psychotherapy in usa

[tunnell]

Hi i am a registered mental health nurse in the uk.

Myself and my family really want to relocate to usa. I know i can't work as an RMN there but if i was to do a Recognised CBT course would i be able to practice psychotheray in the USA??

[RunBabyRN]

Looks like (from your tags) you're moving to Florida? I would research any psychiatric health boards for the state and go through their FAQs and perhaps e-mail or call them to get an accurate answer.

[elkpark]

The recognized disciplines in the US that provide psychotherapy are advanced practice psychiatric nurses (psych CNSs and NPs), licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), clinical psychologists (Master's or doctorally prepared), and, to a lesser extent, psychiatrists. They all require specific graduate degrees and professional licensure.

Rules in the US are v. lax for people not claiming to be any of those professionals, and most anyone can get paid for talking to people about their problems as long they're careful about what they call themselves, but it would have to be private pay only -- no insurance company will pay anyone without one of the professional credentials above for psychotherapy.

(Edited to add) Psychotherapy is outside the scope of practice for generalist ("regular," without graduate degree and credentials) RNs in the US.