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What Do All Those Letters Mean? Guide to Therapist’s Credentials

Have you ever seen the letters at the end of a therapist’s name and wondered what they mean? There are many different degrees you can obtain to become a licensed psychotherapist. It can be quite confusing. Let’s look at the various educational paths to become a psychotherapist and decipher the meaning of all those letters.

Doctoral Degrees

The following are four doctoral degrees that allow one to practice psychotherapy, psychology or neuropsychology:

Psychiatrists are the only medical doctors trained to perform psychotherapy. Most psychiatrists, however, prescribe medication rather than act as therapists.

A PhD formally stands for Doctor of Philosophy. You may be wondering why a psychologist would be getting a philosophy degree but it is really just an umbrella degree for many academic areas of study. Although it depends on the specific graduate program, a PhD tends to have more of a research than clinical focus.

A PsyD degree is a Doctor of Psychology degree. Unlike the PhD, it has less research focus and it primarily trains psychologists to do clinical work. It requires approximately five years of graduate work and extensive clinical training, including at least a year of clinical internship.

The EdD is a Doctor of Education degree. An EdD usually has an education focus. This is often the degree you obtain to become a school psychologist. At some colleges, psychology is included in the education department. In those cases, you will receive an EdD but undertake similar training as you would for a PhD.

Master’s Level Degrees

Most psychotherapists have master’s degrees. It involves less education and time than a doctoral degree. The factors that often discriminate between master’s level therapists are in their educational background and the requirements for licensure. 

These two degrees are what you obtain after you complete a master’s program in an area of counseling or psychology. One is a Master of Science and the other is a Master of Arts degree. Having a master’s degree does not mean you are licensed; on their own, they do not enable one to perform psychotherapy. Although there are exceptions, an MSc degree may have more of an emphasis on clinical areas while someone with an MA is less likely to pursue licensure and may focus more on academic areas.

These letters stand for Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor respectively. They are two titles for basically the same type of degree. You need to have a master’s in counseling and then must undergo 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical counseling experience.

The Licensed Marital and Family Therapist is a master level degree with a specialized concentration in marital and family therapy. These therapists will likely focus on working with families and couples. Like an LPC, they must undergo thousands of hours of supervised experience and pass an exam to obtain licensure.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker may perform the same duties as other master’s level clinicians but they begin by receiving a social work degree. Looking at problems from a social work background may provide them with a community perspective on people’s issues.

Deciphering the letters at the end of a professional’s name can be its own course of study. The main difference between a therapist’s credentials is in the type of education received and an emphasis on different aspects of therapy. In the end, it doesn’t matter exactly what letters someone has following their name; if you like your therapist and you find them helpful (and they are licensed), they are qualified to help you with your problems.

MS Broudy is a psychologist, writer, and consultant. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Psychology. He has spent over 20 years providing therapy and assessment services for a diverse set of clients. MS specializes in writing about mental health, parenting, and wellness. He has his own blog, mentalspokes.com, where he writes about psychological issues.

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From LPC To PsyD, Here's How To Make Sense Of A Therapist's Credentials

If you look closely at a therapist’s business card, you’ll usually see a string of letters after the name — something like LPC, or maybe LCSW. Here's a quick guide to what can seem like alphabet soup. 

Those strings of letters can tell you about a provider's specialty or focus, which can be helpful if you're looking for help with a specific mental health issue. They can represent a degree, like a doctorate or a master's degree, or indicate the therapist has a license or certification to practice in a given area. And because licensing requirements vary by state, different titles exist across the country. 

Here's a quick look at some of those abbreviations:

Psychiatrists And Psychologists

If you see a psychiatrist, they are likely to have an M.D. , a medical degree, or they may have a D.O. , a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, unlike most other types of therapists.

For psychologists, you may see a range of different credentials. The American Psychological Association says at a minimum, psychologists should have a doctoral degree , so you're likely to see  PhD or PsyD after a psychologist's name.

Other Types Of Therapists

Some patients see an  LCSW , a licensed clinical social worker, or an MSW , someone with a master's degree in social work. Those professionals can be trained in psychotherapy.

