Here’s a comprehensive list of degrees and certifications for mental health and substance abuse therapists, including their full titles and abbreviations:
Associate Degrees (Entry-Level, Often for Support Roles)
- Associate of Arts in Psychology (AA)
- Associate of Science in Psychology (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science in Substance Abuse Counseling (AAS)
Bachelor’s Degrees (Entry-Level for Some Counseling Roles)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services (BSHS)
Master’s Degrees (Required for Licensure in Most Counseling Professions)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
- Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)
- Master of Education in Counseling (MEd)
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA-CMHC)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC)
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT)
- Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS-MFT)
- Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (MA-AC)
- Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MS-AC)
- Master of Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC)
- Master of Psychology (MPsy or MPS)
Doctoral Degrees
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
- Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology (EdD)
- Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)
- Doctor of Rehabilitation Counseling (DRC)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Licenses & Certifications for Mental Health Counselors
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – varies by state
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – varies by state
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – varies by state
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) – varies by state
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) – varies by state
Licenses & Certifications for Marriage & Family Therapists
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT) – varies by state
Licenses & Certifications for Social Workers
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Licenses & Certifications for Addiction/Substance Abuse Counselors
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
- Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) – issued by NAADAC
- National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I & II (NCAC I, NCAC II)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) – for vocational rehab professionals
Board Certifications (Optional but Highly Regarded)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC) – from NBCC
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) – from NBCC
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – for behavior therapy
- Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
Each of these credentials has specific educational, experience, and exam requirements depending on the state or certifying organization.