Behavioral Therapy Certification in Nebraska

The National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists is one of the most prestigious and respected certifying bodies in the entire field of therapy. For Nebraska residents who already possess both experience and an education in behavioral therapy, certification can be a wonderful way to earn a pay raise at work or to qualify for more respectable and better paid positions in the field. Of course, certification is not an easy endeavor, and you have to make sure it’s the right choice for you and that it’s a commitment you’re willing to make. Otherwise, you will find that you’ve wasted a lot of time and money. If you can commit to certification, though, then it’s definitely a worthwhile venture.

Nebraska residents can choose from two different certifications offered by the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. First of all, there is the Diplomate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the highest ranking credential that can be received from the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For those who don’t meet the requirements of the certification or who do not want to make such a large commitment, the Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist credential is a second option.

Those who want to achieve the Diplomate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will need to have either a master’s degree or a PhD in behavioral therapy, psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatry, or another related and approved field from an accredited college or university. They will also need to be able to prove ten years of work in the field where they actually provided cognitive behavioral therapy. Three letters of recommendation from other professionals in the field and the completion of an approved certification program will also be required. Obviously, certification is something that you will work toward for years and not something that can be entered into lightly.

After you receive your certification, be aware that the work does not stop there. Your certification is only valid for a period of five years. After that time, you will be required to show proof that you have continued your education in some way and to prove at least 25 contact hours in order to update or renew your certification. You will also be required to publish at least one article dealing with behavioral therapy at least once per year in a reputable industry publication and to serve on the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists’ Advisory Board.

For those who find these responsibilities too overwhelming, pursuing the Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist distinction may be a wise alternative. While the education requirements, the letters of recommendation requirements, and the completion of an approved certification program remain the same, the applicant is only required to have six years of experience working in the field. Continuing education will have to be sought and the certification renewed every five years, but there are no additional requirements as there are for the Diplomate. Even though this particular certification is lower ranking than the Diplomate, it is still a worthwhile venture that can improve your professional life significantly.

Also, do be aware that many colleges and universities, especially online colleges and universities, claim to offer certifications in certain areas. While these certifications may be helpful to your career or enable you to be able to better do a certain job, they are not approved by the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists and will not be recognized as such by the state. Furthermore, they are not a substitute for a higher education resulting in a degree from an accredited college or university. So be careful and wise as you choose your certification program.