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The Impact of Therapist Credentials on Perceptions of the Psychotherapist
  • David M. Waugh,
  • Jeffrey Berman
David M. Waugh
The University of Memphis
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Jeffrey Berman
The University of Memphis

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Objective Since the COVID-19 pandemic, psychotherapy has more frequently been promoted and practiced online. Past research suggests that displaying psychotherapist credentials in the therapy office affects perceptions of the psychotherapist. The aim of the present study was to assess whether credential information from an online source would have a similar impact. Method Participants ( N = 168) viewed two emulations of psychotherapist websites. One of these web pages included credentials and the other did not. After viewing each web page, participants rated their perceptions of the psychotherapist’s expertness and likely empathy. Results Analysis revealed that psychotherapists were viewed as more expert when professional credentials were provided. The same was true for perceived empathy, but only when the psychotherapist and participant were racially matched. The study failed to find evidence that psychotherapists were viewed differently based on their years of experience. Conclusion The study results suggest that prospective clients would be more likely to perceive a psychotherapist positively when the therapist’s credentials are provided. Such a finding supports the inclusion of credential and training information when advertising treatment services.
19 Jan 2025Submitted to Journal of Clinical Psychology
20 Jan 2025Submission Checks Completed
20 Jan 2025Assigned to Editor
30 Jan 2025Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Jan 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned