Twomanywords, does CA have a licensure designation of Psychotherapist? I know some things are different state to state such as practicum requirement hours, required courses, etc...so maybe?????
I hold three Masters-level licensures in TX and NM and am currently in a Doctorate program, and this is my understanding of licensure in those two states.
Simply put---All people in the mental health field that hold licensure are required to complete practicum hours and a state licensure exam. A Masters degree ( with an appropriate degree plan) entitles the recipient to APPLY for licensure, after which they must pass the exam--they become LPC,LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, and the like (depending upon the state). A PhD (largely academia based) or PsyD (largely clinically based) requires an exam as well but their designation is that of a Psychologist--which is deemed a "Dr", whether it be an academic or clinical one both of these Dr's practice at the highest level of the psychological discipline. A psychiatrist is actually a medical doctor, hence they are able to prescribe medication for psychological conditions/disorders--many see this designation as the highest level in the discipline of psychology but that is inaccurate bc they are medical doctors. It is important to add that New Mexico has a "extra tract" above and beyond their Doctorates which allows their PhD and PsyD holders to becoming "prescribing psychologists"--so they are allowed to prescribe psychotropic medications.
As for the word psychotherapist it is not a licensure designation, it is a general term that originated from the word psychotherapy which is, simply put, applied theory or techniques used by practicing counselors.