Psychotherapy can be provided by mental health professionals who have received the appropriate education (usually at least a master’s degree in a mental health program) and secured the relevant licensing.

The licensure process varies by state and license, but it typically requires mental health professionals to complete a graduate program, a certain number of supervised client hours, and continuing education units. The licensure process is dictated by the state’s regulating body, also referred to as the licensing board. The licensing board, comprised of various employees and departments, is responsible for verifying every therapist’s education, supervised client hours, and continuing education units and ensuring those who are practicing are doing so in adherence with state and federal laws as well as the relevant code of ethics. The licensing board is very important because they are the people to which issues with therapists can be reported.