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Psychiatrist (M.D.)
These core mental health professionals have had extensive residency experience and have earned the M.D. degree. Psychiatrist are the only mental health professionals who are allowed to prescribe medication.
Training focuses on psychopharmacology (or medication management of mental health issues) and the other medical therapies, diagnosis, as well as psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. Specialties include Forensic Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Geriatric Psychiatry.
Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
This is a professional who has a doctoral-level degree in a psychological field and is licensed to practice by their respective state.
A Psychologist is licensed to perform therapy, assessment, testing and other services. These professionals provide counseling and psychotherapy services for clients dealing with a variety of mental health issues or disorders. Typically, a Licensed Psychologist would be involved in more serious or difficult issues than would a Licensed Professional Counselor, but that is not always the case.
Psychologists are the only mental health professionals required to hold a doctorate degree. Other mental health professionals such as Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Social Workers are typically only required to hold a Master's degree for licensure. Licensed Clinical Psychologists cannot prescribe medication - a function limited to Psychiatrists and other medical doctors, but psychology associations are pushing hard for the right to do so.
For licensure, Oklahoma requires that a psychology doctorate program include an internship (sometimes called a residency) of one year, which includes supervised work experience with clients. Psychologists can hold a doctorate from a traditional Ph.D. program or the newer Psy.D. program. A Ph.D. program focuses both on academic research and clinical patient treatment while a Psy.D. program focuses much more on the clinical side. For license renewal, Oklahoma requires psychologists to complete between 20-40 hours of continuing education.
Therapist/Counselors (Master's Level)
Professional Counselors are state-licensed mental health professionals authorized to assist clients in achieving personal health or mental health goals, or in the treatment of various issues such as depression and anxiety. In general, Professional Counselors work with clients on more daily life issues, rather than mental disorders requiring more extensive treatment or medication. Professional Counselors interact with clients in a variety of settings from one-on-one discussion to group settings. Therapy sessions can include a variety of techniques, or combinations of techniques, from psychotherapy, art therapy and hypnotherapy, for example.Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists (LCPT) -- Only a few states require a separate licensure for counselors working from a religious or spiritual perspective. Another term used for this license is Fee-based Pastoral Counselor. In Oklahoma, chaplains, pastors or religious leaders need to earn a license as a Professional Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist in order to provide licensed counseling.
Licensure is only required if the counseling is for a fee, as opposed to part of the normal duties of a pastor or religious leader. In general, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselors must hold a Master's Degree in professional counseling or a related field, must complete 1000-2000 hours of professional supervision and must pass a licensure exam.Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) -- This professional title is used to differentiate a more extensive educational or professional experience level than that of Professional Counselors. For example, a Professional Counselor has a Master's degree (or higher) in professional counseling or a related field, and has passed a licensure exam. A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor achieved the same requirements, in addition to two years supervised work experience and a separate licensure exam. The work performed by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors is substantially similar to that of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Counselors. It consists of helping clients with various "daily life" issues such as relationships, career path decisions and overall well-being. More serious mental health disorders would typically be handled by a Licensed Psychologist or Psychiatrist (if medication is required).
Licensed Counselor -- This title is used in Oklahoma to license mental health professionals who help clients with "daily life" issues such as self-esteem and relationships. Licensed Counselors typically do not deal with more serious mental health or mental disorder issues that would require a psychologist or psychiatrist. Licensed Counselors are substantially similar to the Licensed Professional Counselor title used by most other states. Qualifications include a Master's degree in professional counseling or a related field, 1000 to 3000 of supervised work experience and a licensure exam. An additional 20-40 hours of continuing education is required for license renewal.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) --These professionals are similar to Licensed Professional Counselors, except the focus of counseling is more on the family unit than on the individual. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, it tends to be shorter term than other types of therapy (65% of therapist/client relationships are 20 sessions or less). Marriage and Family Therapists must have a Master's degree or higher in marriage and family therapy or a related field. Additionally, license applicants must have between 1000 and 3000 hours of supervised work experience, and must pass a licensure exam. Oklahoma requires marriage and family therapists to complete between 20 and 30 hours of continuing education in order to renew a license.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) -- Oklahoma requires applicants for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor to have at least a Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in professional counseling or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have accumulated between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience in the field, and pass a licensure exam. Oklahoma requires between 20 and 40 hours of continuing education in order to renew a license.
Psychological Practitioner -- This is an interim licensing level reserved for psychologists who have not yet fully qualified for full licensure as a Licensed Psychologist. Typically, a Psychological Practitioner has earned a doctorate in psychology, but has not yet completed the supervised work experience (1000 to 2000 hours), nor passed the licensure exam for Psychologists. The work conducted by a Psychological Practitioner is substantially similar to that conducted by a Licensed Psychologist - working with clients on a variety of mental health issues and diagnosing and treating mental disorders. However, Psychological Practitioners must work under the supervision of a full Licensed Psychologist.
