In most states the terms psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, doctor, and sometimes counselor are protected by law, which means that it is against the law for anyone to describe themselves as one of these without the necessary state license. In some states terms like therapist or psychotherapist or some similar terms are not protected, meaning that anyone can use them. Therefore there are people who advertise psychotherapy-type services who have no training or qualifications.
You want your therapist to be licensed or supervised by a licensed professional as part of their training. States maintain lists of licensed professionals, by profession, and you can find out from them whether someone is licensed. If your therapist is under supervision you have the right to know the name and license number of the supervisor. Insurance companies generally only allow licensed professionals, or those working under the direct supervision of licensed professionals, into their networks.
