HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

This list is of professional and academic credentials in the field of
psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries betwe ...
and allied fields in
North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Car ...
, including
education Education is a purposeful activity directed at achieving certain aims, such as transmitting knowledge or fostering skills and character traits. These aims may include the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty. Va ...
,
counseling Counseling is the professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes. This is a list of co ...
,
social work Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social work ...
, and
family therapy Family therapy (also referred to as family counseling, family systems therapy, marriage and family therapy, couple and family therapy) is a branch of psychology and clinical social work that works with families and couples in intimate relationsh ...
.


Degrees

Although undergraduate (Bachelor's) degrees for psychology and counseling exist, in most jurisdictions the minimum requirement for professional licensure is a graduate degree (master's or doctorate). ;Associate degrees * Associate of Art (AA) or Associate of Science (AS):
Associate degree An associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after a course of post-secondary study lasting two to three years. It is a level of qualification above a high school diploma, GED, or matriculation, and below a bachelor's degree. The fi ...
s are usually two-year degrees and are often offered at community colleges. Many choose to start with associate degrees in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or related fields, before starting work on degrees which require further education. An associate degree is usually not required in order to enroll in a bachelor's degree program. An associate degree does not meet the requirements for clinical practice or licensure. ;Bachelor's degrees *Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS): Bachelor's degrees usually require four years of study and are required prior to entry into graduate programs where Master's or Doctoral degrees may be earned. Although a person may earn a bachelor's degree in counseling psychology, clinical psychology or related fields in mental health, a person may have had a major concentration in another field of study and still qualify for entry into a graduate school for study in the area of psychology. A bachelor's degree does not meet the requirements for clinical practice or licensure. ;Master's degrees in psychology *
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
(MA) or
Master of Science A Master of Science ( la, Magisterii Scientiae; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree. In contrast to ...
(MS) in behavior analysis,
counseling psychology Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that encompasses research and applied work in several broad domains: counseling process and outcome; supervision and training; career development and counseling; and prevention and health. ...
,
clinical psychology Clinical psychology is an integration of social science, theory, and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and persona ...
. * A
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
(MA) in marriage and
family therapy Family therapy (also referred to as family counseling, family systems therapy, marriage and family therapy, couple and family therapy) is a branch of psychology and clinical social work that works with families and couples in intimate relationsh ...
may be in psychology. A master's degree in the specified area may require completion of a master's thesis, dissertation and/or project. * Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) ;Master's degrees in related fields (See
mental health professional A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a ...
) *
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
(MA) or
Master of Science A Master of Science ( la, Magisterii Scientiae; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree in the field of science awarded by universities in many countries or a person holding such a degree. In contrast to ...
(MS) in
education Education is a purposeful activity directed at achieving certain aims, such as transmitting knowledge or fostering skills and character traits. These aims may include the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty. Va ...
,
family therapy Family therapy (also referred to as family counseling, family systems therapy, marriage and family therapy, couple and family therapy) is a branch of psychology and clinical social work that works with families and couples in intimate relationsh ...
, or a related field. A master's degree in the specified area may require completion of a master's thesis, dissertation and/or project. * Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) (may or may not be a psychology program) *
Master of Social Work The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a master's degree in the field of social work. It is a professional degree with specializations compared to Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). MSW promotes macro-, mezzo- and micro-aspects of professional social wor ...
(MSW) * Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC) * Masters of Science in Education (MSEd) ; Doctoral degrees in psychology *
Doctor of Philosophy A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common Academic degree, degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields ...
(PhD): A Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology prepares the student to conduct independent research and to provide professional services (consultation, assessment, diagnosis, therapy). To use the title "psychologist," individuals must have graduated specifically from a psychology program and meet their state requirements and obtain a license to practice psychology. *
Doctor of Psychology The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D. or D.Psych.) is a professional doctoral degree intended to prepare graduates for careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups and organization ...
(PsyD): Requires the student to create relevant and helpful research that contributes to the existing body of knowledge or scholarship in an area. At one time, the PsyD was assumed to not require significant research activities, focusing more on advanced clinical training. However, most academic institutions offering a PsyD today require the completion of a dissertation suitable for publishing. To use the title "psychologist," individuals must meet their state requirements and obtain a license to practice psychology. * Licentiate in Psychology or Psychologist (LPsy) – professional title used in EU and Latin American countries and equivalent of PsyD in the United States ; Doctoral degrees in related fields (See
mental health professional A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a ...
). *
Doctor of Philosophy A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common Academic degree, degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields ...
(PhD): A Doctor of Philosophy degree in a related field prepares the student to conduct independent research and to provide professional services (consultation, therapy). PhD degrees are awarded in social work, counselor education, and marriage and family therapy. *
Doctor of Education The Doctor of Education (Ed.D. or D.Ed.; Latin ''Educationis Doctor'' or ''Doctor Educationis'') is (depending on region and university) a research or professional doctoral degree that focuses on the field of education. It prepares the holder for a ...
(EdD) - Similar to PhD but granted by a college of education within a university. This degree is based on the scientist-practitioner model which prepares the holder for both types of work, i.e., clinical as well as research. * Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) *
Doctor of Social Work The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate in social work, it is the highest academic award available in the field of social work, and most offer advanced training in a professional area of practice including but not limited to; n ...
(DSW)


