What Do All of Those Letters Behind Your Name Even Mean?
In the field, we not-so lovingly call it, the alphabet soup. The long list of letters behind each providers name that somehow you are expected to understand. Each set of letters usually represents years of training and experience, we do take pride in having those letters but looking for a therapist shouldn't feel like a test! Let's make this a little easier, I will explain what each of my letters mean and why they matter to you.
Why Do All the Letters Matter?
Each set of letters is there to describe the license that each provider holds. Each license type offers different services and hopefully helps you figure out what type of provider is the best fit for you and your needs! These letters are also there to help protect you, ensuring that the services each provider is marketing fits with their license and experience.
What do MA, LMFT, LMHC, BC-TMHP mean?
MA: This refers to my Master's degree. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, Reno. What does this mean for you as a client? This means that I have been systemically trained to see you as a client within all of the systems that influence and impact you.
LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Nevada. This means I am licensed in Nevada to perform "the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral, within the context of interpersonal relationships, including, without limitation, marital and family systems, and involves the professional application or use of psychotherapy, counseling, evaluation, assessment instruments, consultation, treatment planning, supervision, research and prevention of mental and emotional disorders."
LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. This means I am licensed in Washington to perform "the application of principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations, for the purpose of treatment of mental disorders and promoting optimal mental health and functionality. Mental health counseling also includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the application of a wellness model of mental health."
BC-TMHP: The Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider. This credential identifies those professionals who are uniquely trained in best practices for delivering traditional behavioral healthcare through technological means. BC-TMH credential holders have met nationally established telemental health criteria.
How does all of this impact your therapy?
I take all of the trainings and experience that I have and I integrate them to try to find a style that fits your unique needs. I will focus some of our time on how culture, family, community, relationships, and everything in between impacts you. I will also focus some of our time on how wellness and skill building can benefit your mental health and overall well being. All of this is delivered to you via telehealth practices that I have been nationally certified in to ensure competence, safety and ease of use. Still have questions? No problem, reach out and let's schedule a free 15 minute consultation call.