According to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) https://www.bbs.ca.gov/, there are various types of licensed mental health professionals regulated by different agencies in California. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these professionals and their licensing agencies to make an informed decision.
Before your initial visit, it is recommended to verify the license of the mental health professional you choose. Below is a list of the types of mental health professionals, their licensing agencies, and contact information for reference:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Associate Marriage and Family Therapists Board of Behavioral Sciences (916) 574-7830 www.bbs.ca.gov
Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Associate Clinical Social Workers Board of Behavioral Sciences (916) 574-7830 www.bbs.ca.gov
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Associate Professional Clinical Counselors Board of Behavioral Sciences (916) 574-7830 www.bbs.ca.gov
Licensed Psychologists, Psychological Assistants, Registered Psychologists Board of Psychology (916) 574-7720 www.psychology.ca.gov
Psychiatrists Medical Board of California (800) 633-2322 www.mbc.ca.gov
Psychiatric Technicians Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (916) 263-7800 www.bvnpt.ca.gov
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses Board of Registered Nursing (916) 322-3350 www.rn.ca.gov
Licensed Educational Psychologists Board of Behavioral Sciences (916) 574-7830 www.bbs.ca.gov