Emmaus Counseling Center

"We are committed to ‘walking with you’ and helping you to find peace in your life.”

 

 
 

 
As always, if you have any questions, please contact our office.

Therapists Definitions & Credentials

Credentials:
LMFT, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist (Associate)
LPC, LMHC, CCMHC, Professional Counselor or Mental Health Counselor
Ph.D., PsyD; LP, LPA, PLP, Psychologist
LCSW, LMSW, LICSW, LSW, LSW-A, CSWA, LBSW Social Worker

Counselor Definition & Therapist Definition: According to Washington Department of State Health Services, counseling means assisting one or more clients through a therapeutic relationship, using a combination of mental health and human development principles, methods, and techniques, including the use of psychotherapy, to achieve the mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, or career-related development and adjustment of the client throughout the client's life.

Because many of us aren't quite clear on the differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and social workers, we offer a rough field guide here.

Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and LMFTAs
Marriage and family therapists, (LMFTs), receive a master’s or doctoral degree specializing in family and interpersonal dynamics. They treat individuals in the context of family relationships, addressing issues from anger and resentment to intimacy and communication skills. Treatment with a marriage and family therapist is typically brief (20 sessions or less) and solution-focused. Since 1970, the number of practitioners has increased substantially, and the number of states licensing marriage and family therapists. (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).  LMFTAs also hold a master's degree but they are associates who have not completed their licensing examination and therefore are not covered by insurance.

Professional Counselor, Mental Health Counselor (LPC, LPC-Intern, LMHC, CCMHC)
A Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor holds a master’s degree in a relevant field, such as counseling, psychology, or substance abuse treatment. To become certified they must complete 3000 clock hours of counseling under a supervisor and pass a state licensure exam. An LPC-Intern has completed a master’s degree and is in the midst of completing their hours under supervision. They often treat people dealing with problems such as depression and anxiety, grief, work-related issues, communication, relationship stress, and addiction or eating disorders. Some specialize in a certain area such as child counseling, internet addictions or trauma. All LPCs are regulated by the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

Psychologist (Ph.D., PsyD; LP, LPA, PLP)
Psychology has two doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. a doctor of philosophy, and a Psy.D., doctor of psychology. Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology emphasize theory and research methods and prepare students for either academic work or careers as practitioners. The Psy.D., which was created in the late 1960s to address a shortage of practitioners, emphasizes training in therapy and counseling. Psychologists with either degree can practice psychotherapy but are required to complete several years of supervised practice before becoming licensed. (American Psychological Association)

Psychologists practicing under a PhD or PsyD have a doctoral degree in psychology that meets the requirements of the Psychologists’ Certification and Licensing Act. They have also passed the National Psychology Licensing Examination, the State Board’s Oral Exam on ethics and professional conduct, and have two years of supervised experience (one pre-doctoral internship and one postdoctoral year) from a licensed psychologist that satisfies the requirements of the Board. Psychologists perform a wide range of evaluation and treatment interventions with children, adults, couples, families, groups, and organizations. Services include therapy, diagnostic evaluations, psychological and neuropsychological testing, career counseling, forensic evaluations, behavioral health consultations, and organizational consulting.

Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA) and Provisionally Licensed Psychologists (PLP) are trained at the masters or doctoral level and can provide a full range of psychological services under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist, including individual and group therapy and psychological assessment. All psychologists are regulated by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Social Worker (LCSW, LMSW, LICSW, LSW, LSW-A, CSWA, LBSW)
A social worker usually has a master's degree in social work and has studied sociology, growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, research methods. In terms of counseling, social workers help individuals deal with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15160) While many work in private practice, social workers often work in schools, hospitals, community clinics and government agencies. (National Association of Social Workers) The social work perspective is one of strengths-based practice, meaning that the practitioner will help look for and encourage building upon a client’s strengths. A social worker also as a broad view of the client, keeping in mind the family, community and culture of each person.

“LCSW” stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Certified Social Worker, and "LICSW" stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. A professional with this designation has completed a certain number of post-graduate hours of clinical work under supervision, has passed a state licensing exam, and is current on annual continuing education requirements. “LMSW” stands for Licensed Master of Social Work, "CSWA", stands for Clinical Social Work Associate, "LSW-A" stands for Licensed Social Work Associate. A practitioner with any of these designations has completed a master’s program, taken a licensing exam, and is in the midst of accruing their required number of hours of clinical work under an approved professional’s supervision. "LSW" stands for Licensed Social Worker and "LBSW" stands for Licensed Bachelor of Social Work. Someone with either of these licenses may practice social work in an agency setting, but not in private practice without supervision. All social workers are regulated by the State Board of Examiners of Social Workers.

The mental health profession has many types of certifications, each with unique education, training, approach, and licensing requirements. All of the practitioners listed on this site are licensed in their own area of education and training. Types of licenses may be important if you're looking for a therapist who can prescribe medication or who is expert in a particular problem like drug addiction. But in general, effective therapy is mostly about finding a therapist who works well with you.