Counselors, Psychologists and Therapists in Ann Arbor. What’s the difference?
Are counseling and therapy in Ann Arbor the same thing?
In a sense, yes. Depending on their degree, someone who is a mental health provider may identify as a psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D) who offers psychotherapy, therapy and/or psychological testing, a social worker (LMSW, LCSW) who offers psychotherapy or therapy, a counselor (LPC) who offers counseling, or a marriage and family therapist/therapist for short (LMFT) who offers therapy.
Counselors, Psychologists, Therapists, and Social Workers in Ann Arbor. What’s the difference?
With the exception of clinical psychologists (Ph.D) who have a doctorate degree, most therapists and counselors have masters degree. Personally, I’d focus less on the degree and more on whether they’ll be a good fit for you. You may not realize, but our education doesn’t stop once we get our degree. On average, we’re required to get 15-20 hours of continuing education each year, depending on the state we’re licensed in.
Wait, what about LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologists, and LMHC? What do I need?
With the exception of clinical psychologists (Ph.D) who have a doctorate degree, most other therapists and counselors have a masters degree.
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What does LPC mean after a name? What does LPC stand for?
An LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who identifies as a counselor. The The American Counseling Association defines counseling as a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
What’s the difference between an MSW and LCSW?
MSW stands for the degree, a Masters of Social Work. LCSW (or in some states LMSW, LMSW-C, LISW, LICSW) stands for the license. I have been a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Connecticut since 2009. When I moved back to Michigan in 2023, I became licensed as an LMSW-C, licensed master social worker with a clinical designation.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and LMFT?
An LMFT refers to the license of someone who has a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, a licensed marriage and family therapist. This specialization takes a holistic approach to care and acknowledges the impact an individual client’s relationship networks has on their health and wellbeing
Focus on whether they’ll be a good fit for you and if they specialize in the issue you’re seeking treatment for. If you have an eating disorder, I wouldn’t advise you see a psychologist who doesn’t specialize in that just because they’re a psychologist. Nor would I say you should only go see an LMFT for couples counseling.
What’s the difference between LCSW and LMFT?
An LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker. In order to apply for a license, a social worker has to have 3000-4000 hours of work experience depending on the state as well as 100 hours of clinical supervision. In order to renew the license, a social worker must attend 15-20 hours of continuing education each year. Again, an LMFT refers to the license of someone who has a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
therapy in Ann Arbor and Online therapy Across Michigan
Hi, I’m Nikki. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, not LMFT) with 17+ years of experience. In my online therapy practice, I support adults through life’s tough transitions, traumas, losses, and other adversities. Considering therapy? Message me here to schedule a FREE 15 minute phone consultation.