Q: What is an associate therapist?
A: An associate (AMFT, ACSW, or APCC) is post-degree and pre-license: they have finished a master's degree and are completing California's required supervised experience. Associates may charge less than licensed clinicians, but there is no statewide fee. Ask for the current price, supervisor's name, cancellation policy and what happens to your fee and care when the associate becomes licensed or leaves the practice.
Cost check: an associate may charge less than a licensed therapist, but there is no official statewide fee table. Ask for the ongoing fee, missed-session charge, and what changes after licensure.
Do this: ask any associate one question up front: "What happens to my fee and my slot when you get licensed?" See our therapist directory’s current status →
Source: California Board of Behavioral Sciences registration categories — bbs.ca.gov.