What do all those letters mean?
Looking for a new therapist can be daunting to say the least. Trying to find someone you think you’ll mesh well with just through words on a screen. On top of that, mental health providers often have titles at the end of their name that are not always explained. This post is going to break down common “post nominal letters”, what they mean, and how they affect your treatment.
Psychiatrists
These are medical doctors. They usually go through a master’s program before completing medical school like all other doctors. You can recognize them by MD or DO at the end of their names. However, psychiatrists rarely ever see clients for therapy. Usually, they’re the ones prescribing medication.
Psychologists
Psychologists are doctorate level providers and often one of the easiest to identify by the “PhD” or “PsyD” at the end of their name. These providers have spent additional time (usually an extra 5 years or more) honing their skills in school to earn their doctoral degrees. Oftentimes when you’re seeking a diagnosis that requires testing (like ADHD or Autism) you’ll be seeing a Psychologist who specializes in testing.
Fully/Independent (or Clinically) Licensed Professionals
Next are those who have a full (or clinical license). These professionals usually hold a master’s degree or higher. Though the acronyms vary by state, in Illinois there are three main titles you’ll see to show you these professionals. Before we talk about those titles, let’s talk about what it means to be fully licensed. When you complete schooling, most states require a test to be licensed. Then, you are supervised in your work for around 2-3 years before you test again. Once you successfully pass this second exam, you are now a fully licensed professional. This means you are no longer required to have supervision (though many fully licensed professionals will still seek out help when they need it). Below are the three titles you might see at the end of someone’s name:
LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
These professionals usually have a degree in counseling or a closely related field. As a part of their education they usually complete two years of classes while also completing two years of practicum or internship. They have also completed their 3,360 hours (or about 2 years) of supervised work, and completed their clinical exam.
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
These professionals have a degree in social work, though could have many different distinctions in that degree (like working with adolescents, or focusing on policy making). As part of their education they usually complete two years of classes while also completing two years of practicum/internship. They have also completed their 3000 hours of supervised work, as well as completed their clinical exam.
LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
These professionals usually have a degree in marriage and family therapy. They can complete 100 of their 200 required supervision hours while in school. But, they must complete 3,000 hours of work experience in order to test for their independent licensure (1,000 of which must be face-to-face experience).
Supervised (or Associate) Professionals
These professionals also hold a master’s degree or higher. However, they have not completed the required supervision hours or examination to be considered a fully licensed clinician. Fret not! Just because your therapist is supervised does not mean that they aren’t able to help. They are still highly educated, and have done years of clinical practice while in school. In most cases all associate professionals must take an exam to receive this preliminary license. Here are some common associate licensed titles:
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
The associate form of the LCPC; this licensure has completed at least their master’s degree in counseling as well as two years of internship/practicum. They have also completed their initial examination (the National Counselor Examination or NCE) to receive their LPC.
LSW: Licensed Social Worker
The associate form of the LCSW; this licensure has completed at least their master’s degree in social work as well as two years of internship/practicum. In the state of Illinois an exam is no longer required for LSWs to receive their license as their education and practice is seen as sufficient.
AMFT: Associate Marriage and Family Counselor
The associate form of the LMFT; this licensure has completed at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. This license does not require an examination in the state of Illinois, as the coursework/degree is seen as sufficient.
CADC: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
This is the only level of license for substance use professionals, but it is not an independent license. It’s usually held in addition to a different license. To receive this distinction professionals must have 4,000 hours of qualifying addictions work experience, 225 hours of training/coursework, with 150 supervised hours before taking and passing the CADC examination.
What does this all mean?
No matter who you choose to see to help you on your mental health journey, rest assured they are highly educated and well trained individuals no matter the letters after their names. Post nominal letters all boil down to what degree they got, and where they are in their licensure process. If you’re ever curious about your therapist’s degree, license, or anything about their training they’re usually more than happy to answer any question you have.
