to diagnosing psychological disorders should be a medical understanding of them beyond that which is posted in Wikipedia.I wanted to know who can diagnose psychological disorders. I know it varies from state to state, but what are the general requirements? Thank you.
A prerequisite to diagnosing psychological disorders should be a medical understanding of them beyond that which is posted in Wikipedia.
Just curious, but to what extent are you an implying? And does the sword cut both ways? Should people also be required to show an understanding if the psychological sequelae beyond what is involved in a wiki entry?A prerequisite to diagnosing psychological disorders should be a medical understanding of them beyond that which is posted in Wikipedia.
There is also a difference between who can diagnose legally and who can diagnose ethically. For example, a provider unfamiliar with the various Dx's along the autism spectrum should not make a diagnosis in that area, though many times they still do. I bring this up because I often see diagnoses that are in direct conflict with each other (the differential is an either/or scenario), yet they appear together. It is my personal belief that a diagnosis should require a full clinical interview and formal psychological testing. Until this can happen the diagnosis should include rule outs and a formal diagnosis should only be made after more information can be collected. Admittedly this is not realistic in some circumstances, but it may help clear up some of the treatment issues we encounter later on.
So to answer the OP....in the majority of states most licensed mental health providers can provide a diagnosis....but many should not, but still do. Included in this statement are both MA/MS and Ph.D/Psy.D/MD.
There is also a difference between who can diagnose legally and who can diagnose ethically. For example, a provider unfamiliar with the various Dx's along the autism spectrum should not make a diagnosis in that area, though many times they still do. I bring this up because I often see diagnoses that are in direct conflict with each other (the differential is an either/or scenario), yet they appear together. It is my personal belief that a diagnosis should require a full clinical interview and formal psychological testing. Until this can happen the diagnosis should include rule outs and a formal diagnosis should only be made after more information can be collected. Admittedly this is not realistic in some circumstances, but it may help clear up some of the treatment issues we encounter later on.