What do Therapist Credentials Mean & What Makes Them Qualified?
Have you ever been confused by the different credentials for therapists or wanted to know what makes a therapist qualified to provide therapy services? It actually can get confusing for therapists too. In addition to multiple credentials for therapists, because each US state has different regulations for therapists, states can have different credentials for the same profession. There is a lot of overlap in each credential, and many provide the same services.
For starters it’s helpful to understand the different types of therapists:
Social Worker—A social worker therapist has at least a master’s level education (Master of Social Work—MSW).
Marriage and Family Therapy—A marriage and family therapist also holds at least a master’s level education. Usually the degree they receive is a MA in Marriage & Family Therapy.
Professional Clinical Counselors—Licensed counselors also hold at least a master degree, most being a MA or MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Licensed counselors can also go by licensed mental health counselors.
Psychologist- Licensed Psychologists hold a doctorate. There are a few different doctorate programs, but they typically hold a Phd or PsyD in clinical psychology field of study.
Psychiatrist—Psychiatrists are typically not therapists. I included them because they often get mistaken as therapists. They are actually medical doctors who went to med school, specializing in mental health. They are the ones who prescribe medication. Most psychiatrists do not provide therapy; however, there are some that do.
Side note that social workers, marriage & family therapists, and professional counselors can all obtain a doctorate if they choose to, but they do not have to in order to practice therapy. So a doctorate level therapist does not always mean they are a psychologist.
Each type is governed by different organizations and ethical codes (although they have a lot of overlap). The following are the different organizations and ethical codes therapists follow:
Social Work—National Association of Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapy—American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
Professional Clinical Counselors—American Counseling Association
Psychologist—American Psychological Association
All these therapists are trained and licensed to provide individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy services (i.e. psychotherapy). One difference for psychologists is that they can provide psychological testing, whereas the others cannot. Also, note that while therapists may be trained and licensed in a certain area does not mean they do offer those services (i.e. all are licensed to provide couples counseling, but not all offer it because it is not their specialty).
Now to the credentials, or the letters behind the therapists’ name. Every credentialed therapist holds a professional license with their state (or multiple states) they are practicing in. Similar to a driver’s license, therapists also have to hold a “provisional license” and practice under the supervision of a more experienced therapist for a while before they receive full licensure. Different states can have different requirements and credentials:
Social Workers— Not all social workers are therapists. If they are practicing clinical work, the most common credential across the states is LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), some other states are LICSW (“i” for independent), or LCSW-C. A “provisional” license is different depending on the state. For example, in Utah it is CSW, in Maryland it is LMSW, other states may be ASW (“A” for associate).
Marriage & Family Therapists—Most states have the credential of LMFT (licensed marriage family therapist) for a fully licensed marriage and family therapist, other states may be LCMFT. In California and Utah the “provisional” license is a AMFT, in Maryland it is LGMFT (“G” for graduate level), New Mexico is LAMFT.
Professional Clinical Counselors—Some states call this path to licensure “professional counselors” while others are “mental health counselors.” (Note that the word “counselor” by itself does not mean someone is licensed to provide therapy.) A licensed professional counselor in Maryland is a LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor), in California the credential is LPCC, other state credentials for licensed counselors include LCMHC (licensed clinical mental health counselor), LPC, or LMHC. “Provisional” license will often have an extra letter, like “a” for associate, “g” for graduate, or “i” for intern.
Psychologist—Typically psychologists indicate a PsyD or PhD in their name and/or go by Dr, and will usually indicate that they are a psychologist.
Confused by the credential still? Honestly, if you have ever had to deal with therapist credentials across state lines you know how confusing it can get. However, it is important to note that ALL licensed therapists can be verified online by their state licensing board(s). If you are ever confused or questioning the legitimacy of a professional, note that all therapists have a license number which can be searched for by name online and verified. If you are not sure where to look, I would start with google and search, "California [or other state] therapist license verification.” That should take you to that state’s verification page where you can search for a therapist. Many will have their license number on their website and/or hanging in their office, and you can always ask a therapist for their license number. If they are not willing to give you their license number, that is a HUGE red flag and I would not work with them.
Sometimes you may also see extra credentials in a therapist title. This is usually for specialities and extra licenses. For example, therapists can also become certified sex therapists, or music therapists, art therapist, or eating disorder specialist, etc. You can always ask a therapist what their credentials mean and how they obtained them.
Therapists go through a lot of schooling and training to obtain licensure. On top of degree requirements, therapists are also required to continue their education throughout their careers. Most states have therapists renew their license every 2 years, and in the renewal therapists have to show that they have met state requirements for continuing education (i.e. they took classes, attended professional conferences, and are maintaining best current evidence-based practices). This is not to say that all therapists are ethical and providing best practices. There are definitely many gaps in the mental health field. However, I do think it is important to note that therapists do a lot of work to become qualified to provide psychotherapy services.
At the end of the day, no matter the therapist credential, you can always ask. There is nothing wrong with wanting to understand where your therapist got (or gets) their information.
