Psychotherapist

Dr. McMahon is a psychotherapist with over 30 years experience. She is licensed by the state of California as a Psychologist. Her training includes a MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. For more information on her background and qualifications see About Dr. McMahon.

Dr. McMahon specializes in psychotherapy for:

• Anxiety Treatment: help overcoming anxiety or panic attacks, fears or phobias, and related issues.
• Specific fears and phobias using virtual reality therapy.
• Insomnia: learn to sleep more restfully without medication.
• Positive Psychology Skills: ways to become happier and find more meaning in your life; also help coping with chronic medical conditions.

For more information, call Dr. McMahon at 1-415-625-3565.

Types of Psychotherapists

Psychotherapist is a general term that describes several types of licensed mental health professionals. Each type of license has its own scope of practice as defined by state law.

Types of psychotherapists licensed in California include:

• Psychologists and Psychology Assistants regulated by the California Board of Psychology http://www.psychology.ca.gov/ Psychologist are trained and qualified to provide comprehensive mental health services.
• Psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors and regulated by the Medical Board of California http://www.mbc.ca.gov/.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT); Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW); Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP); Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC); MFT Interns (IMF); Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASW); and Professional Clinical Counselor Interns (PCCI) are regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences http://www.bbs.ca.gov/.

Clinical Psychologists

In general, clinical psychologists have the most rigorous training (doctoral level) in psychotherapy covering a wide variety of psychological issues. Many clinical psychologists are also trained in research, which helps them to develop and use evidence-based therapeutic techniques with proven effectiveness.

A degree in psychology or a related field is only one step in the process of becoming a licensed psychologist. Licensing as a clinical psychologist in California currently requires a specialized doctorate degree from an accredited organization, 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, and two written examinations. For more information, see the California Board of Psychology. http://www.psychology.ca.gov

Licensed Mental Health Professional

California does not recognize psychotherapist or therapist as licensed professions. Anyone presenting themselves as a psychotherapist or therapist but without an appropriate professional designation, may not be a licensed mental health professional.