Not all providers are trained equally. In fact, some people calling themselves providers have little or no training whatsoever. It is important to know who you are seeing and make sure they are qualified to help you.
What is Wrong with a Coach or Counselor?
There are some states, which include Minnesota, that do not necessarily require a provider to be licensed. Some people with a little bit of knowledge or experience, and desire to help others, can hang their shingle and are allowed to practice counseling without a license. They may refer to themselves as counselors, therapists, or coaches. They are typically very well meaning and probably in many instances do provide some help to people, but there are risks, nonetheless. Many states legally prohibit any unlicensed people from providing any sort of psychological types of services without proper license because of these risks.
What Could Go Wrong with a Coach?
The letters that come after a licensed provider’s name indicate that they have achieved a certain level of knowledge in school, usually a master’s or doctorate which often lends to a much higher level of knowledge and skill. The state and their overseeing boards that issue licenses have taken steps before issuing a license to make sure that the education obtained meets rigorous standards fulfilling a variety of sectors of knowledge needed to perform delivery of care to the public. The board also requires licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists to pass an additional licensure examination to further prove their application of knowledge beyond just earning the degree. There is typically a significant component of examination around ethics and boundaries required to obtain the license. These areas in particular are where things go wrong with unlicensed providers.
Unlicensed providers sometimes simply lack the knowledge and skill to provide appropriate care and treatment. For instance, they may truly believe that counseling alone can be an effective for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, which almost always need the benefit of appropriate medication for stabilization and management. This could create needless suffering and prolong the risk of suicide, homicide, or extremely risky behaviors resulting in serious consequences for the afflicted person. Because many clients present in a very vulnerable and suggestive state putting great trust in the provider, they are susceptible to other boundary issues that may arise with untrained and unlicensed providers. This could be exploitation, dual relationships, or abuse of power. Licensed counselors, social workers, therapists, and psychologists are certainly human and capable of making mistakes. Licensed providers carry malpractice insurance, so in the event they have made a serious mistake, clients have a recourse that may allow them to seek damages. Unlicensed providers, who are far more likely to make possible mistakes in treatment, typically do not carry malpractice insurance and any harm done leaves the client with no action or recourse of any kind. Take comfort in the license your provider has and know that they have vetted and thoroughly checked before being issued a license. You want to make sure your surgeon is not a quack with a scalpel; do the same for your mental health. Always seek care from licensed counselors, social workers, therapists, and psychologists.
If you are interested in meeting with one of our licensed providers to treat your mental health, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment with of our specialists. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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