A question I'm often asked is, "What are the differences between all the different mental health professions?" There are therapists, psychotherapists, counselors, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, LMFTs, LPCs, LCSWs, PhDs, PsyDs, MDs.... it's incredibly confusing! Allow me to break down the most common mental health professions for the state of Oregon.
Some of these titles are general and can refer to practitioners of all backgrounds. They include therapist, psychotherapist, and counselor. You may have also heard the term QMHP, which stands for Qualified Mental Health Professional, and encompasses several degrees and competencies. See the full list of requirements to be a QMHP in
OAR 309-039-0510,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Known for: Using a person-in-environment perspective, which means addressing both internal (thoughts, emotions) and external (environment - social, political, familial, economic, etc.) influences that affect a client's condition. Social workers often also have an interest in social justice and helping more vulnerable populations.
Education: Master of Social Work, which includes two years interning under supervision.
Clinical training: 3500 work hours, 2000 direct client hours, 100 hours meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams
Ongoing requirements: 40 hours of continuing education courses reported every two years
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Social Workers
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT)
Known for: Specializing in working with couples and families using a systemic approach.
Education: Graduate degree with specific amounts of coursework related to marriage and family counseling as well as an internship. Several master of art, master of science, and master of education degrees meet the education criteria.
Clinical training: 2000 direct client hours, 2-3 hours/month meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 20 hours of continuing education courses every year.
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Known for: Using recognized counseling techniques with individuals, couples, groups, organizations, career counseling, and school counseling.
Education: Graduate degree with coursework related to counseling and career development. Several master of art, master of science, and master of education degrees meet the education criteria.
Clinical training: 2000 direct client hours, 2-3 hours/month meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 20 hours of continuing education courses every year.
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Licensed Psychologist
Known for: Psychological testing and diagnosing complicated cases.
Education: Doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD).
Clinical training: 1500 hours of residency providing psychological services, 2 hours meeting with a clinical supervisor for every 40 hours of psychological services, 2 hours of learning activities (case conferences, seminars, etc.) for every 40 hours of psychological services, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 50 hours of continuing education courses every two years.
Licensing board: Board of Psychologist Examiners
Psychiatrist
Known for: Prescribing mental health medication, especially for complicated cases.
Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Clinical training: Minimum three years post-graduate residency in psychiatry, then pass a minimum of three exams (several exam combinations are accepted).
Ongoing requirements: 60 hours of continuing medical education courses every two years.
Licensing board: Oregon Medical Board
Some of these titles are general and can refer to practitioners of all backgrounds. They include therapist, psychotherapist, and counselor. You may have also heard the term QMHP, which stands for Qualified Mental Health Professional, and encompasses several degrees and competencies. See the full list of requirements to be a QMHP in
OAR 309-039-0510,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Known for: Using a person-in-environment perspective, which means addressing both internal (thoughts, emotions) and external (environment - social, political, familial, economic, etc.) influences that affect a client's condition. Social workers often also have an interest in social justice and helping more vulnerable populations.
Education: Master of Social Work, which includes two years interning under supervision.
Clinical training: 3500 work hours, 2000 direct client hours, 100 hours meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams
Ongoing requirements: 40 hours of continuing education courses reported every two years
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Social Workers
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT)
Known for: Specializing in working with couples and families using a systemic approach.
Education: Graduate degree with specific amounts of coursework related to marriage and family counseling as well as an internship. Several master of art, master of science, and master of education degrees meet the education criteria.
Clinical training: 2000 direct client hours, 2-3 hours/month meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 20 hours of continuing education courses every year.
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Known for: Using recognized counseling techniques with individuals, couples, groups, organizations, career counseling, and school counseling.
Education: Graduate degree with coursework related to counseling and career development. Several master of art, master of science, and master of education degrees meet the education criteria.
Clinical training: 2000 direct client hours, 2-3 hours/month meeting with clinical supervisor, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 20 hours of continuing education courses every year.
Licensing board: Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Licensed Psychologist
Known for: Psychological testing and diagnosing complicated cases.
Education: Doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD).
Clinical training: 1500 hours of residency providing psychological services, 2 hours meeting with a clinical supervisor for every 40 hours of psychological services, 2 hours of learning activities (case conferences, seminars, etc.) for every 40 hours of psychological services, then pass two exams.
Ongoing requirements: 50 hours of continuing education courses every two years.
Licensing board: Board of Psychologist Examiners
Psychiatrist
Known for: Prescribing mental health medication, especially for complicated cases.
Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Clinical training: Minimum three years post-graduate residency in psychiatry, then pass a minimum of three exams (several exam combinations are accepted).
Ongoing requirements: 60 hours of continuing medical education courses every two years.
Licensing board: Oregon Medical Board
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