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Best psychotherapist certifications
Psychotherapist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an psychotherapist to employers. However, not all psychotherapist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a psychotherapist are Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS), and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Below is a list of the best psychotherapist certifications. Obtaining an psychotherapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for psychotherapists
| Rank | Psychotherapist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) | AGPA |
| 2 | Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) | NASW |
| 3 | Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist | NBCCH |
| 4 | Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) | NASW |
| 5 | Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) | NASW |
| 6 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 7 | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | ABPN |
| 8 | Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (C-SWG) | NASW |
8 best psychotherapist certifications
1. Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP)
A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
The Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) works with individuals, groups and families providing case management, conflict mediation and resolution, crisis intervention, group work, community organizing, advocacy, consultation, effective educational stratifies, and documentation. They utilize theories of human behavior and development, and methods of social work practice to support students within public and private school settings. C-SSWS have core knowledge and skills in the areas of: social work ethics; program development and management skills; social work modalities and procedures; characteristics of student populations; multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary activities; and public education and federal and state laws
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is an established certification board that has provided a respected credential to over three thousand of your colleagues. The National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists is unique in providing certification and networking opportunities to professionals from all mental health and medical disciplines who meet the Board's standards. Six certification categories are provided: 1) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH). 2) National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public Service (NBCCH-PS). 3) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCDCH). 4) National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCDCH-PS). 5) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy (NBCFCH). 6) National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public Service (NBCFCH-PS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) represents the highest level of expertise and excellence for clinical social workers. DCSW credentialed social workers are leaders in the area of clinical social work and hold employment positions in a range of practice settings. Globally recognized and demanded, the DCSW demonstrates that you have exceptional experience, education, competency and dedication to the social work profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)
The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)
Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
7. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The purpose of the ABPN's initial certification examination is to test the qualifications of candidates in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatry entails having additional skills and training in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders of childhood and adolescence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 10 year(s)
8. Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (C-SWG)
Social workers who hold the CSW-G have: NASW membership in good standing; An MSW degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented no less than two (2) years (equivalent of 3,000 hours) of experience working with older adults under social work supervision; Completed twenty (20) contact hours of continuing education relevant to work with older adults; Provided approved documentation of social work supervision; Provided a reference from a social work colleague; One of the following: ACSW or current exam-based state clinical-level license or certification; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Care Facilities, and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a psychotherapist?
The best psychotherapist certification is Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP). The Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is awarded by the American Group Psycotherapy Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this psychotherapist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
The most common combination of psychotherapist certifications include: Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS), and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Online courses for psychotherapists to earn certifications
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This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's...
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7. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
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A complete professional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorder...
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Evidence-based, scientific technique for fears, phobias, anxiety, sexual dysfunctions, and obsessive-compulsive disorder...
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20. Couples Counselling using Systemic Family Therapy
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