Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): These therapists have obtained at least a master’s degree in a mental health counseling field and have training in a wide variety of issues and concerns. They have obtained a state required amount of education, supervision, and counseling hours to obtain licensure in their state of practice.
LMHCA: Counselors with this credential have graduated from a mental health counseling program and are in the process of working towards licensure in the state of Washington.
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): These counselors have obtained at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling and see individuals, but also have special training working with couples and families. They have obtained a state required amount of education, supervision and counseling hours to obtain licensure in their state of practice.
LMFTA: Counselors with this credential have graduated from a marriage and family therapy program and are in the process of working towards licensure in the state of Washington.
Clinical Social Worker (LICSW/LCSW): Licensed clinical social workers have obtained at least a master’s degree in social work and are trained to help clients who are experiencing a variety of issues. These therapists are trained to look at issues from both a social and an individual context. They have obtained a state-required amount of education, supervision, and counseling hours to obtain licensure in their state of practice.
LICSWA: Counselors with this credential have graduated from a social work master’s program and are in the process of working towards licensure in the state of Washington.
Psychologist (PsyD or PhD): Psychologists have earned a doctorate. They have been trained to work with clients facing a variety of issues and also are trained to administer psychological testing for evaluation purposes. They have obtained a state-required amount of education, supervision, and counseling hours to obtain licensure in their state of practice.
Psychiatrist (MD): Psychiatrists have obtained a doctorate of medicine with at least a 4-year psychiatric residency and have special training in how the body affects mental health issues. They meet with clients who are experiencing significant emotional distress and/or mental health disorders and can prescribe and monitor medication for these issues. They often work collaboratively with a psychologist or master’s level-therapist who provides counseling to their client, but some psychiatrists counsel their clients as well.
Educational requirements and post-graduate counseling hours as well as license title may vary by state. You can contact your state licensing board for clarification.
Note: For medication needs requiring less monitoring, your primary care physician can provide a prescription if they feel it is needed.