Understanding Our Providers
Finding the right mental health support can feel overwhelming. With so many professional titles and credentials, it's not always clear what they mean or who might be the best fit for your needs.
At Sankofa Counseling, every provider holds an active professional or associate license—or is practicing under approved clinical supervision—in accordance with the State of Oregon. The differences between provider titles simply reflect each clinician's education, experience, and scope of training.
Professional Counselors (LPC & LMFT)
Professional Counselors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health concerns and disorders. In Oregon, they are licensed through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists (OBLPCT).
The typical pathway to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) takes five or more years and includes:
Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Clinical Social Workers are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders while also addressing the social, environmental, cultural, and systemic factors that influence a person's well-being. In Oregon, they are licensed through the Oregon Board of Social Work (OBSW).
The typical pathway to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker takes five or more years and includes:
Clinical Psychologists (PsyD)
Clinical Psychologists are doctoral-level clinicians who specialize in psychological assessment, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. In Oregon, they are licensed through the Oregon Board of Psychology (OBP).
The typical pathway to becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist includes:
Practicum Students & Counselor Interns
Practicum Students and Counselor Interns are graduate-level clinicians completing a nationally accredited master's or doctoral program. As part of their professional training, they complete a year-long clinical placement while providing counseling services under close supervision.
Every practicum student and intern receives:
Weekly clinical supervision through their university
Ongoing supervision from licensed clinicians at Sankofa Counseling
Regular consultation to ensure ethical, high-quality care
Clinical oversight of all clinical work
Working with a practicum student or counselor intern can be an excellent option for clients seeking quality care while supporting the development of the next generation of mental health professionals.
Our Standard of Care
Regardless of a provider's title, every client at Sankofa Counseling receives compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based care.
We require all providers to engage in ongoing professional development, and provide monthly skillbuilding and regular clinical training to ensure our clients are being served with intentionality, quality, and excellence.
We work together as a collaborative clinical team to ensure you are supported by a provider whose training, experience, and approach best fit your goals.