What do all those letters mean? Finding the right therapist
When looking on Psychology Today, googling “therapists near me”, or getting a list of providers in network from your insurance company, you will likely see several acronyms. One may assume that a therapist is a therapist and that’s their title, but in reality, there are several different titles that a therapist can have based on their area of study in graduate school or their doctorate program. You may wonder if all of these people “do” therapy and if they do, how does someone choose the one that will be best for your needs? I am going to break down some of what these acronyms mean and how they apply to the therapy world.
Now, I live and am licensed in the state of Wisconsin, so I will only be speaking on the specific titles that I am familiar with, but there may be other’s in your state or country that may not be included on this list. Even in the USA, there are STILL different titles that people can obtain since there is no over arching licensing board/requirements that the whole country uses. This is also why if you started seeing a therapist in your home state, and you travel to a different state, it is not ethical to conduct therapy while outside of state lines/where the therapist is licensed (again, some states have different takes on this, but this is accurate for many, including WI).
I am going to be detailing what each of these possible professional titles mean. This is not an exhaustive list of all potential professional titles, but all are commonly seen in this profession.
Prior to any of these degrees being obtained (other than the SAC), a bachelor’s degree (4 year degree) is required. The following degrees take between 1-4+ years to complete, depending on the degree and if the individual was a full-time or part-time student. You will also likely see MA or MS next to some of these titles when listed online or on business cards (if the clinician chooses to include it), which indicates which master’s level degree was obtained. MA indicating the arts and humanities focused Master of Arts degree, and the MS indicating the more scientific and technical focus of the Master of Science degree.
LPC: stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. A professional who obtained their LPC received their master’s degree in professional counseling or a similar degree and has been licensed with the state they are practicing in. They can own and operate their own clinics, providing treatment independently, and can diagnose. They are typically not qualified to do psychological testing such as assessing for ADHD, autism, or other cognitive differences, though can conduct less intensive assessments. They are also required to obtain 3,000 hours worth of supervised clinical hours prior to being fully licensed.
Pre-licensed professionals working on obtaining their full license with the state are considered to be a LPC-IT, or Licensed Professional Counselor- In Training. LPC-IT’s are able to do all of what a LPC can do, though they need to have a licensed supervisor who they consult with on average 1 hour per week to discuss cases, questions and concerns. This state approved clinical supervisor can be a LPC with a doctorate degree in professional counseling, a LPC with 5 years of full time clinical experience, a PsyD, or psychiatrist. The process of obtaining 3,000 hours (with at least 1,000 hours of that being face-to-face therapy work with clients) can take between on average, 1.5 to 3 years. A LPC and LPC-IT will typically conduct individual therapy, group or couples therapy, working with issues of general mental health and well being.
LCSW: stands for Licensed Clinical Social Work. A professional who obtained their LCSW received their master’s degree in social work (MSW). They also have a very similar path to full credentialing as the LPC’s do. They require 3000 hours of supervised clinical work under a licensed professional and can do all of the same tasks a LPC can do; diagnose and provide treatment independently. The only major difference is that the LPC received their master’s degree in counseling or a related field, whereas a LCSW received their master’s degree in social work. A LCSW will typically conduct individual therapy, group or couples therapy, working with issues of general mental health and well being.
APSW: stands for Advanced Practice Social Work. This very similar to a LCSW, but they must complete psychotherapeutic activities under authorized supervision (ie. Work under a LCSW or higher ed.). An APSW will typically conduct individual therapy, group or couples therapy, working with issues of general mental health and well being.
LMFT: stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A professional who obtained their LMFT received their master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or associated degree. They also have a very similar path to licensure as an LPC or LCSW. Their specialties lie in working with couples and family concerns, though most also do individual therapy as well, working with issues of general mental health and well being.
SAC: stands for Substance Abuse Counselor. A professional who obtained their SAC received their associate’s degree or higher in behavioral a science field of study. A SAC can either have their associate’s degree alone, or can obtain their SAC as a supplemental certification during their training to be a mental health therapist in their master’s program. You will often see a title such as “MS, LPC, SAC” meaning the individual has their master’s of science as a licensed professional counselor and substance abuse counselor. You may also see SAC-IT, meaning substance abuse counselor - in training, meaning they are obtaining their 360 supervised hours to obtain full licensure. SAC’s have experience and specialized training in working with and treating addictions.
Psychologist (PsyD): stands for a Doctor of Psychology. A psychologist or PsyD has a doctorate in psychology and typically focuses less on research and more on clinical practice, as compared to the research heavy PhD. These clinicians will often conduct individual, couples, or group therapy, and/or psychological testing and assessments. These individuals will oftentimes see client’s who are dealing with more intensive mental health related concerns beyond those of generalized anxiety and depression. If you are in need of an assessment for ADHD, schizophrenia, PTSD, Autism, or many other issues, a psychologist would likely be able to conduct the assessments and provide a detailed report of the findings.
Psychiatrist (MD/Psych): A psychiatrist has their Doctor of Medicine degree (aka went to med school) and can prescribe medications for various mental health related diagnosis and symptoms. These individuals can conduct 1-on-1 therapy, though many will focus solely on medication management and/or other treatments for mental health related issues. It is always recommended to see a psychiatrist when dealing with medication management for psychopharmaceuticals, though your primary care physician can also prescribe these medications if need be.
To summarize, a LPC, LCSW, APSW, LMFT all can conduct individual therapy. Some of those individuals may also choose to conduct couples or group therapy, as well. A SAC alone will conduct individual and/or group substance abuse therapy for those suffering with issues related to addictions. They may also conduct general mental health therapy if they have their master’s degree and are licensed as any of the above professions. Psychologists are for those looking for assessments, testing, or more in depth therapy for specific mental health concerns other than general well being. Lastly a psychiatrist is a medical provider that can help with medication management and the more severe mental health related concerns.
I hope this helps clarify these various professions! When in doubt reach out to any of the above and if they can’t help you, they can send you in the right direction of someone who can. Take care.
