What do MS, RMHCI, LICSW, LMHC, LPC… letters by the name of providers mean?
These letters refer to a person’s credentials and may vary depending on the provider’s qualifications or licensure.
Some of our most common license types include:
- LICSW
Licensed and Independent Clinical Social Worker is a social worker with an MSW (Master of Social Work) and an additional three years of training. LICSWs tend to specialize in family and marital counseling.
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LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is board-certified to treat a variety of mental health concerns with the emphasis on family therapy, couples therapy, and sex therapy.
- LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor is board-certified to treat children, adolescents, and adults suffering from adjustment issues, relationship conflicts, or mental illness.
- LPC
Licensed Professional Counselors are mental health service providers with a master’s degree who are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral and emotional problems, and disorders.
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MD
A medical doctor who has completed a residency and training in Psychiatry. They can also be designated with DO.
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MS
Masters of Science in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, clinical counseling, or educational psychology. A master’s degree in the specified area may require completion of a master’s thesis, dissertation, and/or project.
- NP
A nurse practitioner who has a psychiatric and mental health certification, or has completed at least 2+ years in a mental health setting.
- PhD
Psychologists are doctorate-level mental health care professionals with typically 5-6 years of schooling and a year of internship working with clients. They can also be designated with PsyD.
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