Find a EDS Therapist

An Educational Specialist degree represents an advanced level of training beyond a master's degree but below a doctoral level. In mental health care, this program prepares you for advanced roles in school counseling, mental health counseling, or rehabilitation counseling, or to develop greater leadership skills and expertise in your current position.

EDS therapists possess enhanced clinical competencies, research skills, and leadership capabilities that enable them to provide comprehensive mental health services while also serving in supervisory or administrative roles within their organizations.

The path to becoming an EDS therapist involves rigorous academic preparation. Candidates must first complete a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related mental health field. The Educational Specialist program then provides additional coursework and clinical training, typically requiring 60-70 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.

UCM's Educational Specialist program gives you the counseling skills and knowledge you need to provide individual and group counseling in care settings such as schools and mental health care facilities. You'll also develop analytical, research and leadership skills that distinguish EDS therapists from those with only master's-level training.

The curriculum for EDS programs in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes:

• Advanced therapeutic techniques and interventions
• Research methodology and evidence-based practices
• Clinical supervision and leadership skills
• Specialized populations and treatment modalities
• Ethical considerations in advanced practice
• Program development and evaluation

EDS therapists work across diverse settings, offering both direct clinical services and supervisory roles. The Ed.S. program emphasizes the development of clinical skills that may be used in various community settings, such as private practices, mental health agencies, or marriage and family therapy clinics.

Clinical Services

EDS therapists provide comprehensive mental health services including:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Crisis intervention and emergency mental health services
• Substance abuse counseling and addiction treatment
• Trauma-informed care and specialized trauma therapies
• Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
• Treatment planning and case management

Leadership and Supervision

Beyond direct clinical work, EDS therapists often serve in leadership capacities:

• Clinical supervision of master's-level counselors
• Program development and implementation
• Quality assurance and outcome evaluation
• Staff training and professional development
• Administrative roles in mental health organizations

The connection between EDS training and mental health extends beyond traditional therapy models. EDS therapists receive comprehensive training in understanding the educational, developmental, and systemic factors that influence mental health outcomes. This unique perspective allows them to address mental health concerns within broader contexts, considering how learning environments, educational experiences, and developmental factors impact psychological well-being.

EDS and mental health professionals are particularly skilled in:

• Understanding the intersection of learning difficulties and mental health
• Addressing mental health concerns in educational settings
• Working with children, adolescents, and families within school systems
• Implementing preventive mental health programs
• Collaborating with educational professionals and healthcare providers

The regulation and scope of practice for EDS therapists varies significantly across states, making it essential to understand your local requirements and available services.

State-by-State Considerations

California: The state recognizes Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs) who may hold EDS degrees. We license LMFTs, LCSWs,LEPs, and LPCCs through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, indicating the state's recognition of educational specialists in mental health practice.

Texas: Texas is seeing a growing demand for mental health counselors, with a projected job growth of 28% through 2030. The state recognizes various levels of mental health professionals, including those with specialist-level training.

Southern States: Many southeastern states, including Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, offer robust EDS programs in clinical mental health counseling. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in mental health counseling.

Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements for EDS therapists typically include:

• Completion of an accredited EDS program
• Supervised clinical experience (usually 1,000-4,000 hours)
• Passing scores on national or state licensing examinations
• Continuing education requirements for license maintenance
• Background checks and ethical clearances

It's crucial to verify that any EDS therapist you're considering is properly licensed in your state and meets local credentialing requirements.

When seeking mental health services from an EDS therapist, consider these factors:

Specializations and Areas of Expertise

EDS therapists often develop specialized expertise in specific areas:

• Trauma and PTSD treatment
• Substance abuse and addiction counseling
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Family and couples therapy
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Learning disabilities and developmental concerns

Treatment Approaches

Ask potential therapists about their theoretical orientation and treatment methods:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Family systems therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy
• Integrative and eclectic approaches

Setting and Accessibility

EDS therapists practice in various settings:

• Private practice offices
• Community mental health centers
• Hospital-based outpatient programs
• School-based mental health programs
• Employee assistance programs
• Telehealth platforms

Understanding the financial aspects of working with an EDS therapist is essential for making informed decisions about your mental health care.

Insurance Coverage

Most major insurance plans cover services provided by licensed EDS therapists when they hold appropriate state licensure. Key considerations include:

• Verifying your therapist is in-network with your insurance plan
• Understanding your copay, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximums
• Checking whether you need a referral from your primary care physician
• Confirming coverage for specific types of therapy or treatment modalities

Cost Factors

Salaries for mental health counselors in the top 10% earned more than $98,210 according to the BLS. As with most psychology careers, experience and location play an enormous factor in salary. This expertise level often translates to higher session fees, but the investment can provide significant value through:

• More efficient treatment due to advanced training
• Reduced need for referrals to multiple specialists
• Access to specialized interventions and techniques
• Comprehensive case conceptualization and treatment planning

Before beginning treatment, consider asking potential therapists:

1. What is your specific training and experience with my presenting concerns?
2. What treatment approaches do you typically use, and why?
3. How do you measure progress and treatment outcomes?
4. What is your experience providing supervision or leadership in mental health settings?
5. How do you stay current with research and best practices in the field?
6. What is your approach to involving family members or other support systems?
7. How do you handle crisis situations or after-hours emergencies?

If you're considering working with an EDS therapist, start by:

1. Research local providers: Use your insurance company's provider directory or professional association websites to identify EDS therapists in your area.
2. Verify credentials: Check state licensing boards to confirm your potential therapist's credentials and standing.
3. Schedule consultations: Many therapists offer brief consultation calls to discuss your needs and their approach.
4. Prepare for your first session: Gather relevant information about your mental health history, current concerns, and treatment goals.
5. Consider logistics: Think about scheduling preferences, transportation needs, and whether telehealth options might be beneficial.

EDS therapists represent a highly trained segment of mental health professionals who combine advanced clinical skills with leadership capabilities. Their comprehensive education and specialized training make them valuable resources for individuals seeking mental health services, particularly those with complex needs or those who might benefit from the integration of educational and therapeutic perspectives.

Understanding the role of EDS therapists in mental health care, their training requirements, and how to find qualified professionals in your area empowers you to make informed decisions about your mental health treatment. Whether you're dealing with specific mental health concerns or seeking preventive care, an EDS therapist may offer the expertise and comprehensive approach you need to achieve your mental health goals.

Remember that finding the right therapist is a personal process, and the most important factor is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and who has the skills to address your specific needs. The advanced training and expertise of EDS therapists make them valuable members of the mental health care team, offering both clinical excellence and leadership in promoting mental wellness across diverse populations and settings.