Unraveling the Mystery Behind Post-Therapist-Name Abbreviations

Stepping into the realm of psychotherapy can be daunting, especially when faced with the seemingly cryptic collection of letters following your therapist's name. These abbreviations, however, carry significant meaning, providing insight into their educational background, professional licensing status, or specialized certifications.

Decoding Education-Related Therapist Titles:

Navigating the alphabet soup of therapist titles starts with understanding their level of education, broadly classified as doctorate or master's level.

Doctoral Degrees:

• M.D. (Medical Doctor): Psychiatrists possess this medical degree, granting them the authority to prescribe medications and engage in psychotherapy.

• Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology): Psychologists holding this degree focus on the practical aspects of psychology, rather than research or teaching.

• D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry): Ministers often hold this degree, enabling them to provide pastoral counseling.

Master's Degrees:

• Master's programs typically span two years and offer degrees such as:

  • M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)
  • M.Ed. (Master of Education)
  • M.S.Ed. (Master of Science in Education)
  • M.S. or M.A. (Master of Science and Master of Arts)
  • Ed.S. (Educational Specialist)
  • M.Div. (Masters in Divinity)

Comprehending Psychology License Abbreviations:

Issued by individual states, psychology licenses empower professionals to practice within their jurisdiction. Verifying a license confirms that the therapist meets the state regulatory agency's requirements, including education and experience. Licensed counselors use various titles depending on their specialization.

Therapist Titles Indicating Certifications:

Similar to licenses, certifications have a narrower scope of practice. Accrediting agencies issue them, and psychology professionals must demonstrate competence via an exam to attain certification. These certifications include:

• CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
• CAC or NCAC (Certified Addiction Counselor and National Certified Addiction Counselor)
• NCAAC (National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor)
• NCNTT (National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment)

Board-Certified Psychiatrists:

Psychiatrists can acquire board certification in their chosen specialty as physicians.

Seeking Clarification:

When unsure about a psychotherapist's credentials, don't hesitate to inquire. Asking about their qualifications is among the recommended questions to pose to a new therapist.