01
What it is
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes psychotherapy as "a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors" (NIMH).
02
Common forms
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy (Cleveland Clinic), as well as couples and family therapy (Cleveland Clinic). EMDR and IFS are usually delivered by licensed therapists.
03
Who it may not suit
Cleveland Clinic notes that therapy isn't a fit for everyone. It also notes that confidentiality has limits: risk of harm to yourself or others, and abuse or neglect, are reported (Cleveland Clinic). NIMH suggests asking a therapist about their "credentials and experience" (NIMH).
04
Credentials, and whether Arizona licenses it
Yes. In Arizona, practising behavioral health requires a license unless an exemption applies (A.R.S. 32-3286).
- Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) licenses:
- Counselors: LPC and LAC
- Social workers: LCSW, LMSW and LBSW
- Marriage and family therapists: LMFT and LAMFT
- Addiction counselors: LIAC, LAAC and LAT
Look up a license with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
- Board of Psychologist Examiners licenses psychologists. Its directory is the state's primary source for that credential. Look up a psychologist.
You can look these up yourself before a first session. A license lookup also shows whether a license is active.
05
What a listing here shows for this kind of work
A talk therapy listing here shows:
- the Arizona license type and status, checked with the issuing board, with the date
- the results of a discipline records search, with the date searched
- any added training, such as EMDR or IFS, confirmed with the body that issued it
Common questions
How do I check if a therapist is licensed in Arizona?
Use the BBHE lookup or the Board of Psychologist Examiners directory, both linked above.
What do LPC, LCSW and LMFT mean?
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, all issued by the BBHE.
Can someone call themselves a psychotherapist without a license in Arizona?
Arizona law reserves “psychotherapist” for people licensed or exempt under the psychology chapter (A.R.S. 32-2084).