What do all those abbreviations mean? I just want to see a counselor!

When you are looking for a counselor, it can be confusing and overwhelming to see all those initials after someone's name. What do they all mean? Which one is the best fit for me?

I wanted to break down some of the confusion to make it easier for you to find the best professional for you and your situation.

First, a counselor has to be licensed to practice. Period. So, all of those abbreviations typically stand for their license(s) and certifications. Sometimes, some counselors will add their educational degrees as well. In the US, each state designates what is required for each license. A certification is something that the counselor has studied to enhance their license and recognition. For example, I have a Master's of Science in Education (my education), an Illinois License for Professional Counseling, and a Certification in Intuitive Eating Counseling. So, my professional title looks like this: Noelle Rizzio, MS.Ed, LPC, IECC.

Let's break it all down . . .

Education

All counselors have to have at least a Bachelor's degree although this varies by state. In Illinois, we have to have a Master's or Doctoral Degree in order to obtain a counseling license. Below are the various degrees a counselor might have:

• Doctoral Degrees

  • M.D - This will most likely designate at Psychiatrist and/or someone who can prescribe medication.

  • PsyD. - This person has a doctorate in Psychology. A lot of times, those with a PsyD degree work in academia.

• Master's Degrees

  • MSW - This is a Master's degree in Social Work.

  • M.Ed or MS.Ed - Master of Education or Master's of Science in Education

  • Ed.S - Education Specialist

  • M.Div - Masters in Divinity, this may be a pastoral counselor

Licenses

Different states require different licenses. For instance, you will see LCPC in Illinois and LPCC in California but they mean the same thing.

• Counseling Licenses - the minimum requirements for these licenses are designated by each state

  • LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor

  • LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

  • LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health

  • LCMHC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • LMHP - Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

  • MFCC or MFT - Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist

  • LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • PSC - Professional School Counselor

The main difference to look for in licensing is the term "clinical" or "mental health" usually means someone can assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Usually being the key word because a LPC can assess, diagnose and treat mental illness but they have to be supervised. Once they have been supervised for 2 years (and take another, more rigorous test), they can become an LCPC.

Certifications

Counselors may choose to seek out certifications in different areas to enhance their credentials and gain recognition. Some of the different certifications are listed below.

• Certifications - these are extra certificates that counselors can obtain

  • CADC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

  • CAC or NCAC - Certified Addiction Counselor or National Certified Addiction Counselor

  • NCAAC - National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor

  • NCNTT - National Certified in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment

  • IECC - Intuitive Eating Certified Counselor

  • CRC - Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

  • CCC - Certified Career Counselor

Still confused? Are there questions you have that I didn't answer? Feel free to comment or email nrizziolpc@gmail.com