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How can you tell whether a therapist is suitably qualified to help you with your mental health struggles? A counseling abbreviations list can help you make sense of the letters you sometimes see after a therapist’s name. This understanding can help you decide whether the therapist is the right person to help you with whatever problem you might be facing.
Take a look at the following counseling abbreviations lists to learn about the different types of mental health professionals. Armed with this knowledge, you can find the mental health professional who’s best placed to help and support you.
Counseling Abbreviations List: Common Credentials
Many therapists have letters after their names, but how can you know what they mean? Here are some therapist abbreviations for common credentials, along with their definitions:
- LPC. Licensed professional counselor. An LPC helps clients work through and find a solution to their behavioral and mental health problems. They’ve completed a master’s degree, all state requirements and 3,000 supervision hours to get their state license.
- LPC-A. Licensed professional counselor, associate. An LPC-A has obtained a master’s degree and completed all state requirements except the supervision hours. They work under the supervision of an LPC.
- LPC-S. Licensed professional counselor, supervisor. An LPC-S is an LPC with at least 3 years of experience and training in supervising other counselors.
- LMHC. Licensed mental health counselor. An LMHC has completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They work with people who are struggling with a wide range of mental health issues.
- LMFT. Licensed marriage and family therapist. An LMFT provides counseling to couples and families to help them resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships. They often have therapy sessions with two or more people at a time but may also offer individual sessions to help you understand your relationships better.
- LCADAC. Licensed clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor. An LCADAC has completed additional training on substance abuse issues.
According to government figures, 9.5% of adults received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in 2019. Younger adults were more likely to have sought out counseling or therapy than older people. However, anyone can benefit from forming a therapeutic relationship with the right mental health professional.
Depending on the type of problems you’re facing, you might need to see a social worker instead of a therapist. Here are a few acronyms that describe the credentials of social workers:
- ACSW: Associate clinical social worker. An ACSW has a master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- LCSW: Licensed clinical social worker. An LCSW has a master’s degree from an accredited school and has completed the required number of supervised hours to gain their state license.
- LCSW-C: Licensed certified social worker – clinical. An LCSW-C has completed their supervised hours in a clinical setting.
- LCSWA: Licensed clinical social worker, associate. An LCSWA is a social worker who’s still working on completing the required number of supervised hours.
- LICSW: Licensed independent clinical social worker. An LICSW is a clinical social worker who has met the state licensing requirements to practice independently.
- MSW: Master of Social Work. This is a graduate-level qualification for social workers.
Therapist Acronyms for Qualifications
In addition to the credentials listed above, some mental health professionals you might want to work with have advanced qualifications. These include the following therapist acronyms, which you might see written after the name of a psychologist:
- PhD. Doctorate of Philosophy. A psychologist with a PhD has completed a degree based on carrying out research and interpreting data.
- PsyD. Doctorate of Psychology. A psychologist with a PsyD has completed a degree based on professional practice.
Psychologists typically work with people who have severe or complex mental health conditions. For example, if you have trauma, you might work with a psychologist to understand the causes and treat the trauma over time. However, therapists and counselors can also sometimes be helpful to people who are struggling with the effects of trauma.
Note that if you want to be prescribed medication to support your mental health, you’ll need to go to a psychiatrist. This is a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental health conditions through a mixture of medications and therapy.
Choosing a Provider
When it comes to choosing a therapy provider, it’s crucial to remember that the decision is about more than just assessing the person’s qualifications on paper. The most important thing is finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and who you’re able to connect with.
While qualifications and credentials are important indicators of expertise and training, they don’t necessarily guarantee a good therapeutic fit. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective therapy, so it’s essential to prioritize factors like rapport, trust and communication style. You might need to meet a few therapists before you can make a decision, so don’t rush into committing to a particular provider.
Instead, take the time to consider what qualities you value in a therapist and what specific issues or goals you want to address in therapy. Trust your instincts and pay attention to how you feel during initial interactions or sessions. Don’t be afraid to end a therapeutic relationship and try someone else if it is not working well for you.
Ultimately, finding the right therapist is about finding someone who understands and respects your unique experiences, challenges and goals. The right person will be able to provide the support and guidance you need on your journey towards healing and growth.
Mental Health Professionals Are Here for You
If you’re searching for professional help with your mental health, you can contact FHE Health. Our team is here to support you and provide you with the information you need to find a suitable therapist. Your journey to feeling better starts here!
