Below, we’ve provided a few terms that commonly appear in searches regarding therapy, mental health, and psychology. This includes licensing information for the different types of therapists, and other miscellaneous vocabularies. It is important to note that these definitions are summaries only, and not all of the terms available. For more in-depth information, please visit the links provided beneath each definition. If you have any vocabulary suggestions, please send us feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Certified Behavior Technician Open or Close
Certified behavior technicians implement a behavioral analysis treatment plan with supervision from a Licensed Behavior Analyst. However, they do not design the treatment plan themselves. Certified behavior technicians complete a 40 hour training program as part of certification.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Certified Counselor Open or Close
A certified counselor must have at minimum a bachelor's degree in a major related to counseling, such as psychology. They must have passed “Washington State Certified Adviser Examination” (see DOH website for specifics), and have a written supervisory agreement. Additionally, they must have at least 4 hours of HIV/AIDs training.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Chemical Dependency Professional Open or Close
Chemical Dependency Professionals specialize in the assessment and treatment of chemical (substance use disorders) dependency. CDPs have completed at least an Associates Degree in health and human services, supervised training hours, and passed an exam prior to being granted a license.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Clinical Social Worker Open or Close
Clinical Social Workers typically attend a two year graduate program to earn a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) followed by anywhere from 1-3 years of full-time direct patient services prior to being eligible for independent licensure. Though social workers cannot prescribe medications, they have extensive training in a variety of psychotherapy techniques and are well-versed in connecting people to community resources. Clinical social workers work in a variety of roles from supportive/adjunctive duties in social service agencies to independent private practice.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals
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Hypnotherapist Open or Close
Hypnotherapists have training that allows them to administer hypnotherapy, a special type of therapy that involves inducing a trance state to resolve theoretically suppressed or subconscious conflict. Licensed hypnotherapists in Washington State have been approved to practice by the state and passed a background check. Hypnotherapists who are members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis have either a doctoral or masters degree and have completed mandated hours of training in hypnotherapy.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Lay Counselors Open or Close
Lay counselors often do not have a formal counseling license, but they typically have some formal or semi-formal training and work under the supervision of a church leader. Thus, lay counselors may be subject to particulars of their organization’s denomination, but not necessarily to the rules that govern therapists licensed by the state. Many of them are community volunteers seeking to help those who need to talk, but not those with serious mental disorders as they do not have the proper training.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Licensed Behavior Analyst Open or Close
Licensed Behavior Analysts are professionals who are certified to practice Applied Behavior Analysis. Their evaluate troublesome behavior, paying particular attention to things that may contribute to and/or maintain a particular behavior. They then use principles of learning to develop and implement behavior modification strategies to help a patient develop more adaptive/functional behavior. Licensed behavior analysts have either a masters or doctoral degree in behavior analysis or another related field and have completed rigorous supervised training.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor Open or Close
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in the state of Washington are individuals who have earned either a Masters (2 year graduate) or Doctoral (4 year graduate) degree in mental health counseling or some other behavioral science field relating to mental health counseling. LMHCs have training in counseling theory and philosophy. Once completed their degree, they participate in an internship where they see patients under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Licensed mental health counselors cannot prescribe medications but can provide evidence-based therapy.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Marriage and Family Therapist Open or Close
It is required that this type of therapist have a doctorate or master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, or an equivalent degree. They must be well versed in psychopathy, sexuality, marital and family systems, and much more. Those with a American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy clinical membership are also eligible for licensure.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Pastoral Counselors Open or Close
Pastoral counselors take a faith-based approach to counseling. Not all pastoral counselors have licensure, but some are licensed with the state. Others follow the guidelines of their church group. Many have gone through a certification process with a national organization such as the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. These counselors specifically integrate faith into the counseling they provide to their patients.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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Psychiatrist Open or Close
A psychiatrist is an individual who can prescribe medication to treat a variety of mental health conditions. They have attended medical school for 4 years towards earning either an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree, after which they have a minimum 3 years of residency before they are eligible for licensure. While many psychiatrists specialize in the physiological aspects of mental illness and focus on medications, many also combine medications with psychotherapy.
For more information, please see the references section below:
References:
1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals
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Psychologist Open or Close
A psychologist is an individual who offers mental health diagnostic and treatment services and has received a PhD (doctor of philosophy), PsyD (doctor of psychology), or EdD (doctor of education). Psychologists cannot prescribe medications; however, they have received training in a variety of evidence-based treatments and are able to conduct psychological assessments/testing to determine the presence and intensity of various conditions. Typically, psychologists have completed 4 to 6 years of graduate coursework and a minimum 1 year of supervised full-time post-doctoral work with patients.
For more information, please see the references section below:
References:
1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals
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Victim Advocate Open or Close
Though not a licensed or credentialed position, Victims' Advocates are on the front lines offering a range of services to crime victims. Here in Walla Walla, we have Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocates at both the YWCA (https://www.ywcaww.org/services/medical-legal-advocacy/) and the Walla Walla Police Department (https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/police/investigations) These individuals are available to help support victims of DV and/or SA in navigating the difficult process of accessing medical care, legal services and even immigration support so that they feel safe and empowered to escape unsafe conditions.
For more information, please see the references section below:
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