What Do Those Letters After a Therapist’s Name Really Mean?!

First, there are the psychotherapy licenses recognized by the State of Colorado. Make sure you see one or more of these after a therapist’s name.

• LCSW = License Clinical Social Worker
• LMFT = Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
• LPC = Licensed Professional Counselor
• LSP = Licensed School Psychologist
• APRN = Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (psychiatric)
• MD = Doctor of Medicine (for psychiatrists)
• PhD = This is usually a Clinical Psychologist, most of whom put the term “psychologist” after their name.

Colorado also certifies (not licenses) some sub-specialties such as alcohol/drug counselor (look for the initials CAC, domestic violence offender treatment (no initials), and sexual offender treatment (again, no initials). If you’re looking for a specialty like hypnotherapy, Jungian psychotherapy, or grief counseling, you won’t find it by initials. Instead, look at the therapists’ profile pages here, or just call and ask the therapist directly.

Sometimes practitioners also list their highest college degree. These often get mixed up with their licensing initials when they’re both listed, so here is a list for your clarification:

• BA or BS = Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
• MA or MS = Master of Arts or Master of Science
• PhD or EdD or PsyD = Doctorate degrees (usually psychologists)
• MD = as noted above, Doctor of Medicine (psychiatrists)
• SW = Social Worker