Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Nurse Practitioner...Oh My!!!
Professionals who provide psychotherapy include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Of that group, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are the most common. All of these professionals are trained to offer psychotherapy, but there are differences in their education and training.
Psychiatrist (MD)
Psychologist
(PhD, PsyD, EdD)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Psychiatric Nurse Practioner (PNP)
The Bottom Line....
Credentials (e.g., MD, PhD, MFT, LPC or LCSW) tell you the therapist has completed a basic course of study and has been granted a degree by an academic institution. A license tells you the therapist has passed an examination administered by the state. But that tells you little about how good the therapist is. It's important to interview potential therapists and learn about their credentials, experience and approach to psychotherapy and then judge for yourself how comfortable you feel with the person.