Therapist Credentials

Descriptions for common therapist credentials, helping therapists and clients alike make sense of all the different acronyms and suffixes and titles that exist in the mental health profession.

ACSW: Academy of Clinical Social Workers

A certification for clinical social workers demonstrating advanced skills.


AMFT: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

An associate-level license for professionals providing therapy to couples and families.


APRN: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

A registered nurse with advanced clinical training, often in mental health care.


ATR-BC: Registered Art Therapist - Board Certified

A therapist specializing in art as a form of psychotherapy.


CAC-AD: Certified Associate Counselor - Alcohol and Drug

A counselor certified to assist with alcohol and drug addiction treatment.


CADC: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

A counselor certified to treat individuals with substance use disorders.


CAGS: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

A post-master’s degree focusing on advanced professional skills.


CAMF: Certified Anger Management Facilitator

A professional certified to provide anger management counseling.


CCADC: Certified Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

A professional certified to provide clinical addiction counseling.


C.E.C.R.: Certified in Emergency Crisis Response

A professional certified in handling emergency mental health crises.


CMFT: Certified Marriage and Family Therapist

A therapist certified to work with couples and families.


CMSW: Certified Master Social Worker

An advanced certification in social work.


CPLC: Certified Professional Life Coach

A professional coach certified to support personal development.


CRC: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

A counselor who helps individuals with disabilities achieve personal, career, and independent living goals.


DAPA: Diplomate, American Psychotherapy Association

A distinguished certification in psychotherapy from the American Psychotherapy Association.


DCEP: Diplomat Comprehensive Energy Psychology

A practitioner certified in using energy psychology for therapeutic purposes.


DDiv: Doctor of Divinity

A doctoral degree in theology and religious studies.


DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice

A clinical doctoral degree for advanced practice nurses.


DO: Doctor of Osteopathy

A medical degree with a holistic approach to treatment.


DSW: Doctor of Social Work

An advanced degree in social work practice and leadership.


FNP-BC: Family Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified

A board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family care.


LAADC: Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor

A licensed professional specializing in advanced addiction counseling.


LADC: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

A state-recognized license for addiction counseling.


LASAC: Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor

An entry-level license for substance abuse counseling.


LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

A state-recognized license for clinical social work practice.


LCSW-C: Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical

A social worker licensed to provide clinical mental health services.


LGSW: Licensed Graduate Social Worker

A social worker licensed at the graduate level, typically working under supervision.


LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

A licensed therapist specializing in relationships and family dynamics.


LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

A licensed counselor specializing in mental health.


LP: Licensed Psychologist

A licensed professional specializing in psychology and mental health.


LPCMH: Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health

A licensed counselor specializing in mental health care.


LPE: Licensed Psychological Examiner

A licensed professional specializing in psychological assessments.


LSATP: Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner

A licensed practitioner specializing in substance abuse treatment.


LSCSW: Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker

A licensed social worker specializing in clinical practice.


LSW: Licensed Social Worker

A social worker licensed to provide mental health services under supervision.


MS: Master of Science

A graduate degree in science-related fields.


MSN: Master of Science in Nursing

An advanced degree for registered nurses specializing in clinical practice.


NBCCH: National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

A therapist certified to use hypnotherapy in mental health treatment.


NBCDCH: National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy

A certified expert in clinical hypnotherapy.


NCC: National Certified Counselor

A national certification for professional counselors.


NCPsyA: Nationally Certified Psychoanalyst

A certified professional in psychoanalysis.


NCSC: National Certified School Counselor

A counselor certified to work in educational settings.


NCSP: Nationally Certified School Psychologist

A psychologist certified to work in school settings.


PLPC: Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

A provisional license for professional counselors working under supervision.


PMHNP-BC: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified

An advanced practice nurse specialized in mental health care.


PsyD: Doctor of Psychology

A professional degree in psychology with a focus on clinical practice.


RAS: Registered Addiction Specialist

A professional certified to treat clients with addiction disorders.


REAT: Registered Expressive Arts Therapist

A therapist using multiple forms of creative expression in therapy.


RPT-S: Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor

A play therapist with supervisory responsibilities.


SAP: Substance Abuse Professional

A professional specializing in substance abuse counseling and treatment.


TLLP: Temporary Limited License Psychologist

A temporary license for psychologists working under supervision.