COUNSELING AWARENESS MONTH: Therapist Licenses & Degrees

In honor of Counseling Awareness Month this April, I’m sharing helpful information to demystify the different types of counseling licenses and therapy degrees you may come across when searching for a therapist.

If you’ve ever looked for a mental health provider and felt confused by the letters listed after their name, you’re not alone. These credentials indicate a therapist’s education, training, and licensure status. Understanding them can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right therapist for your needs.

There are many additional specialty certifications therapists can earn—such as in trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, couples therapy, or group therapy—but this post focuses on general counseling degrees, licenses, and national certifications.

Keep in mind that while degrees and national certifications are consistent across the U.S., therapy licenses are regulated on a state-by-state basis. I live and practice in Georgia, so the license titles discussed below reflect Georgia’s structure.

Master’s-Level Therapist Licenses

Clinicians at this level complete a two-year master’s degree (on top of a four-year bachelor’s degree) in counseling, psychology, or a related mental health field. Each state and program sets requirements for postgraduate training, such as internships, supervision hours, and licensing exams. Most states require 3,000+ supervised clinical hours before full licensure.

LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

An LPC provides individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and group counseling to address emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns. LPCs may work in private practices, hospitals, schools, universities, community mental health centers, or veteran support programs.

In other states, you may see similar titles, such as:

• LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

• LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

• LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

LAPC or APC – Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

In states like Georgia, therapists begin as provisionally licensed counselors (LAPC or APC) after completing a master’s program and passing the national exam. LAPCs work under supervision as they earn the required clinical hours for full LPC licensure. In Georgia, this typically takes a minimum of three years.

LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LMFTs offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families, but their training emphasizes the role of relationships and family systems in mental health. They’re especially well-suited for relationship and family counseling.

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSWs can provide psychotherapy and also offer case management or advocacy related to social services, health systems, or community support. Some LCSWs specialize in therapy, similar to LPCs and LMFTs, while others focus on broader social work roles.

Counseling Degree Types

You might see different letters after a therapist’s name that indicate their type of master’s degree:

• MS – Master of Science (often research or science-oriented)

• MA – Master of Arts (often liberal arts or theory-oriented)

• MDiv – Master of Divinity (may include spiritual or faith-based counseling training)

Doctoral-Level Mental Health Providers

Some mental health professionals pursue doctoral degrees to become psychologists, educators, researchers, or advanced clinical supervisors. Doctoral-level clinicians can offer therapy and may also provide psychological assessments and testing, which master’s-level therapists typically do not.

• PhD – Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Counselor Education & Supervision

• PsyD – Doctor of Psychology, focused more on clinical practice

• EdD – Doctor of Education in Counselor Education & Supervision

Note: It’s unethical for a therapist to list a doctoral title unrelated to mental health. For example, if someone holds a PhD in Chemistry, they shouldn’t advertise themselves as “Dr.” in a mental health setting, as it may mislead clients.

Other Common Therapy Certifications

• CPCS – Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor
  Indicates a counselor is approved to provide clinical supervision to other therapists.

• NCC – National Certified Counselor
  A voluntary national board certification demonstrating the counselor meets high standards for professional practice. It’s a mark of credibility but not required for licensure.

• CAC / CAADC – Certified Addiction Counselor / Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor
  These certifications are specific to substance abuse counseling, with different levels depending on the counselor’s education and training.

How Do You Choose the Right Therapist?

There’s no single "best" license—what matters most is the therapist’s experience, training, and fit for your needs. Whether someone is an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or holds a different license, all can provide ethical, effective, and compassionate care.

Now you can decode my credentials!
Meredith Hrebenak, MS, LPC, NCC

Looking for a therapist in Georgia or Florida? I offer telehealth therapy to individual adults. If you're ready to get started, contact me today to learn more.