What is the difference between a Licensed Psychologist and other types of therapists?

Many mental health professionals can provide "psychotherapy" or "counseling". For example, a counselor, a Marriage and Family therapist, a psychiatrist, a social worker, a pastor or a life coach can all provide "counseling". Many mental health professionals can call themselves a "psychotherapist" or a "therapist" and they can also say their treatments are "psychotherapy" and/or "counseling".

However, the education, training and skills between the professions vary greatly.

Minimally, a licensed psychologist must have an advanced graduate degree from an approved educational institution, a minimum amount of supervised psychotherapeutic experience (before and after they graduate), and pass the state licensing examination. In the state of Florida, they must also receive ongoing continuing education in order to renew their license every two years. Licensed psychologists are trained and licensed to provide psychotherapy, counseling, psychodiagnostic assessment, evaluations, forensic testimony and consultations for treatment.

Dr. Manuela Menendez is a Licensed Psychologist who provides services in South Miami, Florida. Please feel free to contact our office for an appointment (786 529-6913) or send an email to drmanuelamenendez@gmail.com to schedule a free phone consultation.

For more information about Licensed Psychologists,  please visit http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/about-psychologists.aspx.