LGBT Therapists
MN's lesbian gay
bisexual transgender & allied
mental health providers' network

Finding Help

How to Choose a Mental Health Provider
Shopping for a Therapist
Consider Therapy if…
Queer or Not Queer
Therapists and Therapies
Credentials / Licensure
Licensure Versus Non-Licensure
Questions To Ask...
Making the Choice

Credentials / Licensure

On the average, most professionals in the mental health fields spend between two and seven years beyond a Bachelor degree in graduate education and internships and possess either a Master of Arts or Sciences (MA/ MS) or Doctorate degree.

Most professionals must be licensed by the state or jurisdiction in which they practice. Licensure laws are intended to protect the pubic by limiting licensure to those persons who meet a set of predetermined criteria as defined by state law. These laws are governed by various state Boards. Any complaints regarding licensed professionals can be directed to these agencies. In Minnesota, renewal of this license depends upon the demonstration of continued competence and requires continuing education.

Licensure Categories

Most of LGBT Therapists members are licensed under one or more of the following categories:

ACSW
Academy of Clinical Social Workers

CEAP
Certified Employee Assistance Professional

DCSW
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

LADC
Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor

LAMFT
Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

LGSW
Licensed Graduate Social Worker

LICSW
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

LP
Licensed Psychologist

LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

MAC
Master Addiction Counselor

MALP
Masters Level Psychologist

MEd
Master in Education

MSEd
Masters of Science in Education in Community Counseling

MSW
Masters of Art in Social Work

MSSW
Masters of Science in Social Work

PsyD
Doctor of Psychology

RN
Registered Nurse