When trying to find a counselor or therapist there are many factors to think about.

Many individuals may consider 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 as a therapist or counselor in the state of Georgia.

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 in this post 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

Clinical Interns are in the process of obtaining clinical hours under supervision while completing their graduate degree program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work. 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 or full license in the state of Georgia. There is a lengthy process to obtain a counseling or therapy license through the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Pre-licensed providers are typically in-process or awaiting approval by the licensing board. All pre-licensed providers have graduated from a master’s program, completed a year long clinical internship, completed a licensing exam, and have 1-5 years of clinical experience while working towards the required clinical and supervision hours for full licensure in Georgia.

LMFT/LAMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) focus on systems and relationships between families and couples. They often approach therapy from the perspective of a system, rather than the individual. A Licensed 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 to five 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 often approach counseling 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. This process takes three to five years.

LPC/LAPC

Both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Associate Professional Counselor (LAPCs) have obtained a master’s degree from an accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program. LAPCs have passed their licensing exam, completed a year long clinical internship, and are in the process of obtaining extensive supervised hours under direction and supervision to apply for full licensure as a LPC. This process takes two to five years. 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/degree and licensure by the Georgia Composite Board.

NCC - A common board-certification for LPC/LAPCs is the National Counselors Certification (NCC) granted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is a professional board-certification for counselors and must be renewed every five years.

CPCS /ACS - Certified Professional Counselor Supervisors (CPCS) have the ability to provide clinical supervision to interns and associate licensed providers working toward full licensure in the state of Georgia. The credential is granted through the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA) after extensive counseling supervision coursework, years of clinical experience as a fully licensed professional, and a counselor supervisor examination. This credential must be renewed by exam and continuing education every two years. A similar supervision credential is Accredited Counselor Supervisor (ACS), obtained through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

PhD - If a mental health provider or counselor has a PhD it means that they continued their education past a 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”, PhD’s cannot prescribe medication like MDs or NPs.

Each of our providers at Atlanta Wellness Collective provides the highest quality of care to their clients and want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

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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