Comments on: Researching Psychologists

Question: Researching Psychologists

inksyndicate — Thu, 13 May 2004 18:00:37 -0800

What are good ways to find out if a psychologist is for real, or an unlicensed quack? What resources are out there on the Web?

By: kickingtheground

kickingtheground — Thu, 13 May 2004 18:09:53 -0800

Every state should have a Board of Psychology, or something along those lines. Your profile says you are in California, so here's California's, and here's a search engine they have where you can look up individual practitioners.

By: inksyndicate

inksyndicate — Thu, 13 May 2004 18:23:16 -0800

Oh, very nice, thanks.

By: inksyndicate

inksyndicate — Thu, 13 May 2004 18:25:35 -0800

What if it says they're inactive, and only able to practice under a certain supervisor? What does that really mean?

By: daver

daver — Thu, 13 May 2004 20:42:45 -0800

I think that means "stay away". Call the Cali Board of Psych, or the supervisor to find out for sure.

By: jasper411

jasper411 — Fri, 14 May 2004 15:50:36 -0800

If they are inactive, that means they have decided not to renew their license, for whatever reason. They should not be practicing, or offering their services as a psychologist.

In the licensure process, there is a stage (in California) in which people are able to practice under supervision - pre-licensure. They can be called registered psychologists or psychological assistants. It means that they will be (or should be) discussing their cases with a supervisor.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. Many pre-licensed psychologists offer great services, and are often a lot cheaper than the licensed kind (they're just starting out typically). But ethical and legal guidelines mean that they should be clear with you about their licensure status, and about what it means for their services with you.

By: theora55

theora55 — Fri, 14 May 2004 16:03:53 -0800

You can call mental health agencies and ask for recommendations. Or ask your insurance company. Some companies have Employee Assistance programs that have referrals. Do a phone interview, make sure they'll take your insurance. Ask for level of education - where did they get the education, ask about certifications and licenses. Ask what sort of therapy they do. Talk for a couple of minutes, and see if they sound reasonable. If they won't do a phone interview, I'd move on.