Thinking about Therapy?
First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS! For you to think seriously enough about counseling/ therapy to click on the link that brought you to this post means something. My hope is this question-answer type style will answer some of your questions and thus give you the information you need for the next step of your journey.
I’ve heard some people say they see a counselor while others say they see a therapist. Is there a difference? To answer this question, a few definitions are necessary. THERAPY “is considered a type of mental health practice when specifically done by a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or psychologist. COUNSELING is a mental health profession. With this in mind, often the words THERAPIST and COUNSELOR are used interchangeably. Do counselors/ therapists have specific training? Yes. Though there are various routes to becoming a counselor/therapist. All licensed counselors/ therapists have formal graduate level training & have passed their respective board exams. While Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and psychologists are trained differently, they all require graduate level training.
Furthermore, like many disciplines, some continue their education beyond the Masters level and gain their doctoral degree.
Do counselors/ therapists specialize? Some do while others maintain a broader scope of practice.
Can counselor/therapists prescribe medicine? Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Social Workers cannot. There are some psychologists who have the ability to prescribe certain drugs. When it comes to prescribing medication, you would need to see an M.D.
Where can I go to find a counselor/therapist? Google or Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com) are two great places to start.
Some counselors/ therapists have different initials behind their names. What does that mean?
P-LPC - Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor A P-LPC has a license to practice counseling in the state of Mississippi under the supervision of a Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor An LPC is a person who has met pre-application requirements and is approved to practice counseling without supervision.
LPC-S- Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor An LPC is licensed in Mississippi and has the required experience, training in supervision, membership in a professional association, and is approved by the Board to provide supervision.
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
How much does it cost? Therapists have different rates, but you should inquire about any a financial questions when you are setting up your initial session. The counselor/therapist or their front office will be able to help with those questions.
If I have insurance, will it cover the cost of therapy? It depends on your plan. The counselor/therapist or their front office will be able to help you with this question.
If I don’t have health insurance that covers therapy, is it even worth inquiring about a reduced rate? Absolutely. Some (not all) counselors/ therapists hold availability for those that need some financial help. This is especially true of a P-LPC.
Is therapy for adults only? No. Counseling/Therapy is available for all ages. Not all counselors/therapists see all ages, but this is something the counselor/therapist or their front office will help you navigate.
How long do sessions typically last? 1 hour.
Do I have to do therapy in-person or is there a virtual/online option? Not all counselors/ therapists choose to utilize virtual/online sessions, but many do.
While I hope this answered your question/s, we understand this is not every question that could be asked. Should you have another question, we at Stillwaters Counseling Group are one phone call away. It would be our honor to talk with you and help however we can.