What majors/minors are required to even be a psychologist/therapist?
I have heard many answers to this one. I was told by one source that sociology, but then told by another that sociology is a broad term that only refers to a group of majors that may specialize in psychology. I know I definitively need psychology under my belt, but other than that I'm lost. #choosing-a-major #psychology #therapy
2 answers
Linda Ann’s Answer
To perform therapeutic interventions AND call yourself a psychologist you must have a doctorate in psychology (either a PhD or a PsyD). There are other, mental health practitioners who engage in therapeutic interventions but do not hold a doctorate in psychology.
There are master's in social work...there are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC); they have a masters degree in psychology or counseling plus additional, supervised experiences and then have passed a national, licensing examination. Go to the website of the American Counseling Association to find out more about the LPC credential!
Diane’s Answer
Linda Ann is correct. I am a licensed professional counseling associate (LPC-A), which means I graduated with a master’s in clinical mental health programming and am now working in a supervised experience. This means I’m doing counseling for 1,500 hours (in no less than 18 months & no more than 5 years) and will then be upgraded to a licensed professional counselor.
Diane