Q: What do all of the letters after someone’s name mean?
A: Here are several of the letters that may appear. Some of these apply only in certain states, and the designations may vary from one state to another.
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS
|
Degree |
Meaning |
|
A.P.R.N. |
Advanced practice registered nurse |
|
C.A.D.C. |
Certified alcohol and drug counselor |
|
C.E.A.P. |
Certified employee assistance professional |
|
C.N.S. |
Clinical nurse specialist |
|
D.Div. |
Doctor of divinity |
|
D.O. |
Doctor of osteopathy |
|
D.S.W. |
Doctor of social work |
|
Ed.D. |
Doctor of education |
|
Ed.S. |
Education specialist |
|
L.C.S.W. |
Licensed clinical social worker |
|
L.I.C.S.W. |
Licensed independent clinical social worker |
|
L.M.F.T. |
Licensed marriage and family therapist |
|
L.M.H.C. |
Licensed mental health counselor |
|
L.P. |
Licensed psychologist |
|
L.P.C. |
Licensed professional counselor |
|
M.A. |
Master of arts |
|
M.D. |
Doctor of medicine |
|
M.Ed. |
Master of education |
|
M.F.C.C. |
Marriage, family and child counselor |
|
M.F.T. |
Marriage and family therapist |
|
M.P.S. |
Master of pastoral studies |
|
M.S. |
Master of science |
|
M.S.W. |
Master of social work |
|
P.M.H.N. |
Psychiatric-mental health nurse |
|
Ph.D. |
Doctor of philosophy |
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