Have you ever searched for a therapist and felt totally overwhelmed by all the letters after their name? You’re not alone. Trying to figure out the difference between an LCMHC, LPC, CST, LMFT, CMT or ATR can feel like trying to read alphabet soup. These acronyms can get confusing with the type of treatment or therapy too.
There are so many different ones in the medical and mental health field. But understanding what these certifications mean can really help you find the right person for your needs. Just like physicians, therapists are not created equal. You would never see a dermatologist about kidney health.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, dealing with relationship issues, healing from trauma, or just looking for someone to talk to, there are different types of certified therapists out there. Each one has a slightly different focus, training, and style. You may even benefit from seeing more than one depending on your experience. So let’s break down what these certifications mean, how they’re similar, how they’re different, and what people often want to know when searching for support.
What Is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)?
A Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, often shortened to LCMHC, is a professional who helps people deal with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life stress. To become licensed, they must complete a master’s degree in counseling or psychology, spend thousands of hours working under supervision, and pass a licensing exam in their state.
LCMHCs are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups using talk therapy to help people feel more balanced, confident, and emotionally healthy. They focus on understanding thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and they teach clients helpful tools like coping strategies, communication skills, and emotional regulation techniques.
In many states, an LCMHC can also diagnose mental health conditions and create treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique situation. However, they cannot prescribe medication. If someone needs that kind of support, an LCMHC will often collaborate with a medical doctor, APRN, or psychiatrist.
People often wonder if they need to be “really struggling” to see someone like an LCMHC. The answer is no. You don’t need to wait until you’re in a crisis. These counselors can help you work through daily stress, personal growth, or just feeling “off.” Many people find that having a regular space to talk and process feelings makes a huge difference in their lives.
What Does an LPC-MHSP Do?
An LPC-MHSP, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation, is very similar to an LCMHC. In fact, these two roles often do the same kind of work—the main difference is in the title and the state in which the person practices. For example, the LPC-MHSP title is commonly used in Tennessee.
The MHSP designation means that the counselor has met additional requirements that allow them to treat more complex or severe mental health issues. These might include things like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other conditions that need more specialized knowledge and training.
An LPC-MHSP uses a mix of talk therapy approaches to support clients in improving their mental health. They might use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, trauma-informed care, or a combination of strategies tailored to the client’s goals.
If you see this title, it means the counselor has gone through extra training and supervision specifically focused on mental health treatment. This can give you peace of mind if you’re looking for someone to help with deeper or more long-standing issues.
People often ask if LPC-MHSPs can diagnose or prescribe medication. Like LCMHCs, they can diagnose and develop treatment plans but cannot prescribe medication. However, they frequently work as part of a team that includes psychiatrists or primary care doctors when medication is part of the client’s treatment plan.
What Is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST)?
A CST, or Certified Sex Therapist, is a therapist who has gone through advanced training in sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. This certification is granted by AASECT, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. It’s a respected organization that sets high standards for professionals working in the field of sex therapy.
To become a CST, a therapist must already hold a clinical license—like an LCMHC or LMFT—and then complete specialized education and supervision in human sexuality. This includes learning about sexual function, pleasure, sexual identity, trauma, consent, and healthy relationships.
Certified Sex Therapists help people work through a wide range of concerns. These can include low or high desire, differences in sexual preferences between partners, pain during sex, sexual trauma recovery, sexual pleasure exploration, trauma surrounding sexual orientation or gender identity, or just wanting to feel more confident and connected in their sexuality.
A common question people ask is whether sex therapy is only for couples. The answer is no—many individuals seek sex therapy on their own to explore personal concerns. Another thing people often wonder is if sessions are awkward or uncomfortable. CSTs are trained to create a safe, respectful space where you can go at your own pace and talk about what feels right for you.
Sexual arousal and touching is NOT part of legal and ethical sex therapy practice. Sex therapy is about helping you understand and improve a key part of your life with care, compassion, and expertise.
What Is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or LMFT, is a mental health professional who specializes in relationships. Whether it’s couples, families, or individuals dealing with past or present relational struggles, LMFTs are trained to see how our connections with others impact our emotional health.
LMFTs earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and complete clinical training focused on communication, family systems, emotional patterns, and conflict resolution. They often help clients work through challenges like marital conflict, parenting struggles, family breakdowns, or even trauma passed down through generations.
While LMFTs are especially known for working with couples and families, they also work with individuals. You don’t have to be in a relationship to benefit from their help. Many people seek out LMFTs to heal old wounds from their family of origin, process a breakup, or learn healthier relationship habits.
People sometimes worry that couples therapy means “something is wrong” with their relationship. But LMFTs aren’t just for people in crisis. Many couples see a therapist to strengthen their bond, improve communication, or work through a life transition together.
An LMFT sees the bigger picture. Instead of only focusing on one person’s thoughts and feelings, they look at the patterns in relationships, how people respond to each other, and how small shifts in communication or behavior can create meaningful change.
What Is a Registered Art Therapist (ATR)?
A Registered Art Therapist, or ATR, is someone who combines the power of creativity with the science of mental health. These professionals have specialized training in both art and therapy, and they use creative expression as a key tool for healing.
Art therapy is especially helpful for people who have a hard time putting their thoughts and feelings into words. This can include children, teens, people healing from trauma, or even adults who just feel “stuck” in traditional talk therapy.
An ATR has a master’s degree in art therapy and completes supervised experience working with clients. They use materials like drawing, painting, clay, collage, and other creative methods to help people explore emotions, build self-awareness, and work through challenges.
Many people worry they have to be “artistic” to go to art therapy, but that’s not the case. Art therapy is not about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing what’s going on inside. It’s a different, often more freeing way to process emotion.
Art therapists also talk with their clients and help them reflect on what comes up during the creative process. It’s a powerful blend of emotional support and hands-on exploration that can unlock insight in new ways.
Which Therapist Is Right for You?
The best therapist for you depends on what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. If you’re looking for general mental health support, someone like an LCMHC or LPC-MHSP might be a great fit. If you’re struggling with relationship issues or family dynamics, an LMFT could be the right choice. If you’re curious about exploring your sexuality or dealing with intimacy challenges, a CST can help. And if you feel like talking isn’t enough—or you just want a more creative way to heal—an ATR might be exactly what you need.
Each of these professionals is highly trained, deeply caring, and ready to support you in different ways. The most important thing is finding someone you feel safe and comfortable with. Therapy is a personal journey, and it’s okay to ask questions, explore your options, and take your time finding the right fit.
Therapy Shouldn’t Be Confusing
Understanding therapy certifications doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Now that you know what those letters mean, you’re one step closer to finding the help you deserve. Each of these roles—whether it’s an LCMHC, LPC-MHSP, CST, LMFT, or ATR—represents a different path to healing. And no matter which path you take, you’re not alone.
If you’re curious about therapy, but unsure where to start, reach out to a few providers and ask for a consultation. You can simply say, “Here’s what I’m looking for—can you help?” That one conversation might be the beginning of something life-changing.
