Licensure Definitions

What is an LCSW? 

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a master’s-degreed mental health service provider who is independently licensed. They are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders, who work to help clients achieve optimum mental and emotional health. 

What is a CSW? 

A Clinical Social Worker (CSW) is a specialty practice area of social work which focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances. This is a social worker’s version of an associate license: i.e., under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician. They have graduated from a Master’s program and passed their examination and are working towards independent licensure. 

What is an MSW Intern?

A Master’s in Social Work Intern (MSWi) is a key component of any Master of Social Work program. MSW Interns are in school and have not graduated yet. They are under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician along with university faculty that are part of an accredited program. Counseling equivalent is CMHCi and MFT equivalent is MFTi. 

What is a CMHC?

A Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) is a master’s degree mental health professional who is independently licensed. They treat the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects of mental health and substance use conditions. They work with individuals, families, couples, and groups in a variety of settings.

What is an ACMHC? 

An Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) is a master’s degree mental health professional who provides the same care you would receive from a CMHC. ACMHC is the counseling equivalent to CSW and AMFT is the marriage and family equivalent. All three of these are all on the same level: associates who have graduated with a Master’s degree and working towards independent licensure. 

What is an LMFT? 

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is a mental health professional who is independently licensed and has obtained a master’s degree in psychotherapy and family systems and has completed all the state requirements for obtaining a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. 

What is an MFT?

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional who is obtaining a master’s degree in psychotherapy and family systems. Upon completion of a rigorous, fully accredited training program the MFT may obtain licensure, which grants them the ability to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the framework of marriage, couples, and family relationships. An MFT has the same roles and responsibilities as an LMFT. 

What is an AMFT?

An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) has obtained a master’s degree, has the same roles and responsibilities as an MFT, and is in the process of completing the state requirements for obtaining a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. 

Mental health therapists in all their forms work diligently to help individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns in a safe environment.