By:   Mentor Research Institute
Revised:  January 17, 2007

Internet: www.OregonCounseling.Org

Psychotherapists who are licensed by the state of Oregon have completed a professional training program, undergone a period of supervised experience, and passed a formal examination in a specific profession. Licensed therapists from all professional backgrounds may use a variety of techniques and have a variety of theoretical approaches. The minimum requirements for licensure in each profession are listed below.

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers [LCSW] must complete a two-year masters degree in social work [MSW], and two years of supervised post-degree clinical training, and pass a state licensing examination. LCSW have training in working with larger social systems and in understanding persons in the contexts of those larger social systems.

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT] must complete at least a two-year master’s degree and two years of supervised post-degree experience, and pass a marriage and family therapist examination. LMFTs work with individuals, couples, and families to resolve the relationship problems that often bring pain and confusion to people’s lives.

• Licensed Professional Counselors [LPC] must complete at least a two-year masters degree (MA/ MS) in counseling, psychology or a related field, three years of full-time supervised experience and pass a comprehensive national board examination.  The LPC works in a therapeutic relationship helping individuals, couples, families and groups toward increased effectiveness in their personal, social, educational, rehabilitation and career domains. 

• Licensed Psychologists must complete a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD), a clinical internship, and a two year supervised residency.  They must also pass state licensing examinations both written and oral. Psychologists have special training in psychological evaluation and testing.

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) must complete a bachelors degree in nursing and masters degree (MSN) in a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner  program. Psychiatric Nurse practitioners must pass a state licensing examination.   Psychiatric nurse practitioners have basic training in common biomedical aspects of emotional and mental illness.  Some obtain training in psychotherapy.

• Psychiatrists [MDs] must complete four years of medical school, a year of medical internship and then three years of psychiatric residency. Child psychiatrists must have an additional two years of training in their specialty. All must take a national examination to become Board-Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists are especially trained in biomedical aspects of emotional problems and mental illness.  Some have training psychotherapy.