What qualifications do you need to practice psychotherapy?

Self-proclaimed therapist?

Under the pressures of life, many people tend to seek out psychological therapy centers to find solutions for their mental health. However, those in need cannot avoid encountering self-proclaimed therapists and centers that lack credibility.

In one specific case, VA (19 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) wanted therapy for stress and depression, so she tried contacting a psychotherapy center in Ho Chi Minh City to inquire about the costs.

"Besides asking for my name and identifying the issue I needed advice on, they didn't ask any other questions or offer advice on suitable packages or treatment plans based on my financial situation. They said they would only charge a fee after a specialist from the center assessed the severity of the problem and provided a treatment plan. When I inquired further, the center informed me that the assessment sessions cost 500,000 VND per session. This isn't expensive compared to the general price level, but they didn't inform me from the beginning so I could prepare," VA shared.

Becoming a psychotherapist requires a long process.

Upon closer examination of the center's official website, VA found that individuals referred to as "psychotherapy experts" did not possess formal qualifications in psychology or related fields, but only psychological and coaching certificates, or certifications of questionable authenticity in counseling and therapy, such as spiritual certifications, Reiki past-life healing certifications, and Oriental studies certifications (physiognomy, I Ching).

Chaos in the psychotherapy profession market.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam, a specialist at the Hon Viet Counseling Center (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam currently lacks a professional association or regulations governing the licensing of psychotherapy practitioners. This is why many people falsely claim to be psychotherapists or healers.

"Typically, psychotherapists must specialize in psychology, obtain a bachelor's degree, and then pursue a master's degree. From the master's level, they will choose a specialization in therapy and a school of therapy. Psychotherapists are also not allowed to prescribe medication to clients," Ms. Tam said.

According to Ms. Tam, becoming a true psychologist requires a long process. Those specializing in psychology must study general subjects such as advanced neurophysiology, genetics, human anatomy, the brain, psychopathology, and other therapeutic methods before they can practice.

Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Vui, a lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, said that in Western countries, psychotherapists are only allowed to accept clients if they have formal qualifications, at least a master's degree, along with a certain number of hours of practice.

Those in need should seek out reputable psychological therapy facilities.

"A graduate in psychology who wants to practice in the field of counseling and therapy must meet mandatory work hours, undergo an apprenticeship, pursue further education, or obtain other professional certifications to be qualified to become a psychologist or expert," Ms. Vui said.

Regarding costs, Ms. Vui shared that, depending on the specifics of each place, prices will be publicly available on the website or discussed with the client. Different experts will have different price ranges, but the general principle is that a contract must be signed and both parties must agree on the terms.

"The lack of price listings occurs when clients attend their first consultation, which can last from 45-60 minutes or 90 minutes. The therapist will diagnose and propose a treatment plan, and only after the client agrees will the cost be sent," Ms. Vui added.

In addition, Master Ngoc Vui shared that specific expertise and target audiences are also fundamental when introducing oneself as a psychologist.

"Psychologists need to clearly define what type of clients they work with, such as children, adolescents, the elderly, or whether they specialize in individual, group, or family therapy. Importantly, they need to define their therapeutic approach, such as existential humanism or psychoanalysis, so that clients can choose the appropriate service," Ms. Vui stated.

In a market where "genuine and fake are mixed together," Master Vui advises that consumers need to be smart, self-aware, and seek out psychologists who are properly and formally trained at universities with specific specialties.

According to Ms. Tam, people needing mental health care should go to reliable places such as specialized hospitals, seek out experts with academic qualifications, years of experience, and clear therapeutic specializations, and avoid methods labeled as therapy or healing that are expensive but lack scientific basis or professional expertise.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/can-bang-cap-the-nao-de-hanh-nghe-tam-ly-tri-lieu-185231214151300212.htm