Finding Your Best Fit- Part 1: Decoding Those Acronyms and Titles

Finding the Right Therapist, Counselor, Psychiatrist, or Clinician for You

So, you've decided to seek counseling and you begin your search, only to find that there are like a million titles and acronyms behind the names of potential mental health providers. You're thinking about calling it quits, but before you do, check out my "Cheat Sheet" for decoding those darn titles and acronyms.

Last week I wrote about, how finding the best counselor is kind of like shoe shopping. I wanted to take that a step further and look at the various types of mental health clinicians, counselors, and therapists in Philadelphia, York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Lebanon.

Types of Mental Health Therapists, Counselors, Psychotherapists & Clinicians

I created a summarized list below to help you understand the types of mental health therapists so you can find your best fit.

1. Counselor-

A general term used to describe any form of "advisor", and could include a very diverse group of individuals from clergy, financial experts, and mental health providers.

2. Therapist-

Another general term for a person specially trained in a form of therapy, such as a massage therapist, psychotherapist, or occupational therapist.

3. Psychotherapist-

A professional who's been specially trained to treat people for their mental health/emotional problems. This could include a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker.

4. Mental Health Clinician-

An “umbrella” term that’s used to describe professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers.

5. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)-

A master's level mental health clinician, trained to work with individuals, families, and groups, in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. They can diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, provide psycho-education and provide consultation, to name a few. In some states, the acronym, LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) is used and is essentially the same as an LPC.

6. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)-

A master's level mental health provider, very similar to an LPC; but with their focus being on marriage and family systems.

7. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)-

A master's level mental health provider with a broad scope of training, including counseling. They are able to work with families, couples, individuals, and groups.

* As a side note, LPC's, LMFT's, and LCSW's all fall under the same state board in Pennsylvania (as with most other states).

8. Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D./PsyD)-

A psychologist with a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy), is an individual whose emphasis in psychology is geared more towards research and teaching experience and can provide psychotherapy. A psychologist with a PsyD (doctor of psychology) has clinical training specifically for providing therapy and other related clinical work.

9. Psychiatrist-

A medical doctor (MD), who went to medical school, and the only one on this list who's able to prescribe medication. Their emphasis is on psychiatric medication, and they have some training in providing psychotherapy.

10. Non-Licensed, Mental Health Clinicians-

Some agencies may have individuals who have their master's degree in counseling or social work, who have not completed the standards of licensure for their state. This may include individuals with: master of arts (MA), master of sciences (MS), and master of social work (MSW). They are able to provide therapy, under the supervision of licensed clinicians.

Now that you have a better understanding of the mental health clinicians out there, you can continue "shopping" for the person who's the best fit for your needs.

Philadelphia DBT Therapy for Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder and Trauma

If you’re searching for counseling and are still confused, you can reach out today. I provide free consultations for therapy. Give me a call at 717-685-5074 or schedule your own video consultation here.

As an anxiety and relationship therapist, I provide virtual, Telehealth, and online counseling in Lebanon, Harrisburg, York, Philadelphia, and Lancaster, PA.