What are the Different Types of Counseling Licenses?

Below is a brief description of counseling licenses. Be sure to check the licensing requirements for counselors in your state.

Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) - LCSWs work in social systems, helping individuals, groups or entire communities. LCSW focuses on the clinical aspects of mental health and is a higher designation than the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). An LCSW designation is usually achieved after two years or 3,000 hours of postgraduate practice. Additional educational requirements may apply according to state regulations.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - LMSWs are what most people refer to as "social workers." They handle caseloads of families and/or individuals within a social system. They maintain files and histories of their cases; and they evaluate, treat and administer positive action plans in order to improve the mental, physical and emotional health of the people they serve.

Licensed Independent Social Work (LIS) - In states requiring an LIS designation, the word "independent" simply means that the licensee is authorized to practice unsupervised. This does not exempt the licensee from supervision of the employer for compensation and quality assurance purposes.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - An LICSW is licensed to practice unsupervised in a clinical capacity, such as a hospital, clinic or medical center. Clinical social workers often corroborate with doctors and psychiatrists to diagnose, treat and guide patients through recovery.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - LMFTs work with people as individuals, couples or families to help them better understand their relationship dynamics and assist them in resolving emotional conflict. How we behave in relationships informs a great deal more than our familial relationships. It informs our interaction with the rest of the world as well.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - Mental health counselors assist their clients in setting goals and creating action plans in order to prevent, treat and resolve emotional or mental impairment. Mental health counselors can also use their skills to service individuals, families or groups.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - LPCs are trained to assist mental health clients in groups or individually to examine their personal issues and expose patterned behavior, then devise plans to resolve these issues. LPCs need a master's degree in professional counseling from an accredited school and 3,000 hours of supervised practical experience. State licensing requirements vary.

Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, EdD) - Psychologists are health care service providers who have completed a doctoral program in psychology. Their focus is understanding human behavior and assisting clients in managing their behavior for optimal life satisfaction. Psychologists are also academic researchers who constantly strive for deeper knowledge of the human experience.

Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC) - An MFCC is a credential that counselors and psychologist receive in order to specialize in relationship and child counseling. During your graduate studies, you may choose to specialize and earn an MS degree in counseling with a MFCC concentration. In any case, you will need to fulfill your state's licensing requirements.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - A PMHNP is master's degree in nursing. Licensed professional nurses may choose to specialize in assisting mental health patients. PMHNPs work in hospitals, homes and mental health clinics, assisting mental health patients and supporting the psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist (MDs) - Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental health patients. They can prescribe medications and often focus on the chemical origins of mental illness. Depending on the nature of their individual practice, some psychiatrists may also provide counseling. Often psychiatrists will work with, or refer patients to, licensed counselors in order to treat patients on a biological as well as behavioral level.