There are many different kinds of Social Workers, with different licensure levels, reflecting differences in the extent of the professional's education, and overall work experience. Social Workers help clients deal with daily life issues, or work in an advocacy role for clients with social services agencies. Social Service agencies and charitable organizations are usually associated with Social Workers, who work more from the perspective of society and the surrounding environment, rather than Professional Counselors, who focus more on an individual’s personal motivations.Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – This professional has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has a total of 4,000 hours of experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a Board Approved Supervisor and at least 100 hours of educational supervision by the supervisor. He or she must also pass a Board-administered examination. Clinical social work is practiced within a private office or under the auspices of public, voluntary, or proprietary agencies and institutions addressing familial, economic, health, recreational, religious, penal, judicial and educational concerns.
Clinical social work is defined as practice that focuses on rendering services to individuals, families, or groups of individuals that involve the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of emotional disorders and mental illness as related to the total health of the client system according to social work theory and methods, providing services of a psychosocial nature pertaining to personality adjustment, behavior problems, interpersonal dysfunctioning and deinstitutionalization. Such practice is based on knowledge of psychodynamics, human relations, human development, personality development, crisis intervention, psychopathology, and group dynamics to effect change in human behavior, emotional responses, and social conditions.
Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) – This professional has a master’s degree in social work from a Board-approved social work program and has passed a Board-administered examination. The practice of a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. Master's Social Work practice requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities. The LMSW does not engage in private practice or practice independently.
The practice of a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. Master's Social Work practice requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – This professional has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has a total of 4,000 hours of experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a Board-Approved Supervisor. This experience shall include at least 100 hours of educational supervision by the supervisor. He or she must also pass a Board-administered examination. The LSW does not engage in private practice or practice independently. This professional is able to:
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provide counseling to individuals, couples, families and groups directed toward specific goals;
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assist in helping individuals or groups with difficult day-to-day problems, such as finding employment, locating sources of assistance, or organizing community groups to work on a specific problem;
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consult with other agencies on problems and cases served in common and coordinate services among agencies helping multi-problem families;
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conduct basic data gathering on social problems;
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serve as an advocate for those clients or groups of clients whose needs are not being met by available programs or by a specific agency;
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assess, evaluate and formulate a plan of action based on client need;
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provide training to community groups, agencies and other professionals about health-case issues and community problems; and
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maintain familiarity with professional and self-help systems in the community and will assist the client in using those services when necessary.
Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) – This entry-level license is held by a person who has a baccalaureate degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has a total of 4,000 hours of experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a Board-Approved Supervisor and passed a Board-administered examination. This experience shall include at least 100 hours of educational supervision by the supervisor. The LSWA shall not engage in private practice or practice independently.
The practice of a Licensed Social Worker Associate (LSWA) means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. LSWA basic generalist practice that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, consultation, education, advocacy, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs and activities.
Alcohol, Drug, and Addiction Specialists
Addiction Counselor -- These professionals treat clients for addiction to drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances. States often have multiple license levels for Addiction Counselors to reflect differences in education, training and experience. In Oklahoma, Addiction Counselor would represent a high level. Addiction Counselors typically have a Master's degree and 1000 to 3000 hours supervised work experience. This work experience is often above and beyond the 1000 to 3000 hours required to qualify for lower level licenses.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) -- These professionals help clients recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol through a variety of techniques from one-on-one interaction to group therapy. Most states have a complex, tiered licensing system for Drug and Alcohol Counselors to better identify the professional's education, training and experience level. An Alcohol and Drug Counselor would usually be the highest license level. This means the Counselor has a Master's degree in alcohol and drug counseling, and has 1000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience.
Chemical Dependency Trainee -- This interim licensure level is for those counselors who have earned a Master's degree or higher in substance abuse counseling (or a related field), but have not yet completed the required supervised work experience (typically 2000 to 3000 hours), nor passed the required exam for full licensure. Most states have a tiered licensing system for Substance Abuse Counselors (SAC) with each step defined by a particular education, training and experience background.
Entry level positions, such as Substance Abuse Counseling Technician, require an Associates degree (sometimes Bachelor's degree) and passing an exam. More advanced levels require a defined quantity of supervised work experience (1000 to 3000 hours is typical) and a Master's degree.Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) -- This is a mid-level certification for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Oklahoma has a multi-level license or certification structure for Alcohol and Drug Counselors to reflect the person's education, training and experience. Alcohol and Drug Counselors help treat clients for addiction to drugs and alcohol through a variety of counseling techniques. A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor must have at least a Bachelor's degree in alcohol and drug counseling, or a related field. In addition, the professional must complete 1000-3000 hours of supervised work experience and pass a licensure exam. In most states, this license level would be a step between an entry level license (Associate's degree) and a full license (Master's degree plus 1000 to 3000 additional supervised work hours).
Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC1 & NCGCII)
National certification is divided into two sub-sections based upon the applicant's competencies. (NCGC I or NCGC II). Certification requirements for NCGC I include: 30 hours of gambling specific training. The NCGC I certification requires 60 hours of gambling specific training. These 60 hours meet both the gambling specific core training requirements required by the National Council on Problem Gambling Counselor Certification and by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The National Council on Problem Gambling Counselor Certification is a specialty certification and does not take the place of a state license as a mental health professional, such as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, etc. Instead, the NCGC credentials enhance Oklahoma's licensed mental health professsionals and provide opportunities for broader exposure through the National Council on Problem Gambling's website and through recognition of this specialty certification nationwide.
(The State of Oklahoma does not issue a Certified Gambling Counselor license.)
Certified Senior Addiction Counselor (CAC - III) -- This professional provides treatment and counseling for those suffering from addiction to alcohol and drugs. Certified Senior Addiction Counselor are the highest level of training in the addiction field. In addition to providing addiction counseling services, these professionals are also charged with training and supervising the lower license levels. Licensure as a Certified Senior Addiction Counselor requires a Master's degree or higher in addiction counseling or a related field, passage of a licensure exam and supervised work experience of between 2000 and 3000 hours. This work experience is above and beyond the work experience required for licensure at lower levels (often 1000 to 3000 hours).
Substance Abuse Counseling Technician -- This is a lower-level licensure for counselors with an associates degree in substance abuse counseling, or that have completed a specified training program. Oklahoma licenses Substance Abuse Counselors on a tiered system to reflect the education, training and background of the counselor. Substance Abuse Counseling Technicians must complete pass a written examination. These professionals can assist in providing counseling services under the supervision of a higher licensed professional (such as a Substance Abuse Counselor), but cannot counsel patients or clients alone.
Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) -- These professionals focus on aiding in the recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction. States tend to have multiple levels of licensure for Substance Abuse Counselors to reflect the extent of the person's educational background, training and experience. Substance Abuse Counselor is the highest level. Substance Abuse Counselors in Oklahoma possess a master's degree or higher in substance abuse counseling or a related field. Additionally, substance abuse counselors have supervised work requirements (1000 to 3000 hours) and must pass a licensure exam. Counselors often serve as training authorities for lower licensure levels. Continuing education requirements vary by state, but often includes 20-40 hours of specific coursework, lecture series or self-study programs.
Educational Psychologist -- These professionals perform psychological services limited to assessing academic performance, diagnosing learning disabilities, and educational counseling. While they share the term "Psychologist" in their title, it is a considerably different profession. Many practitioners come from a teaching background, rather than a psychology background, though certification requires training in education and psychology. The biggest difference between a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Educational Psychologist is that a Licensed Educational Psychologist holds a Master's degree in psychology. A Licensed Psychologist must hold a doctorate. Licensed Educational Psychologists must also complete a post-graduate internship or supervised work experience of 2000 to 3000 hours.
Learning Specialist -- These professionals usually hold masters or doctorate degrees in Learning Disabilities or Special Education. Learning specialists test individuals to determine whether or not they have specific learning disabilities and provide remedial assistance to help individuals overcome their deficits.
Psychoeducational Diagnostician -- This is a term often used for masters level professionals in the field of mental health who perform assessments and provide recommendations for the treatment of learning disabilities and/or attention-deficit disorders. They may have a degree in learning disabilities or special education.
Creative Arts Therapist (CAT) -- Similar to a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), these professionals use the creation, study and interpretation of artwork as a tool to provide counseling services to clients. Clients who work with a Creative Arts Therapist are similar to those who would seek out a Professional Counselor to work through daily life issues such as family relationships, anxiety and confidence issues. Only a few states have a specific license for a Creative Arts Therapist (also called a Licensed Professional Art Therapist). In other states, professionals offering art therapy would most likely be licensed as Professional Counselors. Creative Arts Therapists must have a Master's degree in professional counseling, along with 1000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience. They must also pass a licensure exam.
Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) -- This professional uses the creation and study of artwork as a tool to provide counseling to clients. Art Therapy is one of many techniques used by Professional Counselors as a tool to work with clients on daily life issues such as relationships, career issues and confidence. Oklahoma is one of only a few states that have a specific license for Professional Art Therapists. Those counselors who use Art Therapy techniques in other states would likely be licensed as Professional Counselors. Another commonly used title is Creative Arts Therapist.
Professional Art Therapists must possess a Master's degree in professional counseling or a related field, and must complete 1000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience. They must also pass a licensure exam.