| Credential | What it is | Typical training | Prescribes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC, LMHC, LPCC, LCPC, LCMHC | Licensed counselor. The exact name depends on the state. | Master's degree plus 2 to 3 years of supervised practice | No |
| LCSW | Licensed clinical social worker | Master of Social Work plus supervised clinical practice | No |
| LMFT | Licensed marriage and family therapist | Master's or doctorate in family therapy plus supervised practice | No |
| PhD, PsyD | Licensed psychologist | Doctorate, internship, and postdoctoral hours | Only in a few states, with extra training |
| MD, DO | Psychiatrist | Medical school plus a four-year psychiatry residency | Yes |
| PMHNP | Psychiatric nurse practitioner | Registered nurse plus a graduate psychiatric NP program | Yes |
Counselors, social workers, and family therapists
Most talk therapy in the U.S. is provided by master's-level clinicians. Counselors often focus on individual concerns like anxiety, depression, and life changes. Social workers are trained to look at the wider picture too, including family, work, housing, and community resources. Family therapists think about problems in terms of relationships and often see couples or families together. All three can be excellent, and the individual matters more than the letters.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctorate. A PhD usually involves more research training and a PsyD more clinical training, but both provide therapy. Psychologists are also the ones who do formal psychological testing, such as evaluations for ADHD, learning differences, or autism.
Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners
If you're considering medication, you'll need a prescriber. Psychiatrists are medical doctors; psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced-practice nurses. Both diagnose and manage medication, and many offer shorter follow-up appointments. Plenty of people see a therapist for weekly sessions and a prescriber every month or two. Your primary care doctor can also prescribe many common medications.
Associates and interns
You may see titles like "Associate," "LPC-A," or "LMSW." These clinicians have finished their degree and are working toward full licensure under supervision. They're often more affordable and have more openings.
Checking a license
Every state has a licensing board for each profession, and most let you look up a license online for free. Search for your state's name plus the profession, for example "Texas board of social work license lookup." It will show whether a license is active and whether there's any disciplinary history.