Psychotherapist - Pathways to a Career Switch

More on psychotherapist-related credentials and licenses, from
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/content/credentials.html

The PT list doesn't claim to be exhaustive. At least one field it does not mention is music therapy.

Music therapists may be certified (see http://www.cbmt.org), but in general they aren't state-licensed as such - see http://www.cbmt.org/default.asp?page=Certification%20vs.%20Licensure for a possibly out-of-date discussion of certification vs. licensure.

I say "possibly out-of-date" because New York does now license "creative arts therapists" - see http://www.op.nysed.gov/catlic.htm, which explicitly takes in music therapists.

I only mention music therapy for completeness. Becoming one might be a longer path than some options. I'm not sure how accessible it would be to a career switcher who didn't already have an undergraduate music degree - and it does require actual musical proficiency.

Note the last line of the extract below:
"Finally, some therapists don't have formal training, and their services may not be covered by health insurance. Also, not all states require therapists to hold a license."

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http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/content/credentials.html

Therapy Center

Therapists and psychologists and counselors have a range of credentials and licenses. Here are a few you may come across when seeking the right professional.

Academic Degrees

PhD
Doctor of philosophy. This academic degree is earned in four to seven years. Many psychologists, therapists, counselors and coaches hold a doctorate of philosophy. A PhD in psychology teaches theory as well as statistics and data gathering. Many PhDs go on to work in academic settings, as researchers and professors. Psychologists with a PhD are also fully trained in the assessment and treatment of all behavioral conditions, from anxiety and depression to anger and resentment. (American Psychological Association)

PsyD
Doctor of psychology. The PsyD is a terminal degree, like a PhD However, the PsyD focuses on therapy and counseling rather than research. The degree was developed in the late 1960s to address the need for practitioners. In the last 30 years, the PsyD has become increasingly popular. (American Psychological Association)

MA or MS, MC
A master of arts, master of science, or master of counseling can be earned in counseling, psychology or related fields. It usually requires two years of post-collegiate study. Many MA programs also require a thesis. Many counselors and social workers hold a master's degree, and many PhD psychologists earn a master's en route to earning their doctoral degree. (American Psychological Association)

MD
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who, after completing medical school, receive an additional four years of clinical training in mental health specialties. Psychiatrists treat emotional and mental disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication. These professionals may treat psychiatric disorders with therapy in conjunction with psychotropic medications. (American Psychiatric Association)

DO, Psychiatry
Doctors of osteopathic medicine have the same medical school training and licensing requirements as MD's with an emphasis on the neuromuskuloskeletal system. Some DO psychiatrists perform osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMT) in conjunction with prescribing medication, and traditional therapy. Others may elect to mirror the techniques of the MD above only. (American Osteopathic Association)

MSW
Master of social work. A social worker works with an individual in the context of the wider community. He or she helps those dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, drug abuse or foster-care issues, among many others. Social workers often practice therapy on their own or in settings such as schools, clinics, or government agencies. The MSW typically requires two to four years of study. (National Association of Social Workers)

EdD
Doctor of education. Professionals with EdDs practice therapy just as those with PhDs. Many of these professionals are trained in child development and education, sometimes with a focus on educational planning and assessment. Some work as school superintendents, principals or directors of nonprofit organizations. The MEd is a master's level degree in education that typically takes two years to earn. A total of four years of study is usually necessary to receive an EdD (American Psychological Association)

Professional Licenses and Certificates

LCSW or ACSW, LCS, LICSW, CSW
The licensed clinical social worker has a graduate academic degree, has completed supervised clinical work experience and has passed a national- or state-certified licensing exam. This advanced practitioner holds a license that allows him or her to receive health-care insurance reimbursements. (National Association of Social Workers)

LMFT or MFCC
The licensed marriage and family therapist has a graduate academic degree (a 2- to 3-year master's degree or a 3- to 5-year doctoral degree), clinical work experience and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. Most states offer this license. Along with the two- to three-year full-time masters programs with a practicum and internship, LMFTs are required to complete 1,000 hours of individual or family therapy with 100 hours of supervision. This can take one to three years. (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)

LP or NCPsyA
The licensed psychoanalyst has obtained his license from the state department of education (requirements vary from state to state). Recipients must have a master's degree or higher, and completed psychoanalytic study in a program deemed qualified by the state DOE. The LP must complete a supervised psychoanalysis program and pass a state-certified examination. (New York State Department of Education)

LPC or LCPC, LMHC, DAC, MFCC
Licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor. A licensing qualification is granted to those who have advanced training, a graduate academic degree, clinical work experience and have passed a state-certified licensing examination. (American Counseling Association)

APRN or APN, ARNPP, MHN
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) have a master's degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. These nurses are eligible to be licensed as therapists. APRNs provide a range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, and groups, and function as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers or administrators. Many states require certification by a national body prior to practicing. Once licensed, APRNs are authorized to prescribe medications. (American Nursing Association)

ATR, ATR-BC
Registered art therapist. Art therapists are trained in both art and therapy and hold a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. Upon completion of the ATR degree, professionals may seek further certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, (ATCB). To obtain certification, the therapist must have postgraduate supervised experience and pass a written examination administered by the board. The ATR-BC credential requires maintenance with continuing education courses to keep standards high. All art therapists work with individuals, couples, families or groups. They often work as part of a team in settings such as community outreach programs, schools, nursing homes, corporations and independent practices. (American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy Credentials Board)

DMin
The doctor of ministry is an advanced professional degree for those in the practice of ministry. It differs from a PhD in that its focus is on competence in the practice of ministry rather than on advanced academic research. There are different tracks of study: in Pastoral Ministry, for example, degree candidates must first receive a master of divinity or the equivalent, and have at least three years' experience in full-time pastoral ministry. (The Association of Theological Schools)

BCD
Board certified diplomate. This board certification is granted to practitioners—whether they are social workers, counselors, psychologists, among other mental health professionals. These individuals have demonstrated a high level of competency and experience in their field.

ABPP
Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Certification assures that specialists have successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements, including an examination designed to assess competency. (American Board of Professional Psychology)

ABFP
Board certification by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP), or the "Forensic Board." The Forensic Board is an affiliate of the ABPP that offers a Diploma in Forensic Psychology to those psychologists who satisfactorily complete the requirements for achieving Specialty Board Certification. (American Board of Forensic Psychology)

NCC
The Nationally Certified Counselor is the certification issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), an independent organization that grew out of the American Counseling Association (ACA). The NBCC is an independent certification body. NBCC and ACA work together to further the profession of counseling. The ACA concentrates on membership association activities such as conferences, professional development, publications and government relations. The NBCC focuses on promoting quality counseling through certification. NBCC's flagship credential is the National Certified Counselor (NCC). It also offers specialty certification in several areas: school counseling: the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC); clinical mental health counseling: the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC); addictions counseling: the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). (National Board of Certified Counselors)

Finally, some therapists don't have formal training, and their services may not be covered by health insurance. Also, not all states require therapists to hold a license.