I'm sorry you had that experience. Of course, there are duds in every profession, despite credentials. But I still maintain that credentials increase the odds of finding a quality therapist. The level of knowledge is vastly different at the PhD, and the requirement for self-examination and supervision is far more extensive. I think it increases the likelihood of weeding out ill-informed and/or compromised therapists. The codes of conduct, in some states, can also be more stringent.

My T was also an ABPP, which is the highest certification available. Another indication of knowledge base. None of this insures a personality fit, but I think does go far to insure competence.