What is a "Qualified" Counselor?

I am approached often by new residents who want to start a counseling business in SL. Often enough that I have a small packet of info to send them that answers the most common questions, including things like professional links in-world, groups to join, etc. It also includes some things that can turn off a prospective counselor-to-be, like ethics and what constitutes "qualified" when it comes to calling yourself a counselor or therapist.

Maybe I am missing something. In-world or in RL, I don't see the difference in what makes one qualified to provide mental health services to others. So when someone says "Well, I am not really a counselor in RL but I want to be, and I am a good listener. lol." I sort of wonder what they're thinking. Some have a class or two under their RL belts, some are currently students in good programs, some have no experience or training whatsoever. Most have an idea of setting up a center in SL, making money, and having that grow into a RL business. And a lot of excitement, which I hate to squash.

It's a dilemma, as there is no official verification system in SL for medical and mental health personnel. We are working on one, but what it seems to be is just a formalized version of each of us, who are legitimate practitioners in RL, continuing to follow our licensing boards Codes of Ethics and being honest about who we are, our qualifications, and not practicing outside that scope. Just like RL. This level of honesty has to start with ourselves, though. Again, maybe I am missing something but I don't think it's okay to present myself as a therapist in SL if I can't do the same in RL, say, applying for a job. If I don't have the credentials or training or knowledge in RL, what do I think I am I going to do in SL? (I am not including SL roleplayers here, who clearly state they are roleplayers and not counselors or doctors so everyone knows up front who is who)

SL has a real need for peer counselors, and we provide training for anyone who wants it, free of charge. There is also a need for coaching and other types of support, which may be a good fit for those not trained in providing actual therapy but who want to help others. Even those of us with advanced degrees and RL experience don't get rich on our services. Most of our work is done free of charge, or for a very nominal donation. We do it because we believe this platform has potential for psychosocial education, resources, and support.

I guess I need to channel my concerns into more consumer education in-world and continued work on establishing a credentialing system that has merit. And maybe helping those who, even with minimal training, want to help others in a way that is beneficial to all. But when I see Profiles that advertise "SL's first certified Medical Docter!! [sic]" or "Psycologist!" etc it makes me shake my head and wonder when the first lawsuit is going to come down, and how the fallout will affect those of us working in-world.