Professional licenses

; Licensure as a "Psychologist." To use the title "psychologist," individuals must meet their state requirements and obtain a license to practice psychology. * Licensed Psychologist – Doctorate in Psychology (except for West Virginia which requires a Master's in Psychology), supervised hours ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 (depending on the state), passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, passing additional state specific exams * Licensed Master's Degreed Psychologists :* Licensed Psychological Associate – Master's in Psychology (Alaska, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, & Texas) :* Licensed Psychologist Associate – Master's in Psychology (Colorado, New Mexico, & Oregon) :* Licensed Psychological Examiner – Master's in Psychology (Arkansas & Maine) :* Licensed Psychological Assistant – Master's in Psychology (Tennessee) :* Licensed Psychologist – Master's in Psychology (West Virginia) :* Limited License Psychology - Master's in Psychology (Michigan) ; Other forms of licensure for
mental health professionals A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a ...
. Professional licenses for mental health providers with a master's degree issued by US states to graduate degree holders which allow them to legally practice (additional requirements/training/hours, for Supervisors "''-S''"): *Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC or LCPC depending on the state) - Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and/or Counseling, supervised experience, plus passing National Board Licensing and State Board Licensing Exams (double board certified) * Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Master of Social Work required, plus supervised experience (2 to 3 years depending on the state), and continuing education * Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) – Master's in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, or Drama Therapy, plus supervised experience * Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) - Master of Social Work required, plus passing the licensing exam (Alabama, District of Columbia, Maryland, Minnesota, West Virginia) * Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and/or psychology required, plus 1,000+ (depending on state) hours of supervised experience, plus passing the licensing exam * Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - Master of Social Work required, plus passing the licensing exam (Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas) * Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, LCMHC, or CMHC depending on the state) – Master's in Counseling and/or Psychology, plus 3 years supervised experience plus passing the licensing exam. * Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC or LPC depending on the state) - Master's in Counseling and/or Psychology, plus supervised experience * Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) - Master's in Counseling, Family Therapy or Psychology, plus supervised experience


Professional certifications

Certifications for licensed providers are offered by various non-profit and for-profit organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates. In most states, a license to practice is also required.


References

{{Reflist * ''
Psychology Today ''Psychology Today'' is an American media organization with a focus on psychology and human behavior. It began as a bimonthly magazine, which first appeared in 1967. The ''Psychology Today'' website features therapy and health professionals direct ...
''
"The Credentials"
Retrieved December 6, 2016. Credentials in psychology
Psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries betwe ...