Become a Psychologist

I am updating this because I keep seeing so-called “Counseling Psychology” programs that lead to credentialing in either LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or something similar, depending on the state.) I am simply patrolling the borders between and among professions.

But “Counseling” is NOT the same as “Counseling Psychology”, and if that statement surprises you, then you should keep on reading. (You should keep on reading anyway, because generally I am pretty entertaining…) The American Psychological Association oversees Psychology, and with an MA in so-called “Counseling Psychology” (which is REALLY “Counseling”) you cannot even think about getting a Psychology license. That is why they get an LMFT or an LPCC–because the program is not overseen by, recognized by, approved by the American Psychological Association.

Yes, you study “Psychology”, but it is NOT a Psychology degree. I studied Counseling Psychology at The Ohio State University, and was licensed as a Psychologist. I also studied the law around Psychology, but I cannot say my program was “Counseling and the Law”. It just does not work that way, although some prominent schools are presenting their degree programs as if that is OK. In my book, it is not. Counseling is overseen by the American COUNSELING Association, and the LMFT is overseen by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. So you have “Counseling Psychology” programs that, ultimately, are neither Counseling NOR Psychology, but are overseen by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Why not call the program and the degree that, then? Seems misleading, at best, to be honest. Unless they simply do not know any better, which is hard to imagine.

So anyway, when you think about it, it kind of makes sense that Counseling and Counseling Psychology would be different, right? NO! It’s insane, and yet it is what it is, and year after year, prospective graduate students stumble over the not-knowing, causing unnecessary confusion and angst.