Hi medicated,

I think you should have a therapist you feel safe and comfortable with -- whether it's gender or credentials you desire. Personally, I think I would do better with a male therapist as well and I have been in T with both. My T now is a male and I have made much more progress with him than with my prior T, who was a female. However, T is an LCSW and MSW with tons and tons of training. So to me, I dont' think you can tell by the degree. However, you should feel comfortable!!!! (And I do not think it's picky.

Best of luck to you.