What Does LPC Stand For, And How Can They Help?
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In many states, LPCs can perform the same functions as a psychologist. "LPC meaning" refers to Licensed Professional Counselor, a credential for mental health professionals who have met the educational and licensing requirements to provide counseling services. If you are currently searching for a counselor or are interested in pursuing a career in mental health, learning more about the requirements for an LPC certification may be beneficial.
A brief introduction: Mental health career abbreviations
Mental health can be as essential as physical health. While mental health was once regarded with mistrust or disdain, it may be more openly discussed and accepted in modern times. Despite the prevalence of discussions about mental health, choosing a therapist may feel complicated or overwhelming for some individuals. Often, the first step in seeking a professional counselor is identifying what you seek support with. Once you understand your needs, you may choose between the types of counselors available.
In the mental health realm, various degrees of education, national clinical and state licensure requirements, and certifications lead to different designations. The acronym after someone's name may indicate the type of counseling they offer. "LPC" is one of them. Other acronyms include the following:
- LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- MD: Medical Doctor
- Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy
- PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
- MSW: Master of Social Work
- LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- LCMHC: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- MFCC: Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor
- CADC: Certified Alcohol And Drug Counselor
- CAC: Certified Addiction Counselor
Learning about what each of these abbreviations means, including the service providers' state licensing requirements and approved practices each designation indicates, may help you make an informed decision in choosing a mental health professional.
What does LPC stand for?
"LPC" stands for licensed professional counselor. Professional counselors are licensed to provide mental health services after passing a national counselor examination. The LPC license allows them to render clinical professional counseling services in non-public practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, and other counseling or related mental health fields. While the specifics of obtaining the LPC license may vary from state to state, the general base requirements may be the same.
There are many similarities between licensed professional counselors and clinical social workers. They do a lot of the same work for around the same salary. One of the key differences between the two professions is that a counselor’s main focus is on counseling theory and to provide counseling, while this is only one aspect of social work.
LPC degree requirements
Licensed professional counselors require a master's or a doctoral degree. Their bachelor’s degree may be in psychology or a major to prepare them for working as counselors or licensed mental health professionals engaging in direct client contact.
If a counselor obtains a doctorate, it may be a Ph.D. or PsyD degree. Specific counseling fields, such as rehabilitation counselors, require specific certifications after the general education requirements. If licensed counselors decide to go into a field that requires extra certifications, they may complete the license requirements set forth by states, including additional service and education hours.
Supervision requirements
After obtaining their degree, an aspiring counselors work must be supervised. Like residency or student teaching, this process involves supervised clinical hours for the practical application of skills that mental health counselors acquire in school.
Often, counselors-in-training log at least 3,000 hours of direct client contact and supervised clinical hours in clinical practice after graduating. These hours can occur at many different locations and allow the postgraduates to get hands-on clinical experience and work with the population they will serve once they are licensed providers. Licensed professional counselors or medical doctors often monitor the supervised clinical hours. Once working in a supervised position, they can treat clients with guidance from professional counselors and individuals who have already passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Proper standing
After the exams are passed, LPCs must stay in good standing with their certifiers. As with many professions involving certifications, licensed counselors have ethical standards to adhere to as outlined by the American Counseling Association. LPCs must also complete ongoing education yearly to stay updated on modern psychology in conformity with LPC licensure. The profession is controlled on the state and federal levels, which defines the practice and what they can and cannot do in their line of work.
What can LPCs do for my mental health?
LPCs are licensed mental health professionals who can take many career paths, working in counseling programs, residential facilities, mental health clinics, or personal practice. Even if they obtain a doctoral degree, they are not psychiatrists. They are not awarded a medical degree, are not medical doctors, and are not qualified to prescribe medication.
Counselors use therapy and the tools and skills developed in their postgraduate degrees to help their patients. They are trained to work with various clients, including individuals, groups, families, and couples, and are often skilled in human development and working with people of all ages.
LPCs may be able to diagnose mental illness and treat a broad spectrum of emotional, mental, and behavioral concerns and disorders, including but not limited to the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse disorders**
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Marriage concerns
- Stress
- Chronic concerns
- The impact of abuse*
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Behavioral disorders
Licensed professional counselors diagnose mental illness and work in collaboration with a client to come to a solution and determine the most effective method to reach the client's goals and preferred outcomes. They cannot prescribe medication but can provide mental health services.
At the root of mental health counseling, licensed professional counselors may care about their clients and want to help others better their lives. They may do this by setting goals and giving their patients the tools to reach their goals. Whether working through trauma, developing healthier thought patterns, or improving communication with themselves or their spouses, LPCs are often equipped to help others.
Is a licensed professional counselor right for me?
An LPC can be a suitable choice if you seek mental health support. In therapy sessions, you can work through concerns negatively impacting your well-being and mental health. You can decide if working with a mental health counselor is the best avenue for you. Before meeting with a provider, ask them about their training, counseling theory, and therapy modalities used. You can also consider the following tips.
