Note: The article was created in collaboration with Dr. Jaclyn, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Ph.D. in Counseling Studies and over ten years of experience working with a diverse clientele.
Why is the license type helpful?
Knowing a provider's license type can be helpful when choosing a therapist or psychiatric practitioner from a directory. You'll typically find the license type after a provider's name or in their bio.
At Grow Therapy, you'll find providers with Master's and Doctorate degrees and medical degrees for medication management.
What's the difference between the license types?
Generally speaking, all acronyms beginning with "L" are talk therapists. PhDs and PsyDs have doctorate degrees and fall into the talk therapist category. PsyDs might choose an additional focus on assessments or diagnoses.
Most Master's and Doctorate-level providers practice in similar formats, so you don't need to spend much time combing through license types.
PMHNP, DO, and MD license types refer to medication management providers. While they may engage in some talk therapy, they're primarily focused on ensuring you have any medically necessary prescriptions.
Often, clients will have a talk therapist and a medication management provider, also known as prescribers.
Check out this cheat sheet to understand each provider's background!
Acronym | License Type | Medication Management? | Educational background |
LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | No | May focus on the family-centered perspective when treating individuals, couples, or families |
LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | No | Focused on the client's holistic environment and how factors can impact mental health |
LPC or LPCC | Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor | No | Focused on helping clients navigate the effects of mental health disorders. May also help with family or career issues. This license type is most similar to LMHC. |
PhD | Doctorate | No | Research-focused degree. This type of provider may have additional insights into human behavior, treatments, and causes of psychological disorders |
PsyD | Psychologist | No | Alternate degree choice with an emphasis on evidence-based research and standards of practice in real world settings. May focus on assessments and diagnoses. |
LMHC | Licensed Mental Health Counselor | No | Help clients understand how external factors impact their own behaviors and well-being. This license type is most similar to LPC. |
NP, APRN, or PHMNP | Nurse Practitioner, Advance Practice Registered Nurse, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Yes | Nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatric mental healthcare. Often, they can provide the same scope of services as a medical doctor, including assessments, diagnoses and medication management. Many also use talk therapy during patient visits. |
MD or DO | Psychiatrist | Yes | Medical doctor with psychiatric specialty. May refer you to a talk therapist in addition to medication. |