Another common credential is LPC , which stands for  licensed professional counselor . These therapists are typically trained to treat and diagnose a range of mental health conditions. Other abbreviations include: 

• CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapist 
• LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor 
• DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapist 
• MFT - Marriage and Family Therapist 

Finding The Right Therapist

Databases like Psychology Today can help you find a therapist in your area. There's also a growing number of online directories for finding therapists of color . In listings like these, patients can get a breakdown of a therapist's education and background.

Of course, there are other factors to consider. It's not always easy to find a therapist who meets your mental health needs, is taking new patients, and say, takes health insurance, so the search process can involve some trial and error. In the end, patients might not even give a passing look to that little string of letters on their therapist's business card. 

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Health & Fitness

Md, ph.d., lcsw, mft: what do these letters mean for therapists and why should you care, this post is a cliff's notes explanation of the different disciplines in the psychotherapy field: psychiatrists, psychologists, lcsws, and mfts., josh gressel, ph.d. , neighbor.

In today's posting I want to explain about some of the different kinds of therapists, their initials and what they mean, the training and experience they go through, and what their specialties are. This is a kind of Cliff's notes to shopping for a therapist. I will list them alphabetically.

Before I do, a few words of introduction. Therapists are prone to turf struggles, ego bruising and insecurities just like people in any other profession. I will do my best to present things as I see them, but like everyone else, I am a prisoner of my own experience.

Which leads me to say that as a psychologist, I have to assume I have a natural prejudice in favor of this discipline, and probably less appreciation for other disciplines. Factor that in when reading the following.

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LCSW : This stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. It is a master's level license that is recognized throughout the United States. In broadest terms, LCSW's are clinicians who are trained to look at psychological issues in a more social context: for example, the effect of poverty and prejudice on identity and achievement. LCSW's are more likely to see their career path in an agency setting or a community mental health facility. In recent years, many LCSW's have gone into private practice, though the social work schools still try to encourage their students to spend at least a part of their careers in community agencies. An LCSW has completed a master's degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of supervised practice.

MD/Psychiatrist:  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in mental health, much like a cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the heart. Psychiatrists used to do "talk therapy" and prescribe medication regularly. In recent decades, most psychiatrists have been relegated to medication management. This is because of a variety of different factors, ranging from the explosion in use of psychotropic medication (this is medicine used to deal with mental health issues) to the economics of reimbursement by insurance companies. A psychiatrist goes through medical school like everyone else and then does a psychiatric residency. Most psychiatrists practicing today have more experience in prescribing than they do in talk therapy.

MFT/MFCC:  This stands for Marriage and Family Therapist, formerly called Marriage, Family and Child Counselor. It is a master's level license that is specific to California and is not recognized throughout the United States. There is a new national equivalent to this license, seeking to create for MFTs what LCSW is to social work.  This license is called LPC (licensed professional counselor) and will be nationally recognized and likely eventually subsume the MFT license. An MFT has much the same training as an LCSW but with more emphasis on individual, family or couple issues than on social issues. The reality, however, is these two programs are much more similar than they are different. An MFT also needs a minimum of 3,000 supervised hours prior to licensure. MFTs are more likely to focus on family or couple's work in addition to individual therapy and are more likely to want to be in private practice than in an agency.

Ph.D/Psy.D/Psychologist:  Psychologists are doctoral level clinicians: that is, they are people who have completed a doctorate in psychology and gone through 3,000 hours of supervision prior to licensure. A Ph.D. is the degree which used to be awarded, but this has tapered off in recent years because of the recognition that a Ph.D. is primarily a research degree and most psychologists have a clinical focus. The Psy.D. stands for "doctor of psychology" and is what is awarded at most schools which are graduating people who go on to become clinical psychologists.  The one specialty psychologists have primarily is in administering psychological tests, but there is no law which says that only psychologists can do this -- it is simply included in their training. Psychologists can and do work in any of the settings that MFTs and LCSWs do. In two states (New Mexico and Louisiana), psychologists are allowed to prescribe psychotropic medication.

Who should you choose? How should you choose?

