The following descriptions represent common professional licenses in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and social work.
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
DOs are fully licensed physicians who can specialize in psychiatry and provide medical treatment for mental health conditions.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
DNPs are nurses who hold the highest degree in nursing. The DNP is a clinical practice-focused degree.
FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified)
FNP-Cs are certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
MD (Doctor of Medicine)
Psychiatrists typically hold an MD degree, allowing them to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and other medical interventions.
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
NPs are nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and have completed the nurse practitioner clinical and didactic requirements.
PA-C (Physician Assistant-Certified)
PA-Cs are healthcare professionals who work under a physician’s supervision to diagnose and treat illnesses, provide preventative care, and prescribe medication.To earn the title PA-C, individuals must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
PMHNPs are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced training in mental health. They can assess, diagnose, and treat patients with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other mental disorders. PMHNPs can also prescribe medication.
PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)
Similar to PhD, psychologists with a PsyD degree focus more on clinical practice and less on research. They also diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy.
LMHCA (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate)
LMHCAs have a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. As associate counselors, they must practice under the supervision of a fully licensed clinician. In the state of Illinois, this degree is called LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Psychologists with a PhD specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders using psychotherapy and psychological interventions.
CADC (Clinical Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor)
CADCs are masters-level health care professionals trained to provide counseling and support to clients with substance abuse and addiction issues.
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
LMHCs have a master's degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. They are fully licensed clinicians and are trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. In the state of Illinois, this degree is called LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor).
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
LMFTs specialize in providing therapy to couples and families, addressing relationship issues and family dynamics that may contribute to mental health concerns.
NCC (National Certified Counselor)
NCCs meet national standards in education, experience and conduct. To earn this credential, individuals must complete specific educational and training requirements and demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the field of counseling by satisfying the other requirements of the National Board of Certified Counselors.
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Social workers with an LCSW provide therapy and support to individuals, families, and groups facing mental health challenges. An LCSW can independently provide clinical services, and they often work in conjunction with other mental health professionals.
LSW (Licensed Social Worker)
LSWs provide a range of social services, including mental health counseling and advocacy. A LSW works under the supervision of licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) or other mental health professionals.
Sources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). "Types of Mental Health Professionals."
Mental Health America “Types of Mental Health Professionals.”
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