Explaining Credentials:
Your Providers at PNWBH

What is an Intern? 

Pacific Northwest Behavioral Health is a teaching facility that hosts graduate level Interns who have completed the academic portion of their education and are working on their internship hours as required by state and national standards for completion of a master's degree in clinical psychology. Graduate Level Interns are trained professionals working under the supervision of a clinical supervisor, a group supervisor, an administrative supervisor and the mentorship of our licensed professionals in PNWBH. PNWBH Interns are interviewed and vetted by their counseling programs and leadership at PNWBH months before their arrival.   

What is a registered Associate (Professional Counseling - Associate)

Registered Professional Counseling Associates who hold a master's degree from an accredited university in the field of counseling psychology or clinical social work. They are registered with the state of Oregon and actively working toward meeting licensure requirements which includes direct client hours and Supervision by a board-certified Supervisor that is Contracted with PNWBH as required by their accredited licensure boards. Professional Counselor Associates and Clinical Social Work associates are also required to sit for a proctored national exam, an ethics exam, as well as proving competency in the Oregon laws and rules exam for behavioral health. Practitioners at this level of education and experience ARE allowed to practice WITHOUT working toward licensure. Our registered Associates are, by choice, choosing to go through the advanced licensing certification to be recognized by the state as excelling in their field and adhering to state and federal standards for care. NOTE: without actively working toward licensure and holding a registered Associate number in good standing with the state, mental health providers are not able to bill insurance for reimbursement.

What is an LPC or and LCSW?

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) are state-registered mental and behavioral health providers that have achieved the highest credentials with a master's level post-graduate education. They both provide services in the field of psychology inclusive of individual counseling, group counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, social support, access to services. LCSW’s require a master's degree in social work with coursework focused on social policy, advocacy, a broader social system, and the whole person. LPC requires a master's degree in counseling with both disciplines centered on individual experience, counseling theory and mental health. 

What is a PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)?

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a state-registered master’s level nurse with advanced education in psychiatric mental health. PMHNP’s are educated, trained, certified and licensed to diagnose, treat and prescribe psychotropic medications in the field of mental and behavioral health.