How do I find out a therapist credentials and licensing?

Depending on which country you live in, you need to find the governing body for the licensing and then look them up on their website. You could also approach your therapist and ask them directly.

I typically suggest using a search engine (i.e. Google, Bing) to look up registered therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers in your area. For example, if you were looking for a therapy in your city, search "registered therapists in _____ (your town name)". This will be a good place to start. You can also contact your family doctor, local hospital or health center and ask them for help finding a therapist to meet your needs.

This answer is easy - you ask them :) Really though, you can call the office where the therapist works and ask the receptionist or whoever answers the phone. You can sometimes find the therapist's credentials online; especially if his/her 'clinic' has its own website. But really the easiest way is to just ask him/her when you meet. I was recently transferred to a new-to-me therapist and I asked her lots of things. But things like, what school did you go to? or when did you graduate/how long have you been working in this field? What sort of job did you do before that? ... and important to me at least, What is your specialty? Do you have any 'extra' training, verification, or certificates of learning? I hope this is helpful! :)

Typically, this is something that a therapist would have on their website. If they have an office phone number, you could always call and ask.

When we go to a hospital nearby then we can find out whether they have a certified theraphist or not , all the theraphista are different when we visit them once or twice then only we come to know if he/she is really helpful and the best for us , so it depends upon individuals perspective and first or initial meetings to find the right theraphist at a hospital or clinic . So the best thing to do is visit a hospital or a mental health clinic and they will let you know the therapist credentials and licensing as it is their duty

I would recommend looking for therapists/counselors on Psychology Today or a similar site. You can look up reviews, licenses, locations, etc. Something that I have always found very helpful is that you can search what topics they specialize in. This can be anything from anxiety to therapy with college students! Therapists usually also list the insurances they take as well, or if they run any group therapy sessions on certain topics. In the United States, most therapists will be either a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCPC (Licensed Clinicial Professional Counselor) or a PsyD (Doctorate in Psychology). Some may have other additional titles or certifications in certain topics.

This is a great question. I would encourage you to start by by looking up therapist groups online, credentials for individual therapists should be listed on their websites. If you want any more specific credentials you can call the group by phone and ask if they have more details on their therapists, You will want to pick a therapist who deals with topics that are applicable to you and your situation. Another option would be to ask your regular licensed doctor for referrals to be sure you are dealing with licensed therapists who will give you the best care possible.

A therapists credentials and licensing can often be found online (if the individual has a website), you can also search their name on the appropriate database ie. in Canada, a psychologist would be registered under the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) or under the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) database if they are a social worker. Depending on where you live, their credentials may also be posted in a frame in their office (In Canada this is mandatory). You can also ask the therapist directly about their credentials and licensing and what their qualifications are. Most therapists will have qualifications within a specific domain that they share as well.

The best thing you can do is research! Typically, you do need a college education and licensing to do so. A friend of mine is a therapist and had to get her Masters Degree as well as doing hours at a facility and then take her licensing exam. It sounds like a lot of work, which it is, but if this is what you want to do- go for it! Definitely look into courses and degrees that can help. Once you get your foot in the door, the rest is learning. You will be required to do hours somewhere for credit! Best of luck!