How to Choose a Therapist   This can be one of the most important decisions a person makes in their lifetime. This can be a difficult and confusing process and generally, the public does not know what questions to ask to properly evaluate and decide which therapist they want to see. Arizona Couples uses only licensed psychologists and psychiatrists (physicians) to provide treatment and therapy services to the public. We do not use consolers or social workers. We will work collaboratively, however, with counselors and social workers who are actively working with our couples or individuals in other treatments or therapy services. Many of the couples that come to Arizona Couples have had prior counseling or therapy with social workers before coming to see us for second and third treatment. At Arizona Couples, only a licensed psychologist provides the couples counseling and therapy services. The psychologist evaluates the couples thoroughly before deciding on a course of therapy. All psychologists with the exception of school psychologists) in Arizona must be licensed by the Board of Psychologists Examiners. In order to qualify for a license, all psychologists must have an approved doctorates degree, pass internships, and pass doctoral training and exams. Counselors and social workers are not licensed through the same boards.     Counselors or Licensed professional counselors marriage and family therapists, and social workers are licensed by their own licensing boards. They are able to provide counseling and therapy services to the public. Psychiatrists are licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners and provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to the public. They prescribe psychoactive medications when necessary. Arizona Couples uses independent psychiatrists to assist in the treatment of individuals in couple's therapy who have emotional and psychiatric disorders which interfere with their relationships. Psychologists do not prescribe medications.