This article, 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, aims to help make finding a provider more approachable and manageable.
🌟 TIP: Finding a provider can feel daunting. These resources are here to make it as simple as possible. Interested in talking it through? Give us a call at (646) 687-9932, and our team will be happy to help you find the right provider.
Common Questions & Qualifications
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. The license type is typically found 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 are primarily focused on ensuring that patients have any medically necessary prescriptions.
Often, clients will have a talk therapist and a medication management provider, also known as prescribers. More information is available below:
Do not offer medication management
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
These providers typically treat individuals, couples, or families from a family-centered perspective. They do not offer medication management.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
These providers focus on the client's holistic environment and how those factors can impact mental health. They do not offer medication management.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
These providers concentrate on assisting clients in managing the impacts of mental health disorders and may also address family or career concerns. This license type closely resembles LMHC. They do not provide medication management.
Doctorate (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
These providers hold research-focused degrees. This type of provider may possess additional insights into human behavior, treatments, and the causes of psychological disorders. They do not provide medication management.
Psychologist (PsyD)
Psychologist (PsyD)
These providers hold a degree emphasizing evidence-based research and practical standards in real-world environments. The focus may be on assessments and diagnoses, but they do not include medication management.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
These providers assist clients in understanding how external factors influence their behaviors and well-being. This license type is most comparable to an LPC. They do not offer medication management.
Offer medication management
Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP, APRN, or PHMNP)
Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP, APRN, or PHMNP)
These nurses specialize in mental healthcare. They often provide the same services as medical doctors, including assessments, diagnoses, and medication management. Many also incorporate talk therapy during patient visits and can assist with medication management.
Psychiatrist (MD or DO)
Psychiatrist (MD or DO)
A medical doctor with a psychiatric specialty. These mental health professionals can assist with medication management but may refer you to a talk therapist.