When searching for a mental health provider, you may notice a variety of credentials listed after their names. These credentials reflect the provider's education, professional training, and licensure.
Here are some of the most common license and credential types at Talkspace:
LICSW | A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is a social worker who holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and has completed two to three years of supervised clinical experience, depending on state requirements. LICSWs often specialize in areas like family and couples counseling. |
LMFT | A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is board-certified to treat a variety of mental health concerns, with a focus on family therapy, couples therapy, and sex therapy. |
LMHC | A Licensed Mental Health Counselor is board-certified to treat children, adolescents, and adults experiencing adjustment issues, relationship conflicts, or mental health conditions. |
LPC | A Licensed Professional Counselor is a mental health provider with a master’s degree who works with individuals, families, and groups to address mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns. |
MD | A Doctor of Medicine is a medical degree earned by physicians after completing medical school. After earning this degree, they continue specialized training through residency. Some physicians have a similar degree called Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). |
MS | A Master of Science is a graduate degree in fields such as counseling psychology, clinical psychology, clinical counseling, or educational psychology. Earning this degree may require completion of a thesis, dissertation, or project. |
NP | A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse with a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Those who specialize in mental health are called Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). PMHNPs are certified to diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medication. |
PhD | A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a doctorate-level degree. Psychologists with a PhD usually complete five to six years of graduate study and a year-long internship. Some psychologists may instead hold a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, which also qualifies them to provide therapy and psychological assessment. |