The right person is more important than the right degree or license. With that said, here's how I think about it:

Most psychiatrists have less training in talk therapy than any of the other disciplines. While there are some psychiatrists doing excellent talk therapy, it is a mistake to assume that just because they are doctors they are better at therapy than a master's level clinician. They simply had to spend the bulk of their time on courses like anatomy and biology and they didn't get as much training and experience sitting with people doing regular therapy.

I did 3,000 hours of supervision and got my MFT and then another 3,000 hours of supervision and got my psychology license so I think I can appreciate both disciplines. In addition, I did all of my personal therapy with master's level clinicians so obviously I thought highly of them.

With that said, in the broadest terms I think that MFTs and LCSWs can be thought of as nurses while psychologists can be thought of as doctors. Nurses are more practical and hands on.  Doctors usually have the conceptual understanding of why things are as they are, even while they may have less practical experience in giving shots than a nurse. I think this is true of psychologists as well.  Psychologists usually have a more academic understanding of issues and will usually rely more on insight than on technique when working with people.

These are of course very general outlines and there always exceptions. But in general it's how I've come to understand the field and I wanted to share it with you if you're in the market for a therapist. 

Next week: "Rightness of fit" in choosing a therapist.

Do you have a question about your marriage or relationship? Is there a particular topic on relationships or individual psychological issues you would like addressed in this blog? Ask Josh in the comments below or email him at  [email protected] .

Josh Gressel, Ph.D., is a couples and individual therapist based in Pleasant Hill, CA. Visit his website at  joshgressel.com .  He is currently accepting referrals.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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Annika Okamoto, PhD, LP

Annika Okamoto, PhD, LP, is an Adjunct Faculty member in the MACP program at Antioch University Santa Barbara. She received her PhD in Health Psychology from Alliant University, Los Angeles, and completed her postdoctoral residency working with frequently incarcerated, hospitalized, and homeless individuals. Her experiences include working at the CBT/DBT clinic at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at UCLA Semel Institute in Los Angeles and providing clinical training in several community and private practice clinics. Before her career in the United States, she worked as a clinical psychologist and head of the psychology department at a county psychiatry clinic in Viljandi, Estonia.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Annika is a clinical director for a small nonprofit offering services to people with mental health disabilities and low socioeconomic status. She served as President of the Santa Barbara Psychological Association and is currently serving as Past President. She holds expertise in mood and anxiety disorders, therapeutic alliance, and working with neurodiverse populations. Her experiences in community mental health have fostered compassion for marginalized populations and those entangled in the justice system. She is an ally to the queer community and is curious about people’s cultural experiences, striving to contribute to the evolution of social justice.

Adjunct Faculty

MA in Clinical Psychology

[email protected]

Academic Focus

• CBT, therapeutic alliance, mood and anxiety disorders, community mental health, clinical training

Teaching Statement

In clinical training, Dr. Annika tends to use experiential methods and discussion to make learning an impactful process. She strives to understand people’s stories and cultural experiences and to contribute to social justice and inclusion in the community. Most importantly, she believes in building authentic relationships and creating space for human connections and laughter.

Selected Publications

• Okamoto, A. (Ed). (in press). Alliance Rupture Repair in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Springer Nature.
• Impala, T., Okamoto, A., & Kazantzis, N. (2023). Alliance rupture and repair in cognitive behavior therapy. In C. F. Eubanks, L. W. Samstag, & J. C. Muran (Eds.), Rupture and repair in psychotherapy: A critical process for change (pp. 119–139). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000306-006
• Okamoto, A., & Kazantzis, N. (2021). Alliance ruptures in cognitive-behavioral therapy: A cognitive conceptualization. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(2), 384–397. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23116
• Okamoto, A., Dattilio, F. M., Dobson, K. S., & Kazantzis, N. (2019). The therapeutic relationship in cognitive–behavioral therapy: Essential features and common challenges. Practice Innovations, 4(2), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.1037/pri0000088
• Okamoto, A., Granato, H., & McFarr, L. (2017, November). Absences and lateness in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups in relation to contextual variables. Poster presented at the 21st Annual ISITDBT Conference, San Diego, CA.

