List of credentials in psychology

This list is of professional and academic credentials in the field of psychology and allied fields (psychotherapy, counseling and social work). Academic degrees, such as doctorate are available in these fields, but only those specifically for psychological subjects are included.

Degrees

 * MFT :Marriage and Family Therapist. A master's degree in child development and family relationships.
 * MSW :Master of Social Work
 * PsyD :Doctor of Psychology. This differs from a Doctor of Philosophy in that its focus is on therapy and psychoanalysis rather than research.

Professional licenses

 * LCSW :Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 * LMSW :Licensed Master Social Worker
 * ACSW :Academy of Certified Social Workers
 * LCS  :
 * LICSW :Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
 * CSW  :Clinical Social Worker

These professional licenses are issued by U.S. state or national certification boards (or in the case of the ACSW, a professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers) to graduate degree holders and license them to practice social work and, usually, nonmedical psychotherapy. Such professionals also hold a graduate degree, often an MSW. Mental health providers must usually hold such a certification before receving reimbursement from insurance companies.


 * LMFT :Licensed Marital and Family Therapist
 * MFCC :Marriage, Family and Child Counselor

This license is specifically for family and child counseling and issued by U.S. state boards to graduate degree holders.


 * LPC :Licensed Professional Counselor
 * LMHC :Licensed Mental Health Counselor
 * DAC :Drug and Alcohol Counselor

U.S. state licensing boards grant these licenses to practitioners holding a graduate degree with applicable clinical experience.

Other credentials

 * ARNPP :
 * MHN  :

Registered nurses who hold master's degree in psychatric-mental health nursing.


 * BCD  :Board Certified Diplomate. An endorsement by a certifying board that a high level of competence is displayed in a professional subject matter. These can be held by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers or counselors.