The Credentials

Academic Degrees

Ph.D.
Doctor of philosophy. This academic degree is earned in four to seven years. Many psychologists, therapists, counselors and coaches hold a doctorate of philosophy. A Ph.D. in psychology teaches theory as well as statistics and data gathering. Many Ph.D.s go on to work in academic settings, as researchers and professors. Psychologists with a Ph.D. are also fully trained in the assessment and treatment of all behavioral conditions, from anxiety and depression to anger and resentment. (American Psychological Association)

Psy.D.
Doctor of psychology. The Psy.D. is a terminal degree, like a Ph.D. However, the Psy.D. focuses on therapy and counseling rather than research. The degree was developed in the late 1960s to address the need for practitioners. In the last 30 years, the Psy.D. has become increasingly popular. (American Psychological Association)

M.A. (or M.S., M.C.)
A master of arts, master of science, or master of counseling can be earned in counseling, psychology or related fields. It usually requires two years of post-collegiate study. Many M.A. programs also require a thesis. Many counselors and social workers hold a master's degree, and many Ph.D. psychologists earn a master's en route to earning their doctoral degree. (American Psychological Association)

M.D.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who, after completing medical school, receive an additional four years of clinical training in mental health specialties. Psychiatrists treat emotional and mental disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication. These professionals may treat psychiatric disorders with therapy in conjunction with psychotropic medications. (American Psychiatric Association)

M.S.W.
Master of social work. A social worker works with an individual in the context of the wider community. He or she helps those dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, drug abuse or foster-care issues, among many others. Social workers often practice therapy on their own or in settings such as schools, clinics, or government agencies. The MSW typically requires two to four years of study. (National Association of Social Workers)

Ed.D.
Doctor of education. Professionals with Ed.Ds practice therapy just as those with Ph.Ds. Many of these professionals are trained in child development and education, sometimes with a focus on educational planning and assessment. Some work as school superintendents, principals or directors of nonprofit organizations. The M.Ed. is a master's level degree in education that typically takes two years to earn. A total of four years of study is usually necessary to receive an Ed.D. (American Psychological Association)

Professional Licenses

L.C.S.W. (or A.C.S.W., L.C.S., L.I.C.S.W., C.S.W.)
The licensed clinical social worker has a graduate academic degree, has completed supervised clinical work experience and has passed a national- or state-certified licensing exam. This advanced practitioner holds a license that allows him or her to receive health-care insurance reimbursements. (National Association of Social Workers)

L.M.F.T. (or M.F.C.C.)
The licensed marriage and family therapist has a graduate academic degree (a 2- to 3-year master's degree or a 3- to 5-year doctoral degree), clinical work experience and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. Most states offer this license. Along with the two- to three-year full-time masters programs with a practicum and internship, LMFTs are required to complete 1,000 hours of individual or family therapy with 100 hours of supervision. This can take one to three years. (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)

L.P. (or NCPsyA)
The licensed psychoanalyst has obtained his license from the state department of education (requirements vary from state to state). Recipients must have a master's degree or higher, and completed psychoanalytic study in a program deemed qualified by the state DOE. The L.P. must complete a supervised psychoanalysis program and pass a state-certified examination. (New York State Department of Education)

L.P.C. (or L.C.P.C., L.M.H.C., D.A.C., M.F.C.C.)
Licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor. A licensing qualification is granted to those who have advanced training, a graduate academic degree, clinical work experience and have passed a state-certified licensing examination. (American Counseling Association)

Additional Credentials You May Find in the Therapy Directory

A.P.R.N. (or A.P.N., A.R.N.P.P., M.H.N.)
Advanced practice registered nurses (A.P.R.N.) have a master's degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. These nurses are eligible to be licensed as therapists. A.P.R.N.s provide a range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, and groups, and function as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers or administrators. Many states require certification by a national body prior to practicing. Once licensed, A.P.R.N.s are authorized to prescribe medications. (American Nursing Association)

A.T.R.
Registered art therapist. Art therapists are trained in both art and therapy and hold a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. Art therapists work with individuals, couples, families or groups. They often work as part of a team in settings such as community outreach programs, schools, nursing homes, corporations and independent practices. (American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy Credentials Board)

D.Min
The doctor of ministry is an advanced professional degree for those in the practice of ministry. It differs from a Ph.D. in that its focus is on competence in the practice of ministry rather than on advanced academic research. There are different tracks of study: in Pastoral Ministry, for example, degree candidates must first receive a master of divinity or the equivalent, and have at least three years' experience in full-time pastoral ministry. (The Association of Theological Schools)

B.C.D.
Board certified diplomate. This board certification is granted to practitioners—whether they are social workers, counselors, psychologists, among other mental health professionals. These individuals have demonstrated a high level of competency and experience in their field.

Finally, some therapists don't have formal training. These providers are not subject to state regulation, and are not covered by health insurance or included in Psychology Today's Therapy Directory. Be wary, but don't immediately discount a provider simply because he or she doesn't have a diploma. Plenty of able professionals are among them.

A.B.P.P.
Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (A.B.P.P.). Certification assures that specialists have successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements, including an examination designed to assess competency.

N.C.C.
The Nationally Certified Counselor is the certification issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), an independent organization that grew out of the American Counseling Association (ACA). The NBCC is an independent certification body. NBCC and ACA work together to further the profession of counseling. The ACA concentrates on membership association activities such as conferences, professional development, publications and government relations. The NBCC focuses on promoting quality counseling through certification. NBCC's flagship credential is the National Certified Counselor (NCC). It also offers specialty certification in several areas: school counseling: the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC); clinical mental health counseling: the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC); addictions counseling: the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). (National Board of Certified Counselors)