Acronym Guide - Searching for Mental Health Providers
Whether you’re searching for a provider on Psychology Today, or are interested in pursuing a career in mental health, understanding the different acronyms for mental health professionals can be quite confusing. This guide should help you navigate the different titles and qualifications in the mental health field.
*One caveat to keep in mind: different States use different titles for licensing. For example, an LPC in Oregon would be called an LCPC here in Montana.
Medication Prescribers
Psychiatrist (MD or DO):
MD: Doctor of Medicine
DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health medication care. They can prescribe medication, diagnose and monitor mental health conditions, and some provide psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists have niche, specialized knowledge about psychopharmacology.
Most psychiatrists will have a long initial appointment, followed up with brief check-ins. They tend to schedule every 2 weeks to 3 months depending on whether a client is adjusting to new medications or is already steady.
Pathway: Psychiatrists start with a Bachelor’s degree, and may get a Master’s on their way to their Doctorate. Instead of becoming a general doctor, they choose to specialize in Psychiatry during their residency as they work towards full licensure within their respective state.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):
PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These are advanced practice nurses, basically at the same level as a doctor, with specialized training in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy.
Very similar to Psychiatrists.
Psychiatric Physician’s Assistant (PA-C):
Work under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other licensed physician. They have completed a master's degree in physician assistant studies and have received specialized training in psychiatry.
Can Prescribe Medication
Non-prescribing Specialties
Psychologist (PhD or PsyD):
PhD: Doctor of Philosophy
PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
Psychologists have a doctorate, but not from a medical school.
They can provide psychotherapy, diagnose and monitor mental health conditions, and often conduct psychological testing. Neurobehavioral psychologists, for example, may see a client only a few times, usually for several hours, to conduct psychological assessments for confirmation of a diagnosis. Assessments are also used as screeners for various careers.
They are NOT medical doctors, and cannot prescribe medication.
PhD programs typically emphasize research, while PsyD programs focus more on clinical practice.
Pathway: Psychologists start with a Bachelor’s degree, and may get a Master’s on their way to their Doctorate. Instead of becoming a general doctor, they choose to specialize in Psychiatry during their residency as they work towards full licensure within the respective state.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):
Social workers can provide psychotherapy, diagnose and monitor mental health issues, and offer case management and advocacy services. Some lean more towards periodic case management, while others lean more towards regular counseling. Their training is well-rounded.
Pathway: LCSWs get a Bachelor’s degree. They move into a specialized graduate school program to get their Masters of Social Work (MSW). Programs often focus on practical internship rather than research. Having completed their training, they then spend time practicing under a provisional license (SWLC in Montana) while gathering enough hours to become fully licensed.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
LPCs provide psychotherapy and ongoing counseling services.
They can diagnose and monitor mental health issues.
Their training is specially focused on various counseling methods, and psychological theories.
Equivalent alternative names (varies by state):
LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Pathway: LPCs get a Bachelor’s degree. They move into a specialized graduate school program to get their Master’s degree in something like Clinical Mental Health Counseling. CMHC programs focus on practical internship experience rather than research. Having completed their training, they then spend time practicing under a provisional license (PCLC in Montana, LPC-I, or LPC-candidate in some other states) while gathering enough hours to become fully licensed.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):
LMFTs have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family psychotherapy and specialized training in family systems.
They work with individuals, couples, and families.
Pathway: LMFTs first get their Bachelor’s degree. They may choose to get their Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Programs often focus on practical internship or research. Either way, having completed their training, they then spend time practicing under a provisional license (MFT in Montana) while gathering enough hours to become fully licensed.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC):
LACs have specialized training in addiction and substance abuse counseling.
They typically hold a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field, but in certain states may only need a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree.
Many of the above professions pursue an LAC in addition to their original licensure.
Each of these professionals can provide valuable mental health services, but their training, scope of practice, and focus areas differ.
Further Acronyms
Here’s a quick reference guide to more acronyms related to mental health professionals, their licensure, degrees, and certifications. This list is by no means an exhaustive:
Mental Health Professionals - Prescribing
MD, DO: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy (Psychiatrists have one of these)
PMHNP: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PhD, PsyD: Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor or Psychology (Psychologists have one of these)
PA-C: Psychiatric Physician’s Assistant
Mental Health Professionals
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LPC, LCPC, LMHC: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LAC: Licensed Addictions Counselor
Licensure Candidates
QMHP: Qualified Mental Health Professional
Generally used for individuals who meet certain qualifications to provide mental health services, though requirements can vary by state. For example, someone with a BA in psychology may work at a mental health care facility with just this designation.
PCLC: Provisionally Certified Licensed Counselor
Counselors who have completed their academic requirements but are still in the process of completing the supervised hours required for full licensure.
SWLC: Social Worker Licensure Candidate
Social workers who are in the process of obtaining licensure. They have typically completed their degree and are gaining the necessary supervised experience.
MFT: Marriage and Family Therapist – Licensure Candidate
Individual, couples, and family counselors who are in the process of obtaining licensure. They have typically completed their degree and are gaining the necessary supervised experience.
Degrees
MA: Master of Arts
A graduate degree focused on counseling, psychology, or a related field. Programs may emphasize either practice or research.
MS: Master of Science
Similar to the MA, but often with a greater focus on scientific and quantitative approaches.
MSW: Master of Social Work
A graduate degree in social work, including training in psychotherapy, case management, and advocacy. Required for clinical social work practice.
BSW: Bachelor of Social Work
An undergraduate degree in social work. Prepares individuals for entry-level positions in social work or for graduate study in the field.
EdS: Education Specialist
An advanced degree beyond the master's level, often focused on educational psychology, school psychology, or counseling.
MEd: Master of Education
A graduate degree that can focus on school counseling, educational psychology, or similar fields.
Additional Terms & Certifications
LCDC: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Professionals licensed to provide counseling for substance abuse and addiction.
Alternatives:
CAC: Certified Alcohol Counselor
CADC: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
ADC: Alcohol Drug Counselor
NCC: Nationally Certified Counselor
A certification granted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), signifying that a counselor has met national standards for education, experience, and ethical practice.
Clinicians passed the NCE or NCMHCE examination. Not required for all of the above careers.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
CMHC: Clinical or Certified Mental Health Counselor.