psy-d. vs lcsw vs lmhc ? Which one? Does it matter?

So now that I am starting to look for a new therapist, I'm wondering if anyone knows the relevance of which type I go with? Licensed mental health counselor, licensed clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, psychologist....all kinds of different ones!

Are some better/more experienced than others? I really want to make an informed decision this time instead of just going with someone who looks nice on the website lol.

Ugh, I hate these old computers and old internet browsers. I had this whole thing written up, and I accidentally pushed a button and moved away from the page...and it deleted it.

Ugh! Anyway...

Una had a lot of good information about what makes those three different. Personally? I like my LCSW. She's more down to earth than my old psychologist, and treats me like a person, not like a diagnosis (or like cattle). I think that has to do with working with people so much. She opted to work for the people and not for the degree. Not saying there is anything wrong with psychologists; this is just my personal opinion. Especially after Dr. Kristol called my current T incompetent because she didn't have a degree, and she's helped me more in less than three weeks than he's helped me in eight months.

Just go for the one with the experience, the one you like, and the one who will treat you like a person (even if you make an unintentional mistake!).

Good luck, hun! Keep us updated on how it goes! -hug-

When I finally got around to calling therapists and talking to each one re fit, once I found out about my DID, I noticed some important differences. The ones with relevant experience immediately asked about obsessions and compulsions, eating disorders, self-harming, suicidality, etc., also extent of my depersonalization, aggressive and/or abusive alters, drug use (prescribed, OTC, illegal), alcohol use, etc. They asked if my marriage was safe, and if my children were safe. They asked how much I was switching, losing time, and if I had problems with trancing out.

Some just had a thing they do, and wanted to do it to me, such as acupuncture and aromatherapy, or a year long set course of dialectical behavior therapy.

My current therapist warned me that if she ever thinks my children are at risk she will call Child Protective Services. I replied that as their mother I certainly hope and expect she will act in the interest of their safety. At that point she said yes she could work with me.

Una+ wrote:My current therapist warned me that if she ever thinks my children are at risk she will call Child Protective Services. I replied that as their mother I certainly hope and expect she will act in the interest of their safety. At that point she said yes she could work with me.

that's cool...it shows what kind of person you are.

LinaeveWorkman wrote:Just go for the one with the experience, the one you like, and the one who will treat you like a person (even if you make an unintentional mistake!).

thank youuuu I have made an appointment with someone in my area...all the letters after her name must be good, right? Not a psychologist like Mary, she is a LMHC(with other random abbreviations and certifications after her name lol.) Appointment is for this Tuesday

It's somewhat of a relief to have confirmation that the entire mental health community is not despising me She asked me why I needed to change Ts, and I didn't give her details, but told her I had messed up and that my T felt it was a breach of trust. So her still wanting to make an appointment with me even though she knows that I screwed up the last therapeutic relationship really helps

Dividedtruth89, this possible new therapist sounds very promising.

Una+ wrote:Dividedtruth89, this possible new therapist sounds very promising.

Thanks for that confirmation. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on how Tuesday goes. I'm all anxious now...argh!!!too many emotions!sadness, anger, anxiety....excitement over the possibility of getting some kind of answers.