ABCs of Mental Health Care

These provider descriptions are general in nature and are being made available to help you better understand the various types and levels of behavioral health providers that may be available to provide your care. These general descriptions were prepared using national standards. Please note that provider requirements will vary from state to state, thus, you may want to check with the provider's office if you have any specific questions

Counselor, Master's Level: Counselors must have a Master's Degree in an approved curriculum of Counseling Education, a minimum of 2 years individual counseling, and a passing score on a State or National License Exam to practice. Specific types of providers in this category are:

Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT):

1. Has a Master's degree or higher in a mental health discipline from a regionally accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of clinical experience.
2. State licensed or certified to practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense medications.
4. May conduct therapy of multiple modalities such as individual, group, couples, or family therapy, with specialized skill in marriage and family issues

Marriage & Family Counselor (MFC):

1. Has a Master's degree or higher in a mental health discipline from a regionally accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of clinical experience.
2. State licensed or certified to practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense medications.
4. May conduct therapy of multiple modalities such as individual, group, couples, or family therapy, with specialized skill in marriage and family issues.

Mental Health Counselor (MHC):

1. Has a Master's degree in mental health discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. State license or certified at the highest level independent Practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense medications.
4. May conduct therapy of multiple modalities such as individual, group, or family.

Social Worker (MSW):

1. Has a Masters degree or higher in Social Work from a nationally accredited college or university.
2. State license or certified at the highest level independent Practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense Medications.
4. Provides counseling of various modalities such as individual, group, or family, with specialized skill in psychosocial assessment.

Professional Counselors (CPC):

1. Has a Master's degree in mental health discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. State license or certified at the highest level independent Practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense medications.
4. May conduct therapy of multiple modalities such as individual, group, or family.

Professional Counselors (LPC):

1. Has a Master's degree in mental health discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. State license or certified at the highest level independent Practice in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Not qualified to prescribe or dispense medications.

May conduct therapy of multiple modalities such as individual, group, or family.