Types of Mental Health Therapists in Ohio

Types of Therapists – Mental Health Credentials Explained

If you’ve ever looked into getting mental health support and found yourself overwhelmed by all the titles—therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist—you’re not alone.

It’s totally normal to feel unsure about who does what or which type of professional might be the right fit for your needs. At Blue Boat Counseling, we want to make things a little easier to understand. Let’s break down the different types of mental health providers and the credentials behind their names so you can feel more confident in making an informed choice when starting your therapy journey.

Counseling vs. Therapy – What’s the Difference?

You’ll often hear the terms counseling and therapy used interchangeably—and that’s okay. In everyday conversation, they pretty much mean the same thing. But if we’re getting technical, “counseling” is a specific profession, while “therapy” is a broader term that refers to a range of mental health treatments provided by licensed clinicians.

So, a licensed counselor provides counseling, but they’re also trained to use various therapeutic techniques. Other mental health professionals—like social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists—also offer therapy, but with different educational paths and scopes of practice.

Let’s dive into the most common credentials you’ll see and what they actually mean.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC, LPCC, LPCC-S)

Counselors are trained to help people work through life’s challenges using evidence-based strategies and therapeutic techniques. In Ohio, you might see the credentials LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), or LPCC-S (with a supervisory designation).

How counselors become licensed in Ohio:

LPC: Earn a master’s degree in counseling, complete a practicum and internship, and pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
LPCC: Gain 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after LPC licensure, plus pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE).
LPCC-S: Complete an additional year of clinical experience and specialized training in supervision.

So if you’re seeing an LPC or LPCC, know they’ve put in years of education, experience, and training to support clients with a wide range of mental health needs. They have the most focused training in counseling specifically.

More details about the counselor credentialing process in the state of Ohio can be found on the Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist board’s website.

Licensed Social Workers (LSW, LISW, LISW-S)

Social workers do more than most people realize! Many provide mental health support in private practice, community agencies, schools, and hospitals. They understand not just emotional wellness but also how social systems—like healthcare, education, or housing—affect mental health.

In Ohio, social workers are licensed at different levels:

LSW: Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and passing a licensing exam.
LISW: Requires a master’s in social work and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
LISW-S: Additional experience and training in supervising other social workers.

Social workers often take a holistic approach—considering emotional health as well as social systems, family dynamics, and access to resources.

Ohio’s Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board has more information on what is required to become a social worker in the state of Ohio on their website.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT, IMFT, IMFT-S)

Marriage and family therapists specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families—especially when relationship dynamics are part of the concern.

To become a licensed MFT in Ohio, someone needs:

A graduate degree in marriage and family therapy
Supervised clinical experience
Passing the AMFTRB licensing exam

To move up to IMFT (Independent Marriage and Family Therapist), more supervision and experience is required. And for IMFT-S, therapists complete advanced training in supervision.

These therapists often take a systems-based approach, looking at how family dynamics and relationships impact your wellbeing.

You can find out more about the scope of work for a marriage and family therapist on The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy’s website.

Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and are trained in both therapy and psychological assessment. They often work with clients experiencing complex mental health conditions or provide evaluations for ADHD, learning differences, and other neuropsychological issues.

To become a licensed psychologist in Ohio, someone must:

Complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Pass the national EPPP exam
Complete 3,600 hours of supervised experience

Psychologists often specialize in clinical work, education, or research. Many work in private practice, schools, or hospitals. You’ll also find them in academic settings.

You can find out more about licensing requirements and laws pertaining to psychologists on the Ohio Board of Psychology’s website. The APA’s website also provides valuable information about the science of psychology and a psychologist’s scope of practice.

Psychiatrists (M.D. or D.O.)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and often work with people who have more complex psychiatric needs.

To become a psychiatrist in Ohio, someone must:

Earn a medical degree
Complete a psychiatry residency
Become board-certified and licensed as a physician

Psychiatrists often work alongside therapists and counselors to provide medication management when needed.

You can learn more about psychiatrists’ scope of practice on the American Psychiatric Association’s website.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

PMHNPs are advanced practice nurses who specialize in mental health. Like psychiatrists, they can prescribe medication and often focus on both physical and emotional health.

PMHNP training includes:

Earning a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Specializing in psychiatric mental health care

They may work in hospitals, private practices, or integrated care settings. PMHNPs often work in collaboration with other mental health providers and can provide care across the lifespan—from children to older adults.

You can find out more about PMHNPs on the nurse.org website where they describe the career path in detail.

Do Your Research and Ask Questions

Choosing the right therapist can feel like a big decision, and that’s okay. A little research goes a long way. Here are a few tips as you explore your options:

Check out their website and online presence
Review their credentials, experience, and specialties
Look up unfamiliar terms or titles
Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions

And remember—you don’t have to figure it all out alone; it’s ok to ask questions. Your mental health matters, and you deserve to feel comfortable with the provider you choose.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you find the right fit.

Start Your Therapy Journey with Blue Boat Counseling

If you’re looking for therapy in the Columbus, Ohio area and still aren’t sure which type of professional is right for you, our team at Blue Boat Counseling is here to help. We’ll match you with someone who fits your needs—whether you’re looking for individual, teen, or couples therapy.

Get in touch with us here to start your journey.

Note: This article is intended to help potential clients understand common mental health credentials and roles. Licensing requirements are accurate at the time of writing but may change.

For the most current information, please visit the official websites of the Ohio licensing boards or national credentialing organizations. If you’re a student or professional looking for specific licensing steps, please consult the appropriate boards: