[embarassed]

I'm going to start therapy soon and I have an appointment with a licensed clinical social worker in several weeks. I was wondering how much they typically charge per session. Also, do you prefer a therapist who's a social worker or do you prefer getting therapy through a psychologist with a Phd? I can't decide if I should choose a psychologist or a social worker. Thanks.

I think the most important things in finding someone to work with are their area of speciality (i.e. if you need to process trauma, that's what they do, etc.) and the way you feel when you are with them. I think that unless there is a personal connection, it would be really, really hard to do any of this work (although it might be different for CBT - I am thinking more psychodynamic stuff).

As for the cost...I really am not sure! Maybe you could call around and ask?

Good luck starting therapy. I hope you will come back and share with us how it goes.

[MINIME]

My emdr therapist has a social work degree. She is awesome. My personal opinon is that looking a degrees isnt as important as looking at experience and connection.

[Brian37]

the last office I went to before termination....they had a 110.00$/hour charge....they were all LCSW.....im sure the PhD's charge more.....

[Perna]

I think it depends on a lot of things like where you live and the going rate in that location and whether they're in a group practice or practicing alone and what insurance you have, etc.

Go with the therapist you like the best, that seems like they'll be the most helpful, not a degree or anything. The degree is just like a license, just says they did the schooling, not whether they're actually a "good" therapist for you.

It depends on where you're located.

When I was searching around for therapists, the LCSW's charged anywhere from 90-130 dollars a session (but a lot of social workers do work a sliding scale, atleast in this area). The best thing to do is call and ask, I know it's time consuming.

[lifeblows]

Usually they charge a little less than the PhDs. Around here they go for around $100 or less an hour. Most of the PhDs go for $100+. Some nutjob PhDs around here are charging $185 for the first appointment. You would think more education would equal better therapy but that is definitely not the case. It's the person, their approach, and your compatability & fit together that matter more than the degree. And how safe they make you feel and whether or not you can trust them. That will matter much more than the years they spent in school with their head in books. I'd say their professional experience would be important too. Might want to get someone who has been doing it for a while rather than someone brand new and just getting started.

[MissCharlotte]

My T is a LCSW (MSW). He charges $100

My son's T is a PsyD. She charges $100.

The area you live in will determine the fee more than the degree--unless of course it's a psychiatrist. My pdoc charge $165.