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Individual providers must maintain their credentials. Feel free to ask about credentials at the first telephone contact or first visit. Indiana law requires providers to display evidence of their licensure in the office. It is perfectly reasonable for you to ask if the problem you have falls within the provider's "scope of practice." A good therapist will always tell you if they are not the right person for you and why. He or she should also help you find a more suitable therapist given the nature of the problem.
If a provider works for a large organization, that organization has usually sought accreditation that demonstrates a commitment to quality service. The organization may be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) or by similar bodies that offer accreditation programs for mental health.
While accreditation does not guarantee the quality of care, it is an excellent indication that the organization is policing itself and is concerned about quality. The Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations, the Indiana State Board of Health and the Department of Mental Health's Division of Addiction Services accredit the St. Vincent Stress Center. |