Licensure, Degrees, Certifications

There are many different degrees, licenses, certifications etc. that apply to mental health therapists and counselors in Oregon and nationally. In addition, the state of Oregon does not actually require that someone have a license or any specific credentials in order to set up a counseling practice. It can therefore be quite a problem for the consumer shopping for a therapist to assess the qualifications of a practitioner. Having a license is not a guarantee of professional skill, and some excellent practitioners have chosen not to be licensed or don't have access to licensure in their particular field. However, WTPNW takes the position that a license indicates at least a minimal level of professional training and practice experience and thus offers some reassurance to the prospective client in search of a therapist. Additionally, licensing by the State of Oregon means that there is a board available to mediate between client and therapist if a problem arises. Therapists listed in the Directory are, to the best of our knowledge, licensed or working under the supervision of a licensed therapist. They may also have a variety of other credentials and expertise, usually indicated by various acronyms. The list below may help you decipher these: