Myth Busters: Part II - Counselor-Selection Myths Examined

By:

Kari, MA, LPC candidate

Mandy, MSW, LSW

Last time, we discussed the many myths that surround the field of counseling.  This time, we’re looking at some of the myths about finding and selecting a counselor.  So let’s once again join Kari and Mandy, the Myth-Busting duo, to examine some of these misconceptions.

“Counseling is really expensive.”   

BUSTED: The fees for counseling services vary.  The standard rate for no insurance and no sliding scale is $120-150 per therapy hour.  HOWEVER… many counselors accept some form of insurance or offer a sliding scale fee system, which means that the fee can be adjusted/negotiated based on financial need.  Further, some counseling agencies have interns on staff, which are graduate students that are in their final year of training.  They are highly educated and are fully supervised by licensed staff and may be a more affordable alternative.  Additionally, many townships offer low-cost counseling services and/or subsidy programs for their citizens.   

Contact your insurance carrier and/or township for more information. 

“All counselors are the same.”   

BUSTED: Different counselors have different styles and specialties.  For example, you want to look for a counselor that specializes in what you need.  So if what you want is help solving a relationship problem with your significant other, you probably don’t want a counselor that specializes in inner-child work but rather someone who has experience working with couples.  If faith and spirituality are important to you, you can look for a counselor who will be able to integrate that into your therapy.  The bottom line is that there are a lot of different counselors out there, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

“Once you pick a counselor, you have to stick with them whether you like it or not.”   

BUSTED: As Mandy likes to say, sometimes finding a counselor is like shopping for jeans… sometimes you have to try on a few pairs before you find the right fit.  Or for you guys out there, sometimes finding a counselor is like finding a great mechanic… sometimes you have to ask around before you find one that you trust.  After a few sessions, if you think the counselor isn’t a good fit for you, then have a conversation with the counselor about that.  You don’t have to settle. 

“Anyone can be a counselor.” 

BUSTED: The State of Illinois does license counseling professionals, and you have a right to ask to see their license.   

“Whaaaat??  So many acronyms… what do they all mean?” 

Psychology

BA: Bachelor of Arts (4-year undergraduate degree; not a license)
BS: Bachelor of Science (4-year undergraduate degree; not a license)

MA: Master of Arts (Bachelor's degree +2-3 years of graduate school; not a license)
MS: Master of Science (Bachelor's degree +2-3 years of graduate school; not a license)

PsyD: Doctor of Psychology (Bachelor's degree +4-8 years of graduate school; not a license)

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy (Bachelor's degree +4-8 years of graduate school; not a license)

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (requires at least a Master’s degree; must be supervised by someone with an LCPC)
NCC: National Certified Counselor (requires at least a Master's degree, usually obtained in addition to the LPC or LCPC licensure)

LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (requires a Doctoral degree or LPC +2 years of full-time, supervised clinical work)

LMFT: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (specialized license; not required to practice marriage/family counseling) 

Note: Bachelor/Master of Arts does not mean that the person studied art or painting, and Doctor of Philosophy does not mean that the person studied philosophy; these are generic terms.  For example, a PhD could be in anything from Psychology to Chemistry to English Literature… so feel free to ask! 

Social Work

BSW: Bachelor of Social Work (4-year undergraduate degree; not a license)

MSW: Master of Social Work (Bachelor's degree +2-3 years of graduate school; not a license)

DSW: Doctor of Social Work (Bachelor's degree +4-8 years of graduate school; not a license)

LSW: Licensed Social Worker (requires at least a Master’s degree; must be supervised by someone with an LCSW)

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (requires at least a Master’s degree +2 years of full-time, supervised clinical work) 

Other

CADC: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (requires at least an Associate’s degree, only qualifies someone to do addictions counseling; this is often obtained in addition to another Master’s-level license)
ICDVP: Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional
MAPC: Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling

"Where can I start?"
If you or someone you know may benefit from counseling (in English, Spanish, or Polish), and you live in the Chicagoland area, you can contact Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health: Parish Services at (847) 981-3514 or parishservices@alexian.net to get more information or request an appointment.