What’s the difference between an MFT (or LMFT), an LPC (or LPCC), and an LCSW?

Even many professionals don’t understand what the difference is between their profession and another. State laws vary when it comes to scope of practice, but the professions are distinctly licensed everywhere in the US for good reason.

I frequently hear the argument (particularly here in California) that there are no meaningful differences among the mental health professions. After all, each of the master’s-level mental health professions can assess, diagnose, and treat the full range of mental and emotional disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual through the use of psychotherapy. So why do we even have different licenses?

This argument usually comes from therapists who were trained and supervised primarily by members of other professions. To be sure, one can get licensed as an LMFT or LPCC without ever having been supervised by someone in the same profession. (Clinical Social Workers in California do have to have some of their pre-license experience supervised specifically by LCSWs.) However, I would argue that being supervised outside of one’s own profession is not ideal preparation for one to really become a member of that profession. LMFTs typically do not know how social workers are trained, what texts they read, and how they are brought into the social work field. The same could be said for any other cross-disciplinary understanding. While the masters-level mental health professions often perform similar work functions, they do so from very different underlying philosophies.

The act of defining these professions for the sake of licensure is hardly a distant memory. LMFTs and LPCCs each had states where their professions were not licensed until 2009, when Montana (LMFTs) and California (LPCCs) passed laws that completed 50 states of licensure for each profession. In the years before, as LPCCs and LMFTs went around the country arguing for distinct licensure in each state, both professions regularly made the argument that the two operate from distinct histories, distinct skill sets, and distinct bodies of knowledge.

To understand the differences succinctly, let’s start from a problem. Let’s say that Diego is a 38-year-old Latino man who is married and works in a bookstore. He comes to therapy with severe anxiety. The different mental health professions will likely start from very different places as they seek to answer the question, “Why is Diego struggling with anxiety?”

Although this article does not focus on Psychologists, understanding their perspective can be helpful. A traditional Psychologist would examine Diego’s inner world to find the root of his dysfunction. Whether looking to his childhood (as a Freudian would) or looking to his present (as a behaviorist would), the focus will be on Diego as an individual. Furthermore, traditional psychology would focus on pathology – rooting out what is wrong with Diego individually.

Professional Clinical Counseling

The professional clinical counseling field emerged from school and career counseling. While they focus today on mental health, LPCCs are likely to see Diego’s struggle as an individual, developmental issue . They will examine his psychological and social development and his current functioning, and treatment will focus on helping Diego improve overall development and wellness (including treatment of mental illness).

Clinical Social Work

Clinical social workers place their focus on connecting people with the resources they need to function well. Those resources may be internal (such as personal skills and strengths, some of which Diego may not be utilizing to their potential) or external (such as community resources and support groups). Traditionally speaking, LCSWs are likely to see Diego’s struggle as a resource issue , and will work with Diego to gather the internal and external resources needed for him to control and ultimately overcome his anxiety.

Marriage and Family Therapy

LMFTs look at behavior in its social and relational context. Perhaps Diego’s anxiety has emerged as a result of tension in his work or in his relationships. Perhaps his anxiety is even adaptive when considered in its context – for example, if he receives more support from his boss or from his partner when showing outward signs of anxiety. Ultimately, LMFTs believe that no behavior exists in a social vacuum, and will work with Diego – as well as other family members and other important people in Diego’s life, if appropriate – in an effort to make the anxiety no longer necessary.

Areas of overlap

As you can see, none of these philosophies is any better or worse than the others. They’re just different. That matters a great deal as new professionals are being trained and socialized into their respective professions. Of course, the perspectives above are purist ones, and even looking at things from that purist perspective, there is significant overlap between these philosophies for dealing with many problems. When handling adjustment issues with children, for example, LMFTs and LPCCs may work very similarly.

