Protecting the Public
Dear Anthony,
I wanted to thank you for writing such an interesting article in the November issue of Counseling Today regarding Life Coaches. I am a recent graduate in Community Counseling and just passed the LPC exam.
Here in Dallas, a lot of so-called “hypnotist/hypnotherapists” pass themselves off as therapists and life coaches. It’s amazing because they have NO clinical training to practice mental health. I’m wondering if there are any laws out there to protect the public.
For example, there is a guy in Dallas who is top listed on Google for Hypnotherapy.
The guy claims to be a “board certified hypnotherapist”…but in reality it requires no formal education nor licensure. If you look at his site, he claims to treat all kinds of clinical issues … including addictions. There are an awful lot of people out there claiming to by hypnotherapists, but are not licensed by the state to perform therapy. I’m wondering what I can do as a counselor to change this situation?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Porter
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Dear Jeremy,
Thank you so much for reading, and for your comments about, my column!
The issue of licensure you describe is complicated, evolving all the time, and differs by state.
In Massachusetts, where my practice was founded, the term “Mental Health Counseling” is regulated. However, other terms, such as “psychotherapy” and “counseling” have not always been regulated. Note: they might be now, but in my discussions with the board of licensure in the mid 2000s there were not regulated.
Hence, at that time persons could hang a shingle and provide services called “psychotherapy” or “counseling” and –depending on what they were actually doing—they might be working within the law. Truly, every time a term is regulated it seems someone comes up with a new title that’s note regulated. Consider “life coaching”, “mentorship”, “listening services”, “life consulting” or who knows what else.
It seems, you are having a similar experience, with someone providing services under the term “Hypnotherapy.”
However, regardless of the title one is using, they might still be in violation of laws for practicing medicine, or psychology / mental health services, without a license. It seems the person you’re citing is claiming to treat additions, depression, etc…. I’m not sure about your local laws, but it seems such claims might very well might cross the line in your state.
If you’re trying to practice in the same marketplace, I think that a good approach for you and other licensed mental health professionals (counselors, social workers, psychologists) is to emphasize your strengths to potential clients. This might include:
1 – Showing the difference in caliber of education and licensure you possess
2 – Being eligible to accept clients’ insurance (which unlicensed providers can’t do)
3 – Patient/Client Privilege — The legal protection of client privacy licensed counselors have, but others don’t.
Jeremy, I hope this helps!!
Sincerely,
Anthony
Dr. Anthony Centore
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Anthony Centore
I also share many of the feelings about insurance companies that other professionals have posted on here. I earned my master’s in counseling psychology and immediately became jaded by insurance companies’ infringements on patient care. For an early career professional, I have a sound ability to provide exceptional treatment. However, when I am in an agency or other work environment where paperwork for insurance companies consumes around half of my time (which is unpaid too), and said paperwork’s wording/construction leaves me no room but to do anything other than behavioral treatment, my ability to provide the care that my patients are asking for is absolutely impacted. It is most distressing for me when some of these folks have pervasive mental health concerns and using CBT and the likes are simply not enough. I am considering looking into a way to practice without dealing with insurance companies at all.
Hi Cheryl-
I appreciate your post on this blog. I am an LCSW in Massachusetts, and am opting to work outside of the healthcare industrial complex. I am currently exploring how I can provide services, be it as a life coach, psychotherapist, etc and still be practicing in a responsible way.
May I ask what resources you have come across in support of our seeming shared yet unpopular take on the profession?
Sincerely
Tracey Greenfield, MSSW, LCSW
I am pursuing a MS in psychology focusing on school and community counseling. I would imagin that my state requirements (I live in Massachusetts) would not allow me to work in any field relating to counseling/psychology without liscecure?
Joshua,
Thanks for your question. You’re correct in your thinking. If you obtain a degree in school counseling, you will have to pursue additional education to acquire your professional counseling license. Check your state requirements to make sure that your current program of study will enable you to do the work you want to do once the degree is conferred. Licensure is the key here. Be sure that your degree meets the requirements for your state licensure.
-Mike