What do those letters mean? Your guide to therapy lingo.
If you’ve had any experience with therapy before, or even if you’ve just been poking around our site for a little bit, you’ve probably noticed every therapist has some letters attached to their name.
Some might only have three or four letters, some might have quite a few more than that. But what do all those letters mean? Each grouping of letters is an acronym representing a certification or credential that therapist has. For example, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (something you’ll see a lot of around here) can be abbreviated to LMFT. There are also types of therapies that can be shortened to a couple letters, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is often referred to as CBT. This shorthand can be very useful when choosing a provider or knowing what services your provider offers, but if you’re unfamiliar with the language it can be very overwhelming. Fear not! Below, we’ve compiled a list of common therapy abbreviations to help you in your therapy journey.
Types of Therapy:
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
PCIT - Parent Child Interaction Therapy
CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CCPT - Child-Centered Play Therapy
Therapists and Counselors
T- - Denotes Temporary License
LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
RPT - Registered Play Therapist
LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
CADC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Social Workers
MSW - Master’s Degree in Social Work
LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker
LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker
Doctorates and Psychiatrists
PsyD - Doctorate of Psychology
PhD - Doctorate of Philosophy
MD - Doctorate of Medicine
PA-C - Physician’s Assistant, Certified
PMHNP-BC - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
There are more abbreviations than what we’ve collected here, but we hope this list serves as a helpful starting point. Rest assured that these letters mean something — they represent the hard work, knowledge, and dedication of the providers who have earned them. That’s why at CityReach, all of our providers have or are working towards full licensure and/or certification, because we believe in putting in the work to provide our clients with the best care possible.
Your therapist plays a crucial role in your therapy experience, so when choosing a therapist, it’s helpful to be familiar with this shorthand so you know what their specialties are and what kinds of therapy they offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process — your therapist should be the right fit for you and your needs so you can feel supported on your mental health journey. Whether you’re looking to see an LMHC or an LMFT, we hope you’ll LEAVE this article with a better understanding of therapy lingo!
Questions? Reach out to CityReach Family Therapy here.