"Dr" or "Doc" Does Not Imply Endorsement or Clinical Expert

DocJohn · Feb 27, 2012 at 10:24 AM

Sometimes a new member registers with "Dr." or "Doc" in their usernames. We allow such registrations on a case by case basis after we verify such people's credentials.

Our only requirement for such use is that the person has a doctoral degree in psychology, or a psychiatry MD. We do not require the doctoral degree to be a clinical psychology degree, nor do we require a person to be a licensed therapist in order to use the "Dr" honorific.

Such professionals are here in the capacity of only a fellow advice-giver -- not a professional.

As with ALL members, we do not endorse any specific advice given. You should always consult with your own healthcare professional before trying anything you read here related to your health or mental health.

Best,
DocJohn

lynn P. · Feb 27, 2012 at 12:07 PM

If a member has a "Dr." before their name but isn't a doctor...should they keep this name still? Thanks for clarifying this Doc John.

DocJohn · Feb 27, 2012 at 12:10 PM

We instituted formal rules with regard to this naming issue in late 2009, so any member who has a "Doc" or "Dr" name before they were instituted were allowed to keep them (grandfathered in).

The only active member I'm aware of who has no doctoral affiliation or doctorate who has this sort of name is "DrSkipper" (which is also the name of a soft drink).

"Doc Clyde" for instance, has his degree in experimental psychology -- not clinical psychology. So while he regularly gives others advice in our community, you shouldn't confuse his advice as coming from a professional in clinical psychology.

Best,
DocJohn

pegasus · Feb 27, 2012 at 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocJohn

Such professionals are here in the capacity of only a fellow advice-giver -- not a professional.

As with ALL members, we do not endorse any specific advice given. You should always consult with your own healthcare professional before trying anything you read here related to your health or mental health.

Best,
DocJohn

Such professionals are here in the capacity of only a fellow advice giver - not a professional. Right, how can we make that clearer to unsuspecting members who might get caught up in the 'professional' title and think that the 'Doctor' is part of the Psych Central team or feel that the 'Doctor' is endorsed by you. If the professional is here as a fellow advice-giver why do they then need to use the 'Doctor' title. It is very misleading and could even be dangerous in that a member may get hurt badly. I will admit that I am very cynical of professionals that need to use a title here. Can we not just ban mental health professionals with the 'Doctor' title or ban the 'Doctor' title altogether.

The trouble with saying that you do not endorse any specific advice is that with someone using the 'Doctor' title, it really does sound like you are and some members may be taken in by it.

Kind regards, Pegs

(JD) · Feb 27, 2012 at 03:58 PM

I agree that no one without a doctoral degree should be allowed to post with such a screen name...

However there are quite a few areas for such a degree, not just psychology....

yet the PhD--which I have-- is the highest degree awarded in the USA, above even the MD.... and still I cannot use it in a screen name here.

Tis ok. It doesn't reduce me in the least, it just would be nice if the best support site on the web could allow validation to anyone who has done the work, given the effort and often receives no recognition for it. We're only human.

Be well.

drjean

yellowted · Feb 27, 2012 at 04:07 PM

well said Pegasus, what you said was my thoughts exactly. using a doc title put a big emphasis that they are qualified doctors. this is sooo misleading.
please do not forget the poeple who log into psych central are ill and when one is ill you tend to be easily led or misled . by doing away with the doc title these misleaders come back into the relm of being the equal to the rest of us non docterates. I can understand the docs not wanting to lose their titles, but there is nothing wrong with being an equal, and we non docs really do not bite, i for one have always had my dinner before coming on this site!

pegasus · Feb 27, 2012 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (JD)

I agree that no one without a doctoral degree should be allowed to post with such a screen name...

However there are quite a few areas for such a degree, not just psychology....

yet the PhD--which I have-- is the highest degree awarded in the USA, above even the MD.... and still I cannot use it in a screen name here.

Tis ok. It doesn't reduce me in the least, it just would be nice if the best support site on the web could allow validation to anyone who has done the work, given the effort and often receives no recognition for it. We're only human.

Be well.

drjean

So, do you feel Psych Central should endorse you because you have a 'Doctor' title. Who is to say that your word is any better than any one elses? Can you not see how it can be misleading to vulnerable people? There are many people here who give out sound advice/support without having a Doctor title.

Be well.

di meliora · Feb 27, 2012 at 05:37 PM

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. ~Niccolo Machiavelli

DocJohn · Feb 27, 2012 at 08:19 PM

Hi folks, while I appreciate the feedback, this was a clarification of an existing rule we have due to recent questions we received. We will not be changing our policies at this time.

Thanks,
DocJohn

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"Dr" or "Doc" Does Not Imply Endorsement or Clinical Expert

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lynn P. Legendary Member Since Feb 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 12,269 (SuperPoster!) 15 2,432 hugs given	Feb 27, 2012 at 12:07 PM #2 If a member has a "Dr." before their name but isn't a doctor...should they keep this name still? Thanks for clarifying this Doc John. __________________ This is our little cutie Bella Practice on-line safety. Cheaters - collecting jar of hearts. Make your mess, your message. "Be the change you want to see" (Gandhi)

di meliora Account Suspended Member Since Nov 2011 Posts: 4,038 12	Feb 27, 2012 at 05:37 PM #8 It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. ~Niccolo Machiavelli

DocJohn Founder & Your Host Community Support Team Chat Leader Member Since May 2001 Location: Greater Boston, MA Posts: 13,648 23 182 hugs given	Feb 27, 2012 at 08:19 PM #9 Hi folks, while I appreciate the feedback, this was a clarification of an existing rule we have due to recent questions we received. We will not be changing our policies at this time. Thanks, DocJohn __________________ Don't throw away your shot.