The Alphabet Soup of Behavioral Health

There are lots of words used when people talk about behavioral health and it can be confusing! I routinely ask the differences between different credentials such as LCSW and LPCC.  We decided to do more of an educational blog to help eliminate any confusion you might have regarding various behavioral health professionals and their titles.

Psychiatrist = a medical doctor who completes a residency in Psychiatry.  Prescribes medications and some also have training in providing psychotherapy.  Can practice independently once licensed by the state board.

Psychologist = has a doctorate in Psychology.  Does NOT prescribe medications.  Has education and training in providing individual and group psychotherapy.  Can practice independently once licensed by the state board.

LCSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) = has a Master’s degree in Social Work and supervised clinical social work practice upon completion of the Master’s degree.  Has education and training in providing individual and group psychotherapy as well as facilitating social work-related needs (i.e. referrals, community resources, etc.). Can practice independently once licensed by the state board.

LSW (Licensed Social Worker) = has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university. Can serve is several roles (i.e. community case management, hospital/nursing home case management, discharge planning, child/adult protection, adoption, etc.)

LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) = has a master’s degree in Counseling (or related field) and post-degree supervised clinical experience. Has education and training in providing individual, family, and group therapy.

MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) = has a master’s degree in Counseling or a master’s degree specifically in Marriage and Family Therapy and post-degree supervised clinical experience. Has education and training in working with families and individuals whose problems are social and relationship focused.

LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) = has a bachelor’s degree or higher in addictions or a related field. Has education and training providing counseling in relation to substance abuse related problems.