License requirements are always evolving. The information below is a summary, and is relevant and accurate “in general.”

Counselor Degrees

Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

An individual with a PhD in psychology (clinical or counseling) will be experienced in clinical work (i.e., counseling) as well as academic research, and often teaching.

Persons holding a PhD are trained in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the full range of psychological disorders, from life issues to chronic mental illness. Testing is also a specialty common to those with a PhD in psychology.

Though clinical and counseling psychology are very close, sometimes indistinguishable, as a rule those with a PhD in counseling psychology will have been taught with a greater emphasis on issues in educational and occupational areas.

A PhD requires four to five years of post-bachelor's degree study of psychology (possibly longer with the defense of a dissertation).

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in Professional Counseling

A person holding a PhD in professional counseling will also hold a license such as an LPC, LCPC, or an MLFT (see below). Often the PhD in professional counseling is held by individuals who have acquired a masters degree, and have decided to continue education to heighten their counseling expertise.

PsyD: Doctor of Psychology

The PsyD doctorate is more practice based, and less research based than the PhD in psychology. Though the degrees are similar, the PsyD is often acquired by individual more interested in clinical work (i.e. assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders) that research. In place of a dissertation, a PsyD degree may require additional clinical internships or field work.

MD: Psychiatrist-Doctor of Medicine

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of persons with mental health issues. A psychiatrist should be fully trained in the assessment, diagnoses and treatment of psychological disorders. In addition, psychiatrists receive education on psychological and biological aspects of treatment and are therefore experts on mental health medication. Though licensed to do so, many psychiatrists do not do counseling or psychotherapy; instead they specialize in psychopharmacology (mental health medication).

MA: Master of Arts degree in Psychology or counseling

Individuals with an MA in psychology or counseling have graduate level education in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues, and emotional disorders.

For licensure, a Master level degree will be a minimum of 60 hours (at least 2 years) of post bachelors course work and internship work.

EdD: Doctor of Education

The EdD degree often involves a specialty in educational issues such as learning styles, disabilities, as well as psychology. Assessment and treatment of educational and development issues are the specialty of persons with the Doctorate of Education degree.

The EdD will require 4-5 years of graduate academic learning, after the completion of an undergraduate degree in a psychology or education oriented field. It should be noted that some EdD degrees are less education based and more clinical based, closer to the PhD in psychology. This is because some EdD programs are essence clinical programs that are sponsored by a department of education rather than a school of psychology.

MSW: Master of Social Work

A masters of social work is a degree for indivudals who are able to assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders, as well as life issues. Social workers can be found providing a wide variety of services through numerous venues including private practice, mental health or counseling agencies, hospitals, and schools.

The MSW degree requires two years (approx. 60 hours) of graduate education in social work after the completion of bachelors in psychology or social work related field.

Licensure:

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Though state-to-state variations exist, individuals with a master's or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited institution, several thousand hours of clinical experience and supervision (often 3,000), and who have successfully completed standardized licensure exams (both written and oral) can be licensed as an LCSW.

In some states, licensed social worker licenses vary from intermediate to clinical, depending on years of experience and examinations completed.

In addition, continuing education of often necessary to keep an active license.

Comparable licenses include:

• LISW: Licensed Independent Social Worker
• LSW: Licensed Social Worker

MFT: Marriage and Family Therapist

Though state-to-state variations exist, individuals with a master's or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited institution, several thousand hours of clinical experience and supervision (often 3,000), and who have successfully completed standardized licensure exams (both written and oral) can be licensed as an MFT.

In addition, continuing education of often necessary to keep an active license.

Licensed marriage and family therapists specialize in counseling issues with individuals, couples, groups, and families. Such counselors are extremely proficient regarding issues of interpersonal relationships and communication, group and family dynamics, as well as developmental issues.

Comparable licenses include:

• LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor

Though state-to-state variations exist, individuals with a master's or doctoral degree in professional counseling or psychology from an accredited institution, several thousand hours of clinical experience and supervision (often 3,000), and who have successfully completed standardized licensure exams (both written and oral) can be a Licensed Professional Counselor.

In addition, continuing education of often necessary to keep an active license.

Comparable licenses include:

• LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• CPC: Clinical Professional Counselor
• LPCMH: Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health
• MHC: Mental Health Counselor
• LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• CMHC: Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Psychologist

This is the license possessed by those who hold a doctorate level degree in clinical, counseling, or educational psychology (i.e. PsyD, PhD, EdD). Upon degree completion, a candidate must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and an oral examination. In addition, clinical experience which includes professional supervision, approximately 3,000 hours, is a necessary prerequisite before one becomes a licensed psychologist.