I am eclectic, but most of my training is in the following:

Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, & Family Systems theoretical orientations for working with various emotional & behavioral problem areas.

I always involve PARENTS when working with CHILDREN.

Confused about counseling degrees, specialties, training...???  This should help:

Professional Counseling for "mental health", or "behavioral health" difficulties is called, "Psychotherapy".
Michigan and Wisconsin require anyone practicing psychotherapy to be state-licensed.

Licensing is only granted to individuals who have earned a Master's degree or a Doctoral degree, and further requires a clinical internship or practicum (field placement), where actual face to face experience is acquired, prior to graduation.

Fields of study that offer psychotherapy training and eligibility for licensure, include (but are not limited to):

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Social Work
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Guidance & Counseling
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Psychiatry

The first four counseling professionals in the list (& psychologists without a doctoral degree) typically have M.S. (Master of Science) or M.A. (Master of Arts) degrees, and often have license credentials after their names such as, LPC, MFT, or LLP.

Clinical Psychologists (doctoral), typically have either Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). They are usually credentialed as L.P. (Licensed Psychologist).

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, possessing an M.D., or a D.O. degree. Though they have training in psychotherapy, most psychiatrists today focus more of their practice on medical & pharmacological treatments (including anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, & anti-psychotic medications, among others). They typically refer their patients to other psychotherapy providers for any needed counseling.

Clinical Social Workers probably comprise the largest group of licensed psychotherapists in the USA, and typically have a clinical/mental health-specialized MSW or MSSW (Master or Master of Science in Social Work). Some possess a doctorate degree (DSW, or Ph.D.), but these are much less common for psychotherapy. Credentials for licensed Clinical Social Workers are  LMSW in Michigan, & LCSW in Wisconsin.

The only professionals that can PRESCRIBE MEDICATION for you are PSYCHIATRISTS or your PHYSICIAN.

(c.)  Mark R. Young, LMSW, LCSW  2008
(c). Mark R. Young Inc.