Different Types of Licensure

What are all the different initials after therapist’s names: (MD, PhD, MFT, LCSW, LPCC)?

Psychiatrists (MD) are medical doctors and are the only ones who can prescribe medication. After completing their residency training, most psychiatrists take a voluntary examination given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to become a “board certified” psychiatrist. To check on complaints and licensure, click here.

Psychologists (PhD) have a doctorate in psychology, have completed an internship and are licensed by the state to practice. Psychologists are trained and licensed to administer psychological testing while Master’s-level degree holders are not. To check on license status of psychologists, click here.

Marriage, Family Therapists (MFT or LMFT) have completed a Master’s degree in psychology or counseling psychology. They have completed an internship and are licensed by the state to treat clients. To check on license status, click here.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have generally completed a two-year Master’s degree in social work. These counselors also have supervised clinical training and are licensed in their state. In California, click here to check on licensing.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) have completed a Master’s degree in counseling psychology. They have completed an internship and are licensed by the state to treat clients. To check license status, click here.

Psych-Assistants have earned their PhD or PsyD, are registered with the licensing board and are under supervision of a licensed person earning their hours towards licensure. They should state clearly who is supervising them and that they are not licensed yet. Their registration can be checked here.

Associate or Registered Associate is the termed used for someone who has completed their required degree, is registered with the licensing board and is working under the supervision of a licensed person, earning their hours towards licensure as a LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC. They should state clearly who is supervising them and that they are not licensed yet. Their registration can be checked click here,

You might find multiple degrees or initials after people’s names. There is the license that someone works under, MD, Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and then there is the level of education they have completed. BA, MA, PsyD and PhD.