Each of these fields has also been influenced by the others. Using Psychologists as an example, there are now Community Psychologists (who share a great deal in common with LCSWs in their approach), Family Psychologists (who share a great deal in common with LMFTs), and Counseling Psychologists (who share a great deal in common with LPCCs). The professions all benefit from this cross-pollination, which helps us communicate effectively with one another and assess clients more thoroughly. But, using LMFTs as an example, one only needs examine the core competencies for LMFTs to see where the overlap ends; even just reading through the list of skills all LMFTs are expected to be able to do, they can be broken down roughly equally into three categories:

1. Tasks that all mental health professionals should be able to do, and that all would do about the same way (for example, suicide assessment). 2. Tasks that all mental health professionals should be able to do, but LMFTs would do from a different conceptual framework (for example, general mental health assessment; MFTs would approach this from a relational mindset). 3. Tasks that LMFTs should be able to do that other mental health professionals would not necessarily be expected to do (for example, a systemic case conceptualization).

Of course, LMFTs are not superior to the other professions, nor do they have greater job functions. I’m just using LMFTs as an example. A list of core competencies for LCSWs or for LPCCs could surely be broken down into similar proportions. The point is, while we all do many of the same things in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness, it is quite a disservice to the professions to suggest we are all the same.

This post is a lightly-modified excerpt from Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs (fifth edition) , © Copyright 2018 Benjamin E. Caldwell. Reprinted here by permission.

Originally published October 15, 2012. Last updated January 7, 2019.

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What's the Difference between a PhD and PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Congratulations! You've made the tough yet worthwhile decision to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. A doctorate in clinical psychology provides many potential career opportunities. You can receive training as a clinical psychologist, work in social work, sports psychology, educational psychology, mental health psychology and more. Now, what is the next step?

Before you dive into a doctoral program and clinical training, you'll need to clarify what type of doctoral degree in psychological clinical science you'd like to earn. In the field of Clinical Psychology, there are two distinctive doctoral-level degrees you can work towards: a PhD and a PsyD. What do these degrees mean and how do you choose which degree in psychology program is right for you? Find out more below...

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, degree, is traditionally a more common degree path in psychology. This type of doctorate in clinical psychology is founded in research, so the focus of your studies may be on developing research ideas and analyzing data. This training culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation project. Typical PhD program training takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. Depending on the school, these programs may be highly selective and only enroll a small number of students each year.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, degree, is an alternative doctoral degree that focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. Unlike a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology, which often emphasizes research, the PsyD meaning focuses more on applied training and practical experience in the behavioral sciences. PsyD study revolves around preparing students for professional practice and clinical placement. The coursework and practicum is directed at applying established standards of practice and evidence-based services that will be applied in future clinical work. PsyD students may also complete a doctoral project or dissertation that focuses on an applied clinical problem. Typical PsyD program training takes between 4 and 5 years to complete. These PsyD degree programs generally accept a higher number of students than PhD programs.

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How to choose between phd and psyd.

Understanding the difference between a PsyD vs PhD can be confusing. Which clinical psychology program you choose depends on the direction you’d like to steer your studies and, ultimately, your career. Think about what sort of work you’d like to do beyond graduation: research-focused or clinically-focused. Take a look at what graduates of both, the PhD program and the PsyD program, are doing to see if their careers align with your own interests.

All things considered, PhD graduates may use their research-based degrees to conduct experimental studies, work in academic settings, and consult with schools or hospitals. PsyD graduates may use their clinical-based degrees to work directly with patients who need behavioral health analysis, clinical psychology, and mental health services. They provide therapy and may pursue a career in private practice. All students enrolled in Clinical Psychology programs at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University receive advanced training in psychology in a clinical setting to allow them to confidently function as clinicians and researchers. This is an important step to becoming a licensed psychologist. Most importantly, both the PhD and PsyD programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA.)

Are you a doctoral candidate and conflicted about which Clinical Psychology degree is the best fit for you? Contact an Alliant admissions counselor by calling 1 (866) 825-5426 to learn more about our PsyD or PhD degree programs and the admission requirements.

