The practice of licensed or registered persons in the field of psychotherapy is regulated by the Division of Professions and Occupations of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. As to the regulatory requirements applicable to mental health professionals:
- A Licensed Psychologist must hold a doctorate degree in psychology, have completed a one-year accredited internship, and have one year of post-doctoral supervision. [This is Dr. Bresnick’s profession.]
- A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Professional Counselor must hold a master’s degree in their profession and have two years of post-masters supervision.
- A Psychologist Candidate, a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate must hold the necessary licensing degree and be in the process of completing the required supervision for licensure.
- A Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I) must be a high school graduate and complete required training hours and 1000 hours of supervised experience. A CAC II must complete additional required training hours and 2,000 hours of supervised experience. A CAC III must have a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health and must complete additional required training hours and 2,000 hours of supervised experience. A Licensed Addiction Counselor must have a clinical master’s degree and meet the CAC III requirements.
- A Registered Psychotherapist is registered with the State Board of Registered Psychotherapists, is not licensed or certified, and no degree, training, or experience is required.