Check Their Website
When an independent practice, many professional counselors' websites may indicate if they are general therapists or specialize in treating certain mental health conditions. Website information may also include a licensed clinical professional's experience level, degree received, and any commendations they have received.
Understand their specialty
Mental health professionals can specialize in different areas of mental health, such as anxiety and depression or substance use disorders. When researching various licensed professional counselors in your area, investigate whether they specialize in your symptoms or diagnosed mental illness.
While many LPCs have specialties, this does not mean they will not take you as a client if you do not fall under their specialty. However, looking into an LPC specializing in your condition may be the most effective. When you are choosing a professional counselor, focus on your comfort level. Working with mental health counselors you do not feel safe with could keep you from opening up and receiving therapy benefits.
Look for further certifications
LPCs can also take other certification exams in a related field, depending on their career goals. For example, marriage and family therapists have their initial designation and an LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist) or AMFT (associate marriage and family therapist) following their name. If you are having marriage or family problems, you can meet with an LPC that is also an AMFT or LMFT.
Other counselors, such as sex and pediatric therapists, also have unique certifications. While licensing and continuing education give counselors a general background in treating various mental health disorders, special certifications may offer a more in-depth ability to treat specific issues or follow specialized career paths.
Counseling options
Professional counselors and licensed mental health professionals have the tools, experience, and ability to treat various mental health concerns. In modern psychology, many counselors opt to provide services online, where they may offer more availability and flexibility to their clients. Additionally, counselors can reduce costs by working remotely instead of renting an office or commuting for appointments.
A growing body of evidence reveals that online therapy can be an effective option for mental health treatment. A study published in the peer-reviewed research Journal of Clinical Psychology examined information from over 100 different online counseling trials. The study found that overall attitudes between counselors and participants were as positive as in-person counseling. Other studies have shown online therapy to be a unique form of counseling, eliminating barriers associated with face-to-face counseling, such as stigma, cost, and time constraints, while being equally effective at treating mental health conditions and symptoms.
If in-person therapy is not viable, online therapy could be effective. Through a website like BetterHelp, you can find LPCs and other mental health professionals offering various specialties and techniques.
Takeaway
What is the difference between an LPC, LMFT, and LCSW?
In the field of mental health, LPC, LMFT, and LCSW are acronyms for different types of licensed professionals. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
LPC (licensed professional counselor)
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) will typically focus on mental health screening and counseling for individuals and groups. To become licensed, LPCs must complete a bachelor's degree and obtain a master's degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field. After completing their degree, they must complete a set amount of supervised clinical experience hours (depending on state licensure requirements) and pass a state licensure exam. In many states, LPCs must complete continuing education hours to remain licensed. LPCs can work in individual practice, hospitals, schools, and community mental health organizations.
LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist)
LMFTs tend to apply systemic and relational perspectives in therapy when treating individuals, couples, and families with issues like marital conflict, divorce, family relationships, and parenting challenges. For licensure, an LMFT must complete a bachelor's and then a master's degree in marriage, couple, and family counseling or a closely related field. Like LPCs, LMFTs must complete post-graduate supervised clinical hours, pass a licensing exam, and complete continuing education hours. Their training specifically emphasizes family systems and relationship counseling. In some states, LMFTs are eligible for LPC licensure, as well.
LCSW (licensed clinical social worker)
LCSWs may provide individual psychotherapy in special practice, but they also work in hospitals, community organizations, and government agencies, with a broader focus on societal issues as well as individual and family therapy. In addition to therapy, they might connect clients with social services, advocating, and addressing systemic problems like substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, and inequality. LCSWs must earn a bachelor's degree and then a master's in social work (MSW), complete supervised clinical hours, pass a licensing exam, and complete continuing education hours to maintain their license to practice.
Can a counseling psychologist diagnose?
Counseling psychologists are typically trained in assessment techniques for diagnosing psychological conditions, but state laws may differ on whether a counselor can provide a clinical diagnosis. If an LPC doesn't have the authority to diagnose in the state where they work, they must refer patients to another licensed professional that does, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
What can psychologists do that therapists cannot?
While a psychologist can be a therapist, not all therapists are psychologists. The term "therapist" can be used to describe anyone working in the mental health field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and family and marriage counselors. Although they can have any number of degrees in a variety of specializations, psychologists must have a doctoral degree in psychology. Here are some things that psychologists can do that therapists typically can't:
Administer psychological testing
Psychologists (especially clinical and counseling psychologists) are trained to administer and interpret a wide range of psychological tests and assessments. These might include cognitive tests, personality tests, neuropsychological assessments, and diagnostic assessments for mental health disorders. While counselors may use essential screening tools, they aren't generally trained or licensed to conduct more complex evaluations.
