What is the difference between a MFT, LCSW, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?
• MFT or LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or marital and family therapy. Emphasis is on primary service in counseling and psychotherapy from a variety of therapeutic orientations with individuals, couples, families, and groups. • LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Emphasis on primary service in psychosocial diagnosis, assessment and treatment, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation and research. • Psychologist: Possesses a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field with a license to practice therapy and conducts psychological testing and research. • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry. Emphasis on primary service in prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medications and sometimes offers psychotherapy.
MFT and LCSW’s are master’s level prepared clinicians that solely provide counseling and intervention services. A psychologist is a doctoral level clinician trained in counseling and intervention as well, however psychologists additionally have specialized training in assessment. A psychiatrist is a medically trained professional that specializes in the chemical treatment of mental disorders, and is the only licensed mental health professional capable of prescribing medication.
MFT and LCSW’s are master’s level prepared clinicians that solely provide counseling and intervention services. A psychologist is a doctoral level clinician trained in therapy and intervention as well, however psychologists additionally have specialized training in assessment. A psychiatrist is a medically trained professional that specializes in the chemical treatment of mental disorders, and is the only licensed mental health professional capable of prescribing medication.
