LCPC vs LCSW-C vs LMFT….
If you’ve ever Googled “therapy in Maryland” while mid-anxiety spiral, only to find yourself drowning in a sea of letters that look more like Wi-Fi passwords than career titles, you are not alone. LCPC, LGPC, LCSW-C, LMSW, LMFT, LGMFT… what do these even mean? Did the mental health field secretly recruit NASA to name its positions? Probably not. But if you’ve ever squinted at a therapist’s title and felt like you needed another therapist just to decode it, this post is for you.
As a trauma therapist (and an acronym decoder on the side), I hear it all the time: “Wait, are you a social worker or a counselor?” My favorite part? The look of mild panic when I say, “Neither. I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor, but I work right alongside social workers.”
First Things First: Why All the Letters?
The mental health field is alphabet-soup-central because each set of letters tells you what kind of license a professional holds, what their educational background is, and sometimes what stage of their licensure journey they’re in. Think of it like ordering coffee: are you getting a latte, a cappuccino, or an oat milk half-caf with light foam and trauma-informed support?
All of these acronyms mean the provider has gone through specific education, supervised clinical hours, and exams to practice therapy legally and ethically in the state of Maryland. But yes, it’s confusing. So let’s break it down.
LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
This is your fully licensed, seasoned pro in the counseling world. LCPCs typically have a Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field, have completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and have passed the National Counselor Exam or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. LCPCs can work independently and provide therapy for a wide range of issues—anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, you name it.
LCPC = “You want therapy in Maryland? I’ve got you.”
LGPC – Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor
This is the LCPC in training. LGPCs have finished their graduate degree and passed an initial licensing exam but are still working under supervision to rack up their hours. These counselors are often highly trained and up-to-date on current techniques—they just need a little more mileage before they’re flying solo.
I correct people every time they confuse LGPCs with interns. (Yes, they’re still supervised. No, they’re not fetching coffee.)
LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical
Now here’s where it gets spicy. Social workers and counselors often do very similar work—they provide therapy, support with trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions—you name it. But their educational paths are different.
LCSW-Cs hold a Master’s in Social Work and have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, plus exams. They’re fully licensed to practice therapy independently in Maryland.
So when someone says, “Isn’t that the same as an LCPC?” I smile and say, “In some ways, yes. In other ways, no.”
LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker
Similar to the LGPC, this is the graduate-level social worker who has completed their Master’s degree and passed an exam but is still earning clinical hours under supervision. They often work in therapy settings and can provide many of the same services as fully licensed therapists—just under oversight.
Social workers deserve recognition for the depth and breadth of their training and impact. Their training often includes policy, advocacy, and community systems in addition to mental health.
LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
If your anxiety stems from your partner chewing too loudly or your family being, well, your family, you might look for someone with this credential. LMFTs specialize in relational therapy—think couples, families, and systems.
They have a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field, and they complete extensive hours working with families and couples before earning this credential. They’re also fully licensed to work independently.
LGMFT – Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist
Just like it sounds, this is the in-training version of the LMFT. LGMFTs have finished their degree and are working under supervision as they gain hours toward full licensure.
Again, people often assume these folks are less competent. I gently remind them that LGMFTs are hungry. They’re current, they’re learning, and they’re showing up with fresh energy—and a supervisor on speed dial.
So… Who Should You See?
Honestly? It depends on your needs. If you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, or real support to navigate your stressors —any of these professionals can help.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Insurance: Some plans only cover fully licensed providers (LCPC, LCSW-C, LMFT). Others cover graduate-level providers (LGPC, LMSW, LGMFT) at a lower cost.
- Specialty: Look for therapists who list trauma, anxiety, or your concern of choice as a focus.
- Vibe check: Licensing matters, but the relationship is key. Read bios. Ask questions. Trust your gut.
A Note on Titles: Why Everyone Gets Confused
Even within agencies and wellness centers, social workers and counselors often work side-by-side, doing very similar therapy work. So it makes sense why the public lumps us together. But behind the scenes, our training paths and professional identities are distinct.
Social workers are often trained more broadly in systems, case management, and policy, with therapy being one track within the field. Counselors are more narrowly focused on psychological theory, diagnosis, and therapeutic technique.
So yes, we do similar work. Yes, we’re both amazing!!!
Final Thoughts
Can we take a moment to recognize that all of these disciplines are superheroes? Whether you’re talking to a counselor, social worker, or family therapist, each brings dedication, compassion, and expertise to the table.
And if all else fails, send this blog to a friend and say, “You’re welcome.”
Tags: therapy in Maryland, anxiety, trauma, mental health acronyms, LCPC vs LCSW-C, finding a therapist