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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jay on March 7, 2003, at 21:30:03
Folks,
This is concerning the quality and regulation of counselling and therapy. It's from a post I put up above, and I thought it was worth repeating. So many people seem to get 'bilked' by untrained counsellors, and you have a right to know there are legal issues surrounding who can call themselves a "counsellor" or a "social worker". Here is the rest of myy post from above:
There is so much pop-psychology gibberish out there looking to bilk people of money, it is sad. If you want to find a qualified, certified and trained counsellor, your best bet is with an MSW or above social worker. If you live in the U.S., you can go here to find one or more in your area:
https://www.socialworkers.org/register/default.aspLike physicians, the field of social work is governed by legislative bodies and the law. This means you get quality counselling on an across-the-board scale.
People with degrees in psychology are not social workers. Social workers must take specific programs, meeting specific training criteria. The organization that governs social work in the U.S. is the National Association of Social Workers. (at the above website.)To also note, most social workers who work privately tend to use a "sliding scale" method of payment, depending on your income.
Any further help needed, or questions, please ask away.
Best,
Jay
Posted by Tabitha on March 8, 2003, at 16:36:40
In reply to Finding quality, recognized,legislated counselling, posted by jay on March 7, 2003, at 21:30:03
Jay, I'm not sure how it's different in Canada, but in my state there are several different types of counselors that are licensed. To get licensed they all need a degree from an accredited program, some number of hours of supervised internship, to pass a test, and to fulfill continuing education requirements.
LCSW (licensed clinical social worker)
MFT (marriage & family therapist, used to be called MFCC marriage family & child counselor)
LCP - Licensed Clinical Psychologist.Probably MFTs are the most common counsellor license here. The MFT and LCSW are somewhat equivalent in requirements, both take masters degrees, but the MFT allows different types of degrees (social work, psychology, education) while the LCSW is only a social work degree. Near as I can tell they offer similar services in individual therapy. The LCP license takes the most training, a doctorate instead of a masters. Un-licensed psychologists can also practice under supervision of an LCP, generally at a cut rate.
I'd recommend people educate themselves about the types of licensing in their own state when shopping for therapy.
Posted by likelife on March 8, 2003, at 18:10:36
In reply to Re: Finding quality, recognized,legislated counselling, posted by Tabitha on March 8, 2003, at 16:36:40
To Tabitha's reply, I would also add that where I live, master's level clinicians (often with degress in counseling psychology) can be licensed as LPC's (Licensed Professional Counselors), which requires (I think) 2 years of supervised experience.
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 0:45:14
In reply to Finding quality, recognized,legislated counselling, posted by jay on March 7, 2003, at 21:30:03
Hi, I hear you here! I have been one of those who have gotten 'bilked' by untrained counselors. I even went with one who, came to later find out, that she wasn't even licensed to counsel patients. What us up with that?! People who are social workers are just that-LICENSED as an LCSW. I am big on "It's all about the almighty dollar" and many patients are being jipped.-NOT RIGHT. I also have an organization called "Mariposa-For women"-who offer counsleing on a sliding fee for low-income patients, I called the other day because I need to go back into counseling to finish up the already hard work I have done to fight my illness, etc. and they not only dissed me but never sent out their great newsletter about the sliding-fee scale programs. lectures, and group help they offer-AFTER I asked 2x.
Again, WHat's up with that?
Thanks for the site, I am going to look at it.
Take care, Kristen:-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Folks,
This is concerning the quality and regulation of counselling and therapy. It's from a post I put up above, and I thought it was worth repeating. So many people seem to get 'bilked' by untrained counsellors, and you have a right to know there are legal issues surrounding who can call themselves a "counsellor" or a "social worker". Here is the rest of myy post from above:
There is so much pop-psychology gibberish out there looking to bilk people of money, it is sad. If you want to find a qualified, certified and trained counsellor, your best bet is with an MSW or above social worker. If you live in the U.S., you can go here to find one or more in your area:
https://www.socialworkers.org/register/default.asp
Like physicians, the field of social work is governed by legislative bodies and the law. This means you get quality counselling on an across-the-board scale.
People with degrees in psychology are not social workers. Social workers must take specific programs, meeting specific training criteria. The organization that governs social work in the U.S. is the National Association of Social Workers. (at the above website.)
To also note, most social workers who work privately tend to use a "sliding scale" method of payment, depending on your income.
Any further help needed, or questions, please ask away.
Best,
Jay
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 0:46:16
In reply to Re: Finding quality, recognized,legislated counselling, posted by Tabitha on March 8, 2003, at 16:36:40
Posted by jay on March 10, 2003, at 13:02:02
In reply to Re: Finding quality, recognized,legislated counselling, posted by Tabitha on March 8, 2003, at 16:36:40
Oh I know it is different state-to-state and such, and it is different here in Canada too. But the LCSW and MSW+ have very defined roles, and are the only internationally *governmentally* legislated caregivers. That is a massively important distinction you have to understand. I haven't spoke up about some of the 'issues' people have been dealing with, in regards to their "counsellor/therapists" behaviours, but many would break laws and legislation that govern social work. These could end up putting people in jail, or with criminal charges. Here are a few examples:Client Confidentiality and Privileged Communications (Government Legislated)
Social Workers and Subpoenas
Social Workers and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Social Workers as Expert Witnesses
Social Workers, Managed Care and Antitrust Issues
The Social Worker and Protection of Privacy
Social Workers and Child Abuse Reporting: A Review of State Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Social Workers and Managed Care Contracts
Social Workers and Clinical Notes
The NASW also are the usual assistance providers for community legal defense funds, for cases by people living in poverty, or abused women, etc. So if you are having problems in your life that somehow tie into anything legal, or with family, the MSW could also provide direction and advocacy. Many MSW's are also Child and Family Lawyers.(With an LLB\MSW Designation.)Oh, and an MSW are usually the only legislated individuals who have the power to work in State Child and Family Welfare. (as noted in such legislation as (S. 342 and H.R. 14)Keeping Children And Families Safe Act of 2003 and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.
Important distinctions I think people have to investigate. People should *not* be having their counsellor flirt with them, or having affairs with them, etc. That is an irresponsible abuse of power, and something a social worker could have criminal charges brought up against them for doing. (And most *likely* wouldn't, if you read the intense, massive Ethics policies practised in the field.)
Jay
This is the end of the thread.
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