In Calif can a nurse practioner work as a mental health therapist?

Question

My so called therapist only has a masters degree in nursing with a nurse practioner degree/ certificate . Can she actually work as a therapist? I live in California.

Answer 1

I certainly hope not. They wouldn't have the credentials or the coursework completed to act as a therapist. Unless she has a master's degree in social work, or psychology she isn't qualified

Answer 2

In CA to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist you need to have 1) a Master's Degree from an accredited school or university 2) 3,000 hrs of counseling done under the supervision of a certified clinical supervisor 3) to pass two exams. Unless your therapist has done this, then they are not a licensed therapist. There are some Nurse Practitioners who are authorized to dispense medication under the direction of a licensed psychiatrist. You can check the licensure status of your therapist by going to the Board of Behavioral Sciences website and checking the verify licenses section.

Answer 3

In most states a nurse practitioner is able to specialize, just like a physician. So if your nurse practitioner is a psychiatric nurse practitioner she may have her own practice or work within a psychiatric clinic. she is allowed to do essentually what a psychiatrist does, including prescribing and managing psychiatric drugs.
If you are afraid of a nurse practioner, imagine the people who trust their healthcare to a 2 year wonder like a physicians assistant.