Diagnose psychological disorders
Psychologists are usually licensed to formally diagnose mental health disorders based on testing, assessments, and their clinical judgment. Depending on their state and licensure, therapists can typically assess and identify symptoms but might not have the training in using diagnostic tools or providing formal diagnoses without the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Conduct research and develop theories
Psychologists, especially those with more advanced degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), are trained in research methodology and statistical analysis, enabling them to conduct empirical research, develop psychological theories, and use current research in diagnosing and treating their patients. Some psychologists don't provide therapy but work exclusively as researchers or instructors. While they may engage in research, therapists typically do not have the same training in research methods as psychologists. Unlike psychologists, all therapists and counselors provide therapeutic services.
Specialize in specific disciplines
Psychologists may specialize in specific disciplines that therapists don't. For example, psychologists specializing in neuropsychology are trained to evaluate and treat individuals with brain injuries, neurological conditions, or cognitive impairments. Other specializations might include industrial-organizational, forensic, school, and rehabilitation psychology.
Supervise clinical training
Psychologists often supervise the training of graduate students, conduct internships, and offer supervision in hospitals, clinics, or universities. Therapists may supervise other therapists within their scope of practice but don't usually provide supervision for doctorate-level students.
What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
"Therapist" is a label that can apply to any mental health professional, including psychiatrists; however, most therapists aren't psychiatrists. The primary differences between psychiatrists and other types of mental health professionals lie in education, training, roles, and treatment approaches. Here are the fundamental differences:
Education and training
Therapists include mental health professionals like LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, or psychologists. They typically have master's and sometimes doctoral degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field, but they are not medical doctors. Therapists are trained primarily in psychotherapy and counseling techniques. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school, followed by a residency in psychiatry. After earning their medical degree, psychiatrists receive further training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders from a medical and pharmacological perspective.
Treatment approaches
Therapists specialize in providing psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") for clients with various mental health issues. They help clients process emotions, develop coping strategies, and work through psychological or relational problems in sessions. They don't typically prescribe medications but might work closely with a psychiatrist or physician if medication is needed.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who diagnose mental health disorders and manage mental illnesses through pharmaceutical treatments. While some psychiatrists do provide psychotherapy, their primary role is to assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders using a biological and medical approach. In addition to prescribing medications, some psychiatrists are trained in performing other medical treatments like electroconvulsive therapy.
Treatment focus
Therapists focus on helping individuals navigate emotional, psychological, and relationship issues through either short- or long-term talk therapy. They'll work with clients to develop coping strategies for stress and other life challenges, emotional and behavioral regulation, trauma processing, improvement in interpersonal relationships, and personal growth.
Psychiatrists typically focus on medical approaches to mental health treatment. Their work normally centers around diagnosing and managing more complex mental illnesses including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychosis, major depression, personality disorders, and severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Session structure
Therapists' sessions are scheduled regularly (weekly, biweekly) and typically last between 45-60 minutes. They focus on talk therapy, processing emotions, cultivating healthy coping mechanisms, and addressing specific concerns or challenges. After the initial diagnostic session, sessions with a psychiatrist tend to be shorter (typically about 15-30 minutes), as they focus more on measuring the patient's progress, assessing overall mental health, and adjusting medications as needed.
Do counselors and therapists have the same degree?
Counselors and therapists must earn a master's degree associated with their field of specialization, although therapists who are psychologists must earn a master's and a doctorate degree.
Should I see a clinical psychologist or a counseling psychologist?
Which type of psychologist you choose depends on your specific needs. Clinical psychologists typically focus on treating mental illnesses like psychosis, bipolar, and personality disorders. In contrast, counseling psychologists help patients with more generalized mental health issues like stress, interpersonal problems, and self-esteem issues. Both clinical and counseling psychologists can specialize in areas like rehabilitation, crisis, and education counseling.
Are therapists allowed to diagnose you?
Therapists with a degree and background in psychology or psychiatry are usually licensed and trained to assess and diagnose mental health issues. Therapists with a degree and background in counseling or social work don't usually evaluate and diagnose mental health issues.
Can a counselor diagnose?
Counselors aren't typically trained in using complex testing and assessment tools; therefore, they usually don't have the authority to diagnose mental disorders.
Why are psychiatrists paid more than psychologists?
How much psychiatrists and psychologists earn depends on many factors, including experience, background, and the role in which they work. On average, psychiatrists tend to be paid more because they earn a medical degree and must complete medical residency hours. In contrast, psychologists earn a doctorate without medical training and must complete clinical hours.
What type of psychologist is best?
The type of psychologist that is best for you depends on your needs. If you require treatment for a more serious mental health disorder, you may need to speak with a clinical psychologist who can provide an official diagnosis and treatment plan. If you require counseling for individual issues like challenges with self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, or addiction recovery, a professional counseling psychologist can help.
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