Oakland, CA asked in Medical Malpractice for California

Q: If I am not a licensed psychologist, can I still say "I am a therapist"?

Specifically "I am a therapist" not "I am a psychologist".

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Joseph Franklin Klatt
Joseph Franklin Klatt
Answered
  • La Jolla, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: First thing, if you are not an MD do not hold yourself out to being one, directly or indirectly. For instance "psychiatrist" suggests a medical license. There are a number of paramedical professionals with degrees . You do not want to be confused for claiming a degree or license that you do not have. If you do, you may be accused of trying to practice medicine without a license. Now there are a number of therapist licenses, titles, and degrees you could have "e.g. marital and family". If you have that license, be specific. If not, be more specific.

If you don't have formal credentials, then change your PR materials. For instance you can be a "xxxxxxx coach" without inferring any degree, but you can still promote yourself and your business. Just do not look like a fake doctor.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.