When trying to find a counselor or therapist there are many factors to think about. Do I want a male or female? Do I want faith-based counseling? What is their counseling theory or specialty? So on, and so on. Something else many individuals may consider is what type of licensing the provider has obtained or what level of education they have, but many do not fully understand the process to obtain a license.

The state of Georgia currently has three different licenses that a professional can obtain to provide counseling or therapy. These licenses are separate from psychologists who can also provide psychotherapy and psychological testing. The three licenses mentioned include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). At Atlanta Wellness Collective we have each of these types of mental health providers on our team. Let’s unpack the letters behind a provider’s name.

Master’s Level Clinical Intern

If a provider is a Clinical Intern this means that they’re in the process of obtaining hours while completing their graduate degree program. At Atlanta Wellness Collective, our Master’s Level Clinical Interns are closely supervised by an in-house Clinical Supervisor, which means that you benefit from having multiple counselors whose time and expertise are applied to working with you. Clinical Interns also see clients at a significantly lower rate.

Pre-Licensed

Our Pre-Licensed providers have completed their graduate degree program and are often in process to receive their associate license in the state of Georgia. There is a process to obtain a counseling or therapy license after graduation through the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Pre-Licensed providers are typically in-process or waiting for the licensing board to approve their credentials and test results or are preparing to take their licensing examination.

LMFT/LAMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) focus on the relationships between families, marriages, and other relationships. They tend to approach counseling from the perspective of a system, rather than the individual. An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) has a Master’s Degree and passed the national MFT exam, but must complete supervised hours under direction and supervision before applying for full licensure as a LMFT. This process takes two or more years.

LCSW/LMSW

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) both hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). They tend to approach counseling or therapy from the perspective of social systems and social welfare. A LMSW provides counseling under supervision and direction prior to applying for full licensure as an LCSW.

LPC/LAPC

Both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) have obtained a Master’s Degree from an accredited counseling or clinical mental health graduate program. LAPCs have passed their licensing exam and are in the process of obtaining extensive supervised hours under direction and supervision to apply for full licensure as a LPC. This process can typically take 2-5 years post graduate program graduation. LPCs and LAPCs are more likely to consider mental health from an individual, clinical mental health lens. Our counselors are both trauma-informed and systems oriented.

Additional Certifications and Education

There are a number of additional credentials and certifications that counselors and therapists can obtain in addition to their education and licensure.

NCC - A common board-certification that LPC/LAPCs can apply for is the National Counselors Certification (NCC) granted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is an exam based professional board-certification for counselors.

CPCS /ACS - Certified Professional Counselor Supervisors (CPCS) have the ability to provide clinical supervision to interns and associate licensed providers in the state of Georgia. The credential is granted through the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCGA) after extensive coursework, clinical experience, and a supervisor exam. Counselor Supervisors have completed at least 3 years of counseling experience as a fully licensed counselor, completed required education courses, and passed an exam to obtain certification. A similar supervision credential is ACS, obtained through the NBCC.

PhD - If a mental health provider or counselor has a Ph.D. it means that they continued their education past their Master’s Degree and obtained a Doctorate in their field of study, typically in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) or Counseling/Clinical Psychology. Doctorate-level providers earn the title of Doctor. It’s important to note that, though they have the title of “Doctor”, they cannot prescribe medication.

No matter the education, license, or certification, each of our providers at Atlanta Wellness Collective provide the highest quality of care to their clients and want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog post was written by our Client Care Coordinator, Leah Smith. Note that licensing laws and requirements are always changing. Up to date information can be found online through the Georgia Composite Board website. Please contact our office if you have specific questions related to mental health licensing.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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