Here’s a comprehensive list of degrees and certifications for mental health and substance abuse therapists, including their full titles and abbreviations:

Associate Degrees (Entry-Level, Often for Support Roles)

  • Associate of Arts in Psychology (AA)

  • Associate of Science in Psychology (AS)

  • Associate of Applied Science in Substance Abuse Counseling (AAS)
     

Bachelor’s Degrees (Entry-Level for Some Counseling Roles)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA)

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS)

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

  • Bachelor of Science in Human Services (BSHS)
     

Master’s Degrees (Required for Licensure in Most Counseling Professions)

  • Master of Social Work (MSW)

  • Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)

  • Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)

  • Master of Education in Counseling (MEd)

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA-CMHC)

  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC)

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT)

  • Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS-MFT)

  • Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (MA-AC)

  • Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MS-AC)

  • Master of Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC)

  • Master of Psychology (MPsy or MPS)
     

Doctoral Degrees 

  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

  • Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

  • Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology (EdD)

  • Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)

  • Doctor of Rehabilitation Counseling (DRC)

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Licenses & Certifications for Mental Health Counselors

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – varies by state

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – varies by state

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – varies by state

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) – varies by state

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) – varies by state

Licenses & Certifications for Marriage & Family Therapists

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

  • Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT) – varies by state

Licenses & Certifications for Social Workers

  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Licenses & Certifications for Addiction/Substance Abuse Counselors

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

  • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)

  • Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)

  • Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)

  • Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) – issued by NAADAC

  • National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I & II (NCAC I, NCAC II)

  • Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) – for vocational rehab professionals

Board Certifications (Optional but Highly Regarded)

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC) – from NBCC

  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) – from NBCC

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – for behavior therapy

  • Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)

Each of these credentials has specific educational, experience, and exam requirements depending on the state or certifying organization.