Why you should choose a licensed private psychotherapist

You should choose a licensed psychotherapist in private practice because we have to meet a number of milestones before we can set-up shop. In my profession, Clinical Social Work, we are required to earn a Master's Degree in Social work followed by two years of clinical supervised practice. We are then eligible to take the required test for licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Hence the credential, LICSW. We also have to earn 30 continuing education credits every two years.

Insurance companies set additional requirements. A private practice has two additional attractions: In a private practice you are assured a level of privacy and confidentiality which by their nature, agencies cannot provide.

In a private practice, you can be confident that your provider will be with you for the duration of treatment, and for any subsequent or intermittent sessions over time for you and your family. Agencies typically “own” the clients and staff turnovers are quite common.