LPC, LSW, LPCC, PhD ... What's the difference?

Counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner: What is the difference? If you are thinking of talking with someone about issues that are of concern, it can be confusing to know where to look and what you are looking for. This column will attempt to explain the differences in licensure and practice in the state of Ohio. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW) have earned a bachelor's degree in their field and have passed a state exam. They are required to work under the guidance of a practitioner with a higher level license who has received specialized training in how to be a supervisor and has become certified to become a supervisor. A person with an LPC license must work under the supervision of someone with an LPCC license (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). Someone with an LSW license must work under the supervision of someone with an LISW license (Licensed Independent Social Worker). The LPCC and LISW licenses require a master's degree from an accredited university, 3,000 hours of work that is supervised by a certified, independently licensed practitioner in their field, and another licensing exam. Once all these criteria have been met, the LPC/LSW becomes an LPCC or LISW and is able to practice without mandatory supervision. An LPCC or LISW is able to diagnose and treat mental health issues but is not able to prescribe medications. A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, which is the study of the mind and behaviors. Graduate school provides psychologists an education in evaluating and treating mental and emotional disorders. After completing graduate school, a clinical psychologist completes an internship that lasts two to three years and provides further training in treatment methods, psychological theory and behavioral therapy. Psychologists can provide diagnosis, treatment, testing and psychotherapy. Although they are referred to as "Doctor," they are not medical doctors. They are able to use the title "Doctor" because of their degree. Psychologists are not able to prescribe medications. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions. They may also offer psychotherapy in some cases. Some nurses and nurse practitioners have had special training in providing mental health services. Depending on their level of training and certification, they can evaluate patients for mental illness and provide treatment in the form of psychotherapy. In some states, they are also licensed to prescribe and monitor medications, sometimes independently and sometimes under the supervision of a medical doctor. They may also provide case-management services and serve as patient advocates. If you are seeking services, always feel free to inquire about a practitioner's level of training and licensure. Williamson, LPCC-S, Stepping Stones Counseling.