Who's Who in Mental Health
It is quite common for me to be asked: "Now are you a psychologist or a psychiatrist?" I am glad to respond so as to help clarify the differences. In this article I will give a brief description of the licensed mental health providers in Tennessee. The State of Tennessee has established standards that must be met to receive a license in each particular field. These standards are usually developed in accordance with nationally recognized standards. These standards have been defined by the respective fields, for example, psychology, psychiatry, social work or counseling. However, while these standards present the "minimal" requirements to receive a license, they do not guarantee that the provider is competent in all areas in which he or she may provide services. Each provider must maintain the professional integrity to only provide services in those areas in which he or she has training, supervised experience and an adequate level of competency. By having a license requirement the legislature is attempting to help guard against the public from harm by receiving services from an individual who has not met at least the minimal standards.
Licensed Psychologist: To become licensed as a psychologist, one meet the following requirements: He or she must hold a Doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited university, has passed the national examination at the psychologist's level (administered and overseen by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology), has completed a one-year full-time internship which meets State requirements, and has successfully passed an oral examination. Once the license is granted, it is considered a temporary licensed until such a time that the individual completes an additional year of practice under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist, Health Service Provider. They are then designated by the State as Licensed Psychologist, Health Service Provider, which is required for a psychologist to provide direct services to the general public. The Tennessee Psychological Association is the professional organization in Tennessee that helps to shape standards and policies for the practice of psychology in Tennessee.
Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in psychiatry as part of his or her training. Thus, they learn to diagnose clinical disorders. Special attention and training are given to the administration and supervision of psychotropic medication as the primary method of treatment. Typically, psychiatrists do not provide psychotherapy but rather monitor medication.
Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE): To become an LPE, one must hold a Master's degree in psychology or a related field, has completed a practicum, and has passed the written and oral examination administered by the Board of Examiners in Psychology. In general, LPEs can provide most of the same services as a Licensed Psychologist but must do so under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. Both Licensed Psychologists and LPEs have training in the administration and scoring of psychological tests.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): LCSWs have received a Master's degree in social work. They have also completed an internship and passed the State examinations. In addition, they have had one year of supervised experience after completing all other licensure requirements. They often concentrate on marital and family issues but also can diagnose and treat a broad range of clinical disorders.
Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT): LMFTs must hold a Master's degree and they usually have an emphasis in marriage and family studies. They must pass State examinations and have completed supervised practica. They usually have a strong orientation to seeing problems from a relationship (systems) perspective.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): LPCs must hold a Master's degree in counseling or a related field, have passed State examinations and have completed supervised practica.