The marriage and family therapist level of training permits the therapist to do counseling and psychotherapy for many types of psychological problems and represents the therapist as having covered all the basics. The clinical social worker has had more classes and more training and has worked in clinical or hospital settings. The doctorate level is advanced education and training and the person has written a text on a particular aspect of psychology. There is no substitute for experience and that in the end is the most important ingredient. Choosing a therapist is not like buying a car.
Some people feel that they are getting a good deal if they get a good price.
That may not be true. If you choose a therapist who is well trained, experienced and knowledgeable you may end up spending less money in the long run. If you go to therapy with an intern or someone without much training or experience and end up paying more in the end than if you went to therapy with someone who was very experienced and paid more. I work comprehensively and fast for a fairly slow process if done right.