Seeking and Finding Wholeness

If you are considering attending a school to become a mental health professional (counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc) you probably found that you have many degree options. Psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counselor, social workers and others have different degree and licensing options.

If you are considering seeking assistance from a mental health practitioner but feel lost when you see the different degrees and their abbreviations, this article will help you.

This article compiles all the academic degrees that all kinds of mental health professionals need to acquire. In the next article I will discuss all the certificates and licenses used by mental health professionals.

Let’s start:

PhD
PhD stands for a Doctor of philosophy. This academic degree is earned after anywhere from four to seven years of graduate study.

Many psychologists, therapists, counselors and coaches hold a doctorate of philosophy.

A PhD in psychology emphasizes research and teaches theory as well as statistics and data gathering. A lot of the PhD holders work in academic settings, as professors or researchers.

If a PhD graduate who does not work in academic setting usually practices as a Psychologist. Psychologist are fully trained in the assessment and treatment of all behavioral conditions ( i.e. anxiety, depression, anger, etc).

(Source: American Psychological Association)

PsyD

PsyD stands for Doctor of psychology. PsyD focuses on therapy and counseling rather than research.

This degree was developed in the late 1960s to address the need for mental health practitioners. In the last 30 years, the PsyD has become increasingly popular. (Source: American Psychological Association)

MA or MS, MC

MA stands for a master of arts. MS stands for a master of science and MC stands for master of counseling. An MA, MS or MC offer education in areas such as counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and others.

These degrees usually require two years of post-collegiate study. Many MA programs also require a thesis.

Many counselors and social workers hold a master’s degree.

Many PhD psychologists earn a master’s en route to earning their doctoral degree.

(Source: American Psychological Association)

MD
MD stands for Medical Doctors. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Psychiatrists complete medical school then go on to receive an additional four years of clinical training in mental health specialties.

Psychiatrists treat emotional and mental disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists  treat psychiatric disorders with therapy in conjunction with psychotropic medications.

(Source: American Psychiatric Association)

DO, Psychiatry

DO stands for Doctors of osteopathic medicine. DOs have the same medical school training and licensing requirements as MD’s with an emphasis on the neuromuskuloskeletal system.

Some DO psychiatrists perform osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMT) in conjunction with prescribing medication, and traditional therapy. Others may elect to mirror the techniques of the MD.

Source: (American Osteopathic Association)

MSW

MSQ stands for Master of social work.

A social worker works with an individual in the context of the wider community. He or she helps those dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, drug abuse or foster-care issues, among many others. Social workers often practice therapy on their own or in settings such as schools, clinics, or government agencies. The MSW typically requires two to four years of study.

(Source: National Association of Social Workers)

EdD

EdD stands for Doctor of education.

Professionals with EdDs practice therapy just as those with PhDs. Many of these professionals are trained in child development and education, sometimes with a focus on educational planning and assessment. Some work as school superintendents, principals or directors of nonprofit organizations. The MEd is a master’s level degree in education that typically takes two years to earn. A total of four years of study is usually necessary to receive an EdD

(Source: American Psychological Association)

DMin

DMin stands for Doctor of Ministry. A DMin is an advanced professional degree for those in the practice of ministry. It differs from a PhD in that its focus is on competence in the practice of ministry rather than on advanced academic research.

There are different tracks of study: in Pastoral Ministry, for example, degree candidates must first receive a master of divinity or the equivalent, and have at least three years’ experience in full-time pastoral ministry.

(The Association of Theological Schools)