Preamble

In theory all licensed mental health professionals are allowed to provide services ranging from assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. Depending on their license, they practice under provisions restricting the use of certain professional labels; e.g. a mental health counselor may not use the term "psychologist", or refer to their practice as "psychological treatment".

Additionally, except for licensed Psychologists, no one else is allowed to use "Psychometric Instruments", such as IQ tests, or other tests under their domain.

It is important to note that the label, or term "Psychotherapist" IS NOT a restricted term and anyone, regardless of education, or credential can use it.

The Masters in Social Work is ap. 65 to 75 credits.

Depending on the Graduate School, one can chose a clinical track, which will mandate about two-thirds of the graduate work to be done in Psychopathology, Abnormal Psychology, Diagnostics, Psychopharmacology, Theories of Psychology, Systems Analysis, Child Psychology, Family Therapy theories, Developmental Psychology, History of Psychology, Process, etc.

Additionally during their first year there is a requisite for a P/T placement in a clinical setting, followed by a one-year, almost F/T placement, under clinical supervision.. Upon graduation, professionals must undergo a 2 to 3-year supervisied practice under a licensed practitioner to qualify for State Licensure.

Expanding their licensure domain, after another 2 years, some decide to be tested on knowledge and practice in order to be admitted to the Academy of Clinical Social Workers (ACSW), and following 10 years of direct practice and an additional post-graduate degree in a related field, one may qualify to earn a DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work) via successful passage or requisite course and exams. Such individuals are listed in The National Clinical Register of the NASW.

With all due respect, I cannot see how a masters in Psych, or even a Phd is superior, or more suited for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Perhaps in Psychometrics; Yes… But !!

As an ex-professor and clinical supervisor for a number of Universities, I am amazed when I interview new-comers to the field (fresh graduates) from MS and Phd programs. Upon questioning them and following a review of their courses, I am confused. At a maximum, they have had three courses in areas relevant to mental health. Please review any University’s program of study and you will also be amazed.

Their courses are now known as : Empowerment Models, Domestic Violence, Feminism, African Studies, The gay Movement, Short or Brief Focus Therapy, cultural diversity, hispanic studies, Aids awareness, ... these are all very appropriate and useful in sensitizing professionals, but not at the expense of the basics of Psychopathology; ... When I ask these graduates about the icons of Mental Health theories and practice suchas : Haley, Jacobson, Mahler, Kernberg, Bleurer, Piaget, Minuchin, Kohut, etc., they look at me as if though I fell from space.

What is particularly distressing is the new breed of MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists)… When I went for my MFT at Downstate College of Medicine, the requirement was a minimum of a masters in a Mental Health related field, and certification, or license… Now a BS degree is sufficient -not even the Graduate Records Exam) GRE. I have found few to none MFT graduates familiar with Salvadore Minuchin, Jay Haley, Nathan Ackerman, Bowen, Karl Whiteiker, Polazoli, etc., ... Like programmed robots they all respond the same way “We studied systems theory..” “.. we are eclectic…”

The end result is that Mental Health has been mugged by convenience and greed, at the corner of Managed Care Blvd and Political Correctness… Psychiatry has been reduced to four diagnoses : Adults are either bipolar/depressed, PTSD, or addicted.. Children only have ADD/ADHD. Prozac and Ritalin coupled with assisting people in shedding guilt and shame, are the prime models of therapy … a concerted effort towards a shameless, guilt free society, where self-caring has been replaced with self-catering and self- indulgence.

Meanwhile the mentally ill suffer, personality disorders are rampant, addictions dominate, and the children fall into drugs and conduct disorders , while parents are told “It isn’t your fault, he/she has ADD; how about some Ritalin?”

Finally, all treatment modalities have been reduced to CBT, Brief Therapy, or “Solution Focus". Every therapist begins treatment with the same question : “And what would it look like if the problem went away ?” Imagine asking my schizophrenic patients that question… or the borderline.. or the malignant narcissist. To add insult to injury, CBT tries to convince you your thinking is wrong and if only you adopt your therapist thinking, all is going to be ok !

I would like to state that I am aware my comments may be construed as the work of a radical or a traditionalist.. Not by any means.. It is, however, the product of utter frustration with our Professional Leaders, Managed Care Companies, and Institutions of Learning that are at present prostituting the Mental Health profession in return for their economic growth.

There are over a half-dozen different professions that provide services that focus on helping a person overcome a mental health concern or some significant life issue. There are a dozen more variations on these that can lead to a great deal of confusion in the marketplace. The greatest difference between the types of professionals is usually what they focus or specialize in, and their educational background.

In order to treat individuals or groups in a clinical environment, such as a private practice, a group practice, or a hospital, all of the mental health professionals must be licensed in order to practice. Licensure is conducted on a state-by-state basis, and licensure requirements vary widely from profession to profession.

However, Licensure is meaningless in the absence of a competent educational background and training.