There are also interns, individuals who are in training, but are not yet licensed who provide services. For example, an MFTI is a Marriage, Family Therapist Intern. While interns have less experience in the field, they are often very energetic and excited to be learning. If you have financial concerns and are open to working with someone with less experience, an intern can be a good choice.

Interns, as is true for all mental health professionals, must represent their level of training accurately. Interns are not supposed to call themselves "therapists", can not present themselves as having their own office or business, and must make clear that they work under the supervision of a licensed therapist. These ethical guidelines are intended to help with informed consumer choice.

Here's the confusing part- while different degrees and different degree-granting programs may vary quite a bit, it is also possible that providers with different degrees or licenses might actually practice somewhat similarly! So the letters after the name will tell you something about how much pre-license training the person had in clinical theory and clinical practice. That may be it.

Another potentially confusing piece- there really are no set questions you should ask a therapist to assess their competence, empathic capacity, intelligence, or best-fit for you. Some potential consumers like to 'shop' around to meet a few providers before they make their choice. Other people are just as happy to get one recommendation and hope that person seems like someone they can work with.

If you are looking, here are some guidelines I would offer:

1) Think about your budget beforehand. Therapy can be a big financial commitment and when it's a 'good' treatment it can be priceless. Try to afford the most you can in order to widen your options of potential providers (i.e. people with more expertise and experience). However, be realistic about what you can afford so that you don't have to prematurely end what you worked so hard to get going.

2) Think about what's important to you in a therapy experience and don't hesitate to discuss it with any potential provider. A 'good' therapist may not say, 'Oh, sure I can offer you just that.' A good therapist will be responsive to you and will let you know that s/he can think respectfully and creatively about your concerns.

3) Even when you feel an immediate rapport with a therapist, remember that it takes time to be known, to know someone else, and to develop a relationship. This is true in therapy, too. Most people come to therapy looking for some answers to important life questions. Since therapy is also about self-discovery, you may find you have more questions before you have any answers. Don't worry if you feel lost or confused at times.

I know this outline covers just some of the variables in getting started in therapy. I hope it's a useful start.

Melissa Holub, Ph.D.
(510) 658-7119