Ph.D: Doctor of Philosophy (in Psychology)/Psy.D. Doctor of Psychology. These two degrees are for doctorate level psychologists. Psychologists spend 4 years in graduate school plus 1 year of internship.
MA, MS, MSW, MSS, MED: This indicates that a therapist has attained a master’s degree.
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This is a master’s level degree that typically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. An LCSW helps people identify specific solutions to specific problems.
CADC: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
CAADC: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This is a master’s level degree with a specialty in working with couples and families.
LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor. This is a licensure that can be obtained when one has a master’s degree in a counseling-related field. Counseling, in general, helps empower diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
