Differences Between Counselor, MSW, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Therapist, and Meditation Teacher
Differences between Human Service Providers
Vicki Foreman
National Louis University
Prof Practice and Ethics in Human Services
HSC 511
October 23, 2011
Table of Contents Differences between Human Service Providers: 3 LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor or LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor: 3 MSW or Master of Social Work: 4 Psychiatrists: 5 Clinical Psychologist: 5 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors: 5 Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): 6 Mental Health Nurses: 6 Life Coaching: 7 Conclusion: 7 References 10
Differences between Human Service Providers:
There are many different types of Licensed Mental Health Professionals or Human Service Providers. A ‘Counselor’ is a general term that can apply to any person giving guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems. A counselor can also apply to a person that leads a group at a children’s camp. Therefore simply being a counselor does not qualify anyone as a Mental Health Professional. The term counselor is very board, does not require licensure and everyone within the Human Service field is considered a counselor.
Licensed Mental Health Professional differs mostly in the education and training they receive. Some of those differences are as follows:
LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor or LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor:
An LPC license can also be called a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Illinois according to the National Board for Certified Counselors. This licensing occurs at the state and national level and requires a master’s degree in counseling, 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a state licensing exam. LPC’s are regulated by federal and state laws that define the title and scope of the practice and stipulate certain client protections. An LPC must adhere to a code of ethics on the state and national level. The state of Illinois requires passing the National Counselor
Vicki Foreman
National Louis University
Prof Practice and Ethics in Human Services
HSC 511
October 23, 2011
Table of Contents Differences between Human Service Providers: 3 LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor or LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor: 3 MSW or Master of Social Work: 4 Psychiatrists: 5 Clinical Psychologist: 5 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors: 5 Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): 6 Mental Health Nurses: 6 Life Coaching: 7 Conclusion: 7 References 10
Differences between Human Service Providers:
There are many different types of Licensed Mental Health Professionals or Human Service Providers. A ‘Counselor’ is a general term that can apply to any person giving guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems. A counselor can also apply to a person that leads a group at a children’s camp. Therefore simply being a counselor does not qualify anyone as a Mental Health Professional. The term counselor is very board, does not require licensure and everyone within the Human Service field is considered a counselor.
Licensed Mental Health Professional differs mostly in the education and training they receive. Some of those differences are as follows:
LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor or LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor:
An LPC license can also be called a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Illinois according to the National Board for Certified Counselors. This licensing occurs at the state and national level and requires a master’s degree in counseling, 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a state licensing exam. LPC’s are regulated by federal and state laws that define the title and scope of the practice and stipulate certain client protections. An LPC must adhere to a code of ethics on the state and national level. The state of Illinois requires passing the National Counselor
References: (2011). What is the difference between an LCSW, LPC, MSW and PHD in a therapist? Retrieved from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101002175408AAcnTwZ Burger, W. R. (2011). Human services in contemporary America (8th ed.). : Kingsborough Community College City Univ of NY. Mental health professional. (2011). In History of Mental Health Professionals. Retrieved October 23, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health_professional State Licensure Information, National Board for Certified Counselors § et seq. (National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc 2011).