Decoding the ABC’s: Defining Acronyms for Licensed Mental Health Professionals
When looking for a mental health professional, it can be daunting and overwhelming navigating an alphabet soup of acronyms behind a person’s name. However, these important letters are a key indication of what these professionals specialize in and the help they can provide. Here are some of the most common acronyms defined to help you better understand their meaning.
AP- Art Psychotherapist: An AP is trained to use visual art, music, dance, and other creative art forms as a therapeutic tool. They encourage individuals to use creativity as a method to explore their emotions and address psychological and physical issues.
CAC and NCAC- Certified Addiction Counselor and National Certified Addiction Counselor: These professionals specialize in treating patients with substance use disorders. Through various therapeutic therapy techniques, they help their patient’s overcome addiction and live long and fulfilling lives, substance free.
CADC- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor: A CADC is trained to counsel individuals who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. They typically work in community health centers, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
CCH- Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist: A CCH is a trained health professional who specializes in hypnotherapy, a technique which uses hypnosis to help individuals achieve relaxation and self-awareness. Hypnosis can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, phobias, PTSD, addiction, and more.
CFI- Trained Family Focused Interventionalist: A CFI works with families to address challenging behavior and relationships within the family. Through counseling and support, they use various techniques to support families and promote healthier communication strategies.
CHC- Certified Health Counselor: These counselors provide support to individuals looking to improve their overall well-being. They focus on the entire holistic approach through lifestyle changes and counseling.
CSW- Certified or Clinical Social Worker: A CSW is certified and trained to provide counseling services to individuals, groups and families for mental health issues and connect their patients with community and private resources.
DNP- Doctor of Nursing Practice: A DNP is a registered nurse who holds a doctoral degree in nursing. These medical professionals can specialize in many areas including psychiatric mental health therapy, can prescribe medication, and manage patient care.
LAC- Licensed Associate Counselor: LACs practice under the direct supervision of a fully qualified and licensed counselor while working towards their own full licensure. They are authorized to provide counseling services to help gain the experience needed for full licensure.
LCMHC- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor: A LCMHC provides mental health counseling to families, individuals, and groups. They work to treat mental health disorders and can work in various environments including in community health clinics and private practices.
LCPC- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor: A LCPC is a licensed health practitioner who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health issues. Like LCMHCs, they often work in private practices, community health clinics, and schools.
LMHC- Licensed Mental Health Counselor: A LMHC is a trained professional who provides counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals or groups to assist them with their mental health. These health care professionals require at least a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field and are licensed by their state’s board.
LMHP- Licensed Mental Health Practitioner: A LMHP are licensed to provide mental health services including the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
LPCC- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health: A LPCC is licensed to offer a range of services for mental health issues including psychotherapy, treatment, and counseling. They can work in schools, inpatient, and outpatient healthcare facilities, and in private practices.
LCADAC- Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor: A LCADAC specializes in the treatment of patients with alcohol or drug addiction. They can develop treatment plans and support their patients through the recovery process.
LCSW- Licensed Clinical Social Worker: A LCSW is a trained professional who provides therapy and counseling to families, couples, individuals, and communities, many times during a time of crisis. They can work in schools, nursing facilities, hospitals, and in private practices.
LMFT- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: A LMFT is a mental health professional trained in psychotherapy and specializes in working with couples and families to work through relationship issues, family relations, communication problems, and more. They specifically are focused on improving interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
LPC- Licensed Professional Counselor: A LPC is a licensed professional who can provide counseling services, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of mental health issues.
MA or MS- Master of Arts or Master of Science: A Master of Arts or Master of Science is an academic degree held by many mental health professionals including LMHCs and LMFTs. A master’s degree in counseling or a related field is normally required to be licensed as a therapist.
M. Div- Masters in Divinity: A Masters in Divinity is an advanced academic degree for those looking to pursue a career in pastoral counseling or ministry. These individuals typically provide spiritual guidance in addition to their counseling services within religious settings.
M. Ed- Master of Education: A Master of Education is an advanced degree that specializes in educational theory and practice. They may focus on counseling in lower and higher education settings and help students with academic or emotional struggles.
MFCC- Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor: A MFCC is trained to provide therapy to couples, families, and children ranging from mental health struggles to developmental issues. They help to improve communication within the family unit.
MFT- Marriage and Family Therapist: A MFT works with families and couples to strengthen their relationships and healthily address any issues or poor dynamics. They focus on effective communication and conflict resolution for happier and functional family interactions.
MPA- Master of Public Administration: Some mental health professionals or those who work within the profession, specifically those who work in administrative roles, may hold an MPA degree.
MS. Ed- Master of Science in Education: A Master of Science in Education is an advanced degree focusing on educational theory. Individuals with this degree may specialize in areas such as counseling or curriculum development and may work as school or academic counselors.
MSW- Master of Social Work: A Master of Social Work is another higher education degree that is held by social workers. An MSW are trained professionals who provide a range of social services including counseling, advocacy, and case management. These individuals work with children, families, communities, and other individuals to provide support, often during times of crisis.
MD- Medical Doctor: A MD is a licensed medical practitioner who diagnoses and treats a variety of physical and mental health conditions. They can specialize in a wide range of areas but psychiatrists, who specialize in mental health, can provide therapy for mental health disorders as well as prescribe medication.
NCAAC- National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor: A NCAAC specializes in treating adolescents (under 18 years of age) with substance abuse disorders. These individuals are specifically trained to work with young people struggling with addition and know the proper tools needed to address their unique developmental and psychological needs.
NCNTT- National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment: These professionals specialize in the treatment of nicotine and tobacco addiction or dependence. They can provide treatment plans and counseling to help people quit smoking and lessen their dependence on nicotine.
PMH-C- Psychiatric Mental Health Counselor: A PMH-C is a counselor who is trained in psychiatric mental health. Often times they collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide therapy, support, and any necessary interventions for individuals with mental health disorders.
PMHNP- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: These registered nurses have specialized training in psychiatric and mental health care. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices and can provide therapy and diagnose mental health conditions.
PsyD- Doctor of Psychology: A PsyD is a professional doctoral degree which emphasizes practical application and clinical practice of psychological knowledge. It differs from a Ph.D. in psychology program which is more research focused.
QS- Qualified Supervisor: A QS is an experienced mental health professional who mentors hopeful therapists seeking licensure in therapy or counseling. These individuals can provide guidance and clinical supervision to ensure that soon to be therapists meet their state’s requirements for licensure.
RN- Registered Nurse: These health care professionals are licensed to provide medical and mental health care. They can work with adolescents and adults and can administer medications, provide patient care, and educate their patients on a wide range of health conditions. They collaborate with other medical practitioners to ensure full care.
RSHom- Registered Homeopath: A RSHom uses homeopathic remedies to promote healing and balance in both body and mind. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine and RSHoms custom create treatment plans for each individual patient and their symptoms.
Finding a mental health professional can be confusing, but by understanding these acronyms, an individual can make an informed decision to find the appropriate therapist for their needs. Knowing the differences can help guide you on your mental health care journey and lead towards healing and happiness!