Additionally, CSPP offers many master’s degree programs at our college campuses and online. Check out some testimonials from our graduate students of the programs and their experience below:

“I am so grateful to have been a part of the Fresno Clinical Psychology PhD Program at CSPP. The diverse faculty that I studied with throughout my tenure in graduate school made quite a lasting impression on me in terms of fostering my professional development and have helped shape me into the clinician and researcher that I am today.” Jennifer Lewey, Clinical Psychology, PhD

“The PsyD program at Alliant prepared me in two different ways. First, it socialized me into the profession of psychology. Second, it, and the Center for Integrative Psychology more specifically, taught me how to think in more powerful, inclusive, and effective ways.” Michael Lembaris, Clinical Psychology, PsyD

What to Expect in a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Program

Program structure.

This doctoral program aims to expand clinical students' understanding in delivering psychological services. The internship involves hands-on practice for aspiring professionals. This type of program provides a valuable clinical experience to better equip graduates for their careers in psychological science, which sets them apart from clinical psychology PhD program students who do not have a similar opportunity. The clinical program integrates scientific evidence with practice in responding to human problems of developmental deprivation, dysfunction, psychological disorders, and trauma. Students can follow their own clinical interests and further their individual career goals by selecting an emphasis area and taking a specialized series of courses, and by pursuing research and field placements that are consistent with their interests and long-term career goals.

Proficiency in Clinical Practice and Educational Settings

Even though the PsyD program emphasizes practical training, it still trains students who aspire to pursue an academic career. Graduates from the Psychology Department can choose to become faculty members while maintaining a clinical practice. In other words, earning a PsyD in Clinical Psychology should not hinder you from entering the academic field. You have the flexibility to pursue careers in clinical practice, teaching, or even a combination of both

Is it possible to pursue a career in academia or education?

Yes, of course, but while it's possible to become a professor in a college or university with a PsyD, those with a PhD degree typically have a better leverage in getting into these academic positions. 

Is it harder for PsyD students to secure internship positions compared to PhD students?

Absolutely not. A lot of internship sites need students or candidates who can handle various clinical duties, and because you have acquired extensive expertise and clinical skill in psychological assessment and therapy in your program, you'll get an internship position easily. 

What is APA accreditation?

The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in practice-oriented areas such as clinical, counseling psychology, and school psychology, as long as they meet the APA's standards and maintain them. Many employers and internship sites prefer or require psychologists who graduated from APA-approved programs. Therefore, when deciding which programs to apply to, it's crucial to check the APA accreditation status. Alliant offers psychology programs that are APA-accredited.

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What you need to know to get licensed

Experts offer a lesson on how to become a licensed psychologist.

By MELISSA DITTMANN

gradPSYCH Staff

When William Greenhouse, PhD, finished his clinical psychology graduate courses, his practica, dissertation, internship and postdoc, he still faced one more hurdle in his doctoral journey - getting licensed. And, as Greenhouse and many other recent grads have discovered, that's not always easy to do.

Since states' licensing requirements vary, Greenhouse hatched a plan at the beginning of his postdoctoral training to avoid licensing delays. Greenhouse, a 2002 graduate of the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, targeted four states for a job search - Massachusetts, New York, California and Florida - and created a matrix of the states' requirements to determine which had the strictest criteria.

He then structured his postdoc at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts, around those requirements so that he would have flexibility to move among the four states, depending on job prospects. For example, Florida had the most rigorous standards for direct client contact - 900 hours - so he negotiated with his supervisor to increase direct client contact from 35% to 50% of his workload.

Just as Greenhouse did, students should study state licensure requirements in their second year or sooner, advises Asher Pacht, PhD, former director of professional affairs for the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), which consists of U.S. and Canadian licensing boards. He and other experts advise that students pay attention to differences in required supervision hours for the predoctoral internship and postdoc as well as requirements concerning jurisprudence exams, graduate courses and when to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

From there, students can structure their internship and postdoc to meet the specific licensing requirements for their states, Pacht says. Check the " Handbook of Licensure and Certification Requirements ," available for free at www.asppb.org , for jurisdiction requirements.

The earlier students get started on meeting such requirements, the less they'll have to do in the final leg - the busiest time of graduate school.

"When you finish graduate school, you think you have filled out your last form and you're done," says Patricia Bricklin, PhD, who serves on the Pennsylvania licensing board. "Licensing can be a pain and a lot of work, but it's important. Licensing is there for consumer protection to show the public that you are qualified to help them. You shouldn't be afraid of the process."

