This list is of professional and academic credentials in the field of psychology and allied fields, including psychotherapy, counseling and social work. Academic degrees such as the doctorate are available in these fields, but only those specifically for psychological subjects are included.

[edit] Degrees

MA, or MS in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, etc. 

A master's degree in the specified area which may or may not have required completion of a master's dissertation.

MSW

Master's degree in social work or social welfare (required for advancement into an LCSW)

MSC

The Master of Science in Counseling

DMFT 

Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

LPsy

Licentiate in Psychology or Psychologist: professional title used in EU and Latin American countries and equivalent of PsyD of the US

PsyD 

Doctor of Psychology. 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 Psy.D. was assumed to not require significant research activities, focusing more on advanced clinical training. However, most academic institutions offering a Psy.D. today require the completion of a dissertation suitable for publishing. Most students pursuing a Psy.D. have the eventual goal of becoming a licensed psychologist.

PhD 

Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology prepares the student to conduct independent research and to provide professional services (consultation, assessment, diagnosis). However, in order to actually practice psychology and use the title "psychologist", individuals must meet their state requirements and obtain a license to practice psychology.

[edit] Professional licenses

Professional licenses for masters level mental health providers are issued by U.S. state to graduate degree holders and license them to practice psychotherapy, also known as counseling.

Mental health providers must usually hold a license or in some cases a national certification before receiving reimbursement from insurance companies, although insurance companies as well as Medicaid and Medicare heavily favor clinical social workers and discriminate against equally qualified masters level clinicians such as LMHC's and LMFT's, who are not allowed to bill Medicaid/Medicare for the same psychotherapeutic services.

LMFT :Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

CRC: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC-BE: Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Eligible- This is someone who is in the process of getting an LPC. They can bill for services, but not as much as an LPC.

[edit] References

• Psychology Today. "The Credentials". Retrieved 2006-01-18.