LifeWise Counseling and Wellness, LLC

By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP

We want our clients to check our credentials. You should make sure that you know who you are working with. You should verify that we are licensed to practice. We also want our clients to know what type of work is within our scope of practice.

First, I want to point out that counseling licensing varies in type. Additionally, it is known by different names, depending on the state of license issuance. Keep in mind, therapist and counselor are interchangeable.

Counselor or Therapist: Takes 9-10 years
Master’s level clinician. Provides talk therapy for mental health, trauma, relationships, and life problems. Cannot prescribe medication. Examples include LPC, LMFT, and LCSW.

• Bachelor Degree in psychology, social work, human services or sociology.
• Master Degree in counseling.
• Practicum and Internship while in a masters program supervised under a licensed counselor who is certified in supervision.
• Pass a national board test called the NCE
• Provisional Associate license and 3000 hours of direct/indirect counseling working under a licensed counselor with a certification in supervision.
• Fully licensed counselor/therapist.

Psychologist: Takes 10-12 years
Doctoral level clinician with a PhD or PsyD. Provides therapy and psychological testing such as IQ, personality, and diagnostic assessments. Usually cannot prescribe medication in most states.

• Bachelor Degree
• Master Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• National board test
• Associate License under supervision (Residency)
• Fully licensed psychologist

Psychiatrist: Takes 12-14 years
Medical doctor with an MD or DO who specializes in mental health. Primarily manages psychiatric medications and medical aspects of mental illness. Some provide therapy, but most focus on medication management.

• Bachelor Degree
• Master Degree
• Medical School
• Residency
• Licensing Exams
• Fully licensed psychiatrist

Life Coaches do not have to have any certification and there is not a governing board. If you do work with a life coach, make sure they are certified in the area that they are practicing. This takes a few months to a year depending on the program.

Many Christian Counselors are not licensed, so make sure you verify their qualifications before you begin working with them. An LPC, LMFT or LCSW can implement religion into their practices, but there is not a specific “Christian Counselor” license. Be sure to understand the distinction. No formal education or licensing.

I hope this helps! Please always make sure that your provider is licensed in the area that they are practicing.

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