General licensing requirements

Though each state has its specific requirements, there are some general points about licensure that everyone should consider to prepare for it:

Do you need to get licensed? To practice psychology, you need to become licensed through your state's licensing board. Those who work at a college or university, state or federal institution, research laboratory or a corporation may be exempt from having to be licensed in some states. However, this does vary by state; look at your state's language regarding exemptions from licensure. Industrial/organizational psychologists, for example, are required only in some states to become licensed, and school psychologists in public schools must complete distinct licensing requirements.

Nine states require licensees to have a separate designation as a "health-service provider" if their practice includes the provision of health-care services - including mental health care. The National Register offers such a system for credentialing health-service providers that is used by insurance companies.

Meet education requirements. State licensing boards typically require a minimum of a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited or government-chartered institution. Some states require applicants to have a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited program. Students who did not attend an APA-accredited program or an ASPPB- or National Register-designated doctoral program in psychology may have their program's curriculum scrutinized by licensing boards, says Bricklin, chair of APA's Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice.

Gather administrative materials. Students should document the number of clients, types of problems they treated and supervised experiences they had during their postdoc and internship, Bricklin says. Many state boards also request proof of coursework.

To ease the process, create a dossier of your coursework, suggests Stuart Tentoni, PhD, counseling coordinator and training director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Norris Health Center. To do this, photocopy course descriptions from graduate catalogs and include course textbook names and publication dates. List the professors' names, their degree title, where they earned their doctorate and whether they are licensed or an APA member.

Prepare for tests. All U.S. states and Canadian provinces whose boards are members of ASPPB - except Quebec and Prince Edward Island - require applicants to pass the EPPP, a 225-question multiple-choice test developed by ASPPB on core areas of psychology, such as assessment and diagnosis, and social and biological bases of behavior. However, Quebec does require the EPPP for out-of-province candidates. Visit www.asppb.org for content areas and an electronic practice test.

Passing scores for the EPPP are set by each state; most states require at least a 70 percent or 500 on the computer-based exam. Applicants who take the EPPP soon after completing their doctoral degree tend to do better on the test than those who wait, says Barbara Van Horne, PhD, ASPPB president. (See Toward solutions for professional prostdocs for more information on when you can take the EPPP.) Some states also require candidates to pass an oral exam that may be a competency-based test or a test of laws and ethics. Other states only require a jurisprudence exam.

Accrue supervised clinical hours. Students should accrue 2,000 hours during internship and 2,000 hours during postdoc, on average, to meet state requirements, recommends Emil Rodolfa, PhD, a former member of the California licensing board and chair of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers. Jurisdictions vary in the number of supervised hours required. For example, Michigan requires 6,000 supervised hours, whereas California requires 3,000 hours.

Bank your credentials. Banking or recording information about your postdoc, internship and doctoral degree through organizations like the National Psychologist Trainee Register ( www.nationalregister.org ) or ASPPB's Credentials Bank ( www.asppb.org ) means you won't have to locate transcripts or supervisors for signatures later on. Consider first banking your information after completing your internship, recommends Judy Hall, PhD, executive officer of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and former executive secretary of the New York State Board for Psychology. "Starting the process early prevents surprises later on," Hall says.

Make yourself mobile. Banking your credentials, some advise, can also be a way to help you practice in a different state later in your career. For more information on the jurisdictions that have adopted mobility mechanisms, visit the Web sites of the National Register ( www.nationalregister.com/mobility.html ) and ASPPB ( www.asppb.org/mobility/CPQmap.asp ).

Also, to help make yourself mobile, Van Horne suggests that mainstream education, training and supervisory experiences are more likely to meet state requirements. She suggests attending an APA- or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)-accredited program or National Register or ASPPB-designated program. Also, she recommends taking requisite courses in the core areas of psychology and completing an APA- or CPA-accredited internship.

Anticipate the cost. Fees for licensure can range from $500 to more than $1,000, including application and initial licensing fees and exam costs. ASPPB's online " Handbook of Licensure and Certification Requirements " lists each state's licensing fees. Greenhouse estimates he spent nearly $3,000 on licensing, including $1,200 on EPPP study materials and a prep course.

