Unlicensed counselors: real or phony?
Leanna Payton
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Lifestyles
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One of these media counselors is Phil McGraw, better known by his daily talk show, Dr. Phil, where McGraw focuses on families facing problems. He holds a B.A. from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from North Texas State University with a dual area of emphasis in clinical and behavioral medicine, according to his show's Web site.
McGraw, however, is not a licensed psychologist and does not refer to himself as one, according to a post on everydaypsychology.com.
"It is very important for psychologists to be licensed to ensure providers are qualified and that they have the education and training to counsel effectively," said Jim Fuendling, a psychologist at Psychology and Counseling Associates in Fayetteville and a member of the Arkansas Psychology Board, the organization that partakes in the licensing and reviewing of psychologists.
However, from a viewer's perspective, McGraw's advice might be a suitable alternative.
"He has a doctorate, so I don't feel uncomfortable taking his advice," said Ashley Davidson, a senior broadcast journalism major from Tulsa, Okla. "I don't think it's any less effective or correct than someone who is licensed."
Another unlicensed therapist is Dawson McAllister, who hosts a radio talk show, Dawson McAllister Live, where teenagers and young adults call in with personal issues they are facing, such as relationship or family matters.
McAllister graduated from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minn., and attended Talbot Theological Seminary. He holds an honorary doctorate degree from Biola University in Southern California and is recognized as one of today's foremost experts on youth issues, according to his radio talk show Web site. On his Sunday night shows, McAllister constantly reminds his viewers that he is unlicensed.
Fuendling said that he has mixed feelings about unlicensed people who openly give mental health guidance.
"On the upside, it increases visibility of mental health services, so people can know it's OK to talk to someone," he said. "On the downside, mental health services are best performed in settings where people know their confidentiality will be taken into account.
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