Self proclaimed therapist?
Faced with life’s pressures, many people tend to seek psychotherapy facilities to find solutions for their mental health. However, those in need cannot avoid encountering self-proclaimed therapists and centers that are not yet reputable.
In a specific case, VA (19 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) wanted to treat stress and depression, so he tried contacting a psychotherapy center in Ho Chi Minh City to ask about the cost.
"Apart from asking for the name and identifying the problem that needs consultation, they did not ask any other questions, did not advise on packages or consultation courses that are suitable for the financial conditions of the customer. They said that the center's experts must assess the severity and give a roadmap before charging. When I asked, the center said that the assessment sessions cost 500,000 VND/session. This is not an expensive price compared to the general level, but they did not inform the customer from the beginning to prepare," VA shared.
It takes a long process to become a psychotherapist.
Upon further investigation on the official website of this center, VA found that the individuals called "psychotherapists" did not have formal degrees in psychology or related fields of study, but only had psychology certificates and coaching certificates or certificates of questionable authenticity in counseling - counseling - psychotherapy such as spiritual certificates, Reiki past life regression healing certificates and Eastern studies certificates (physiology, I Ching).
Chaotic psychotherapy market
According to Master Nguyen Thi Tam, expert at Hon Viet Consulting Center (HCMC), Vietnam currently has no professional association or laws governing psychotherapy practice licenses, so that is the reason many people call themselves psychotherapists, healers...
"Normally, psychotherapists must major in psychology, get a bachelor's degree and continue on to a master's degree. From the master's degree, they can choose a therapy major and a therapy school. Psychologists are also not allowed to prescribe medication for clients," said Ms. Tam.
According to Ms. Tam, to become a real psychologist requires a long process. Psychology majors must study general subjects such as advanced neurophysiology, genetics, human body, brain, psychopathology, etc. as well as learn other therapies before they can practice.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Vui, a lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, said that in Western countries, psychotherapists are only allowed to accept clients when they have a formal degree, at least a master's degree, and a certain number of hours of work and practice.
People in need should seek out reputable psychological therapy facilities.
"A regular bachelor of psychology who wants to practice in the field of counseling and therapy must have a required number of working hours, undergo an internship, study at a higher level or have other professional certificates to be qualified to become a specialist or psychologist," said Ms. Vui.
Regarding costs, Ms. Vui shared that depending on the specifics of each place, the price will be publicly announced on the website or discussed with the client. Different experts will have different prices, but the general principle is to sign a contract and both parties must agree.
"In the case of not posting prices, it will happen when the client comes to the first session for consultation, the consultation session can last from 45-60 minutes or 90 minutes, the therapist will diagnose and give a treatment plan, only when the client agrees will the cost be sent", Ms. Vui added.
Besides, Master Ngoc Vui shared that specific expertise and working subjects are also basic things when introducing yourself as a psychologist.
"Psychologists need to clearly identify which subjects they work with such as children, adolescents, the elderly, or specialize in individual, group, family therapy, and importantly, which school of therapy such as existential humanism, psychoanalysis, etc. so that service users can make appropriate choices," said Ms. Vui.
Faced with a market where "truth and lies are mixed together", Master Vui advises that users need to be smart, self-identify and seek out psychologists who are properly trained from universities with specific majors.
According to Ms. Tam, people who need mental health care should go to reliable places such as specialized hospitals, seek out experts with academic degrees, many years of experience and clear therapeutic specialties, and avoid methods labeled as therapy and healing with high costs but without scientific basis or professional factors.
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