Seek help when you need it. If you're confused or uneasy about the licensing process, Rodolfa recommends talking to others who have been through it. Students might also turn to state psychological associations, the National Register, ASPPB, state licensing boards or listservs - such as APA's Early Career Listserv or EPPP-Prep ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eppp_prep/ ).

As for Greenhouse, he keeps a thick file of the licensing forms and information he has collected over the years so that he will be prepared to go through the licensing process again when he applies for licensing in New York, California and Florida. He hopes to open a private practice treating patients with bipolar disorder. By being licensed in four states, he feels he will have maximized his mobility to accept the most attractive job offer.

"I held myself responsible for learning the licensing information," Greenhouse says. "No one was going to lead me through the process. I had to do it. My future was in my hands, so I took the initiative."

BASIC STEPS TO LICENSING

Obtain a doctoral degree in psychology.

Accrue supervised hours — ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 hours, depending on the state.

Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Pass a jurisprudence exam, if applicable.

Receive approval by a state licensing board that requirements have been met.

You are now a licensed psychologist.

Source: Dr. Emil Rodolfa, Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers

LICENSING FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Unlike other specialty fields in psychology that fall under the umbrella of generic licensing, school psychologists are required to get a certificate or license to work in public schools — usually through their state's Department of Education, not the state's licensing board as with generic licensing.

Most states require a school psychologist to complete a master's or specialist degree and pass the Teacher Certification Test, which has a specialty component for school psychology. Some states might also require an internship.

To help applicants sift through state requirements, APA's Practice Directorate has recently posted to APA Practice a handbook on the various state requirements for psychologists who want to work in public schools. You must be a subscribing member of APA's Practice Portal to access it.

— M. DITTMANN

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SLPD vs. PhD: What's the difference?

Navigating career choices is hard; we've put together some information and resources to help make this one a little easier..

October 1, 2019

Because  about half the staff  at The Informed SLP has an SLPD, PhD, or is pursuing one, we often get member questions about these degrees.  (Plus, I think our website members tend to be people who are interested in our field's research and/or serve as leaders among fellow SLPs!) The SLPD is a newer degree in our field, but there are already some excellent resources out there to help explain it. For example: from  ASHA , from a  scientist , and from a  clinical leader  in our field. Also, from schools that offer both degrees, like  Northwestern  and  KU .   If you're looking for the 5-minute answer to: What's the difference between a PhD and SLPD, see those resources ( above ). However, if you're further along in your journey of considering a doctorate, watch our 90-minute explanation here .

And if you still have questions after this, seek out others who've obtained one of the two degrees! For example,  Clinical Research for SLPs on Facebook  could be a good place to solicit tips and advice from SLPD and PhD colleagues. I'd recommend searching the terms "PhD" and "SLPD" in the group, first, to see what's been posted in the past. Hope this helps, and congrats on your journey!  ~The Informed SLP Team We'll add additional helpful links, below, and please comment if you have others!

• ASHA EdFind , to find a program
• CAPCSD.org , for academic salary survey data
• Habla Lab's website has  several  posts on getting a PhD. e.g.  here ,  here , and  here .
• This  ASHA Blog Post  on meeting other PhD students; and an  ASHA PhD Myths  post

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Rich McNulty

Psychologist , phd , lp, my practice at a glance.

HRC Behavioral Health & Psychiatry

4201 Lake Boone Trail

Raleigh, NC 27607

Sentinel Mental Wellness Center

1300 Benson Rd

Garner, NC 27529

• BlueCross and BlueShield

Qualifications

• Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of North Carolina / 6240 Rich McNulty
• License: Florida PY 11754 / 2023
• Attended University of Memphis

Specialties and Expertise

Top specialties.

• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Education and Learning Disabilities
• Emotional Disturbance
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Spirituality
• Testing and Evaluation

Endorsement

Client Focus

Participants, treatment approach, types of therapy.

• Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
• Christian Counseling
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
• Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
• Psychological Testing and Evaluation
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Primary Location

Additional location, nearby areas.

• Raleigh, NC

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