A licensed psychologist is a clinician who has obtained a doctoral degree in psychology, completed their postdoctoral residency, and passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. A licensed psychologist is able to provide individual therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as family therapy, couples counseling and group therapy. In addition, licensed psychologists are able to offer consultation services and supervise the clinical training of other mental health professionals. A licensed psychologist is able to provide mental health services independently once approved by the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners.
A postdoctoral psychology resident is a clinician who has obtained a doctoral degree in psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D). A postdoctoral psychology resident is only able to provide mental health services under the supervision of a state approved licensed psychologist. Postdoctoral psychology residents are permitted to provide individual and group therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as family or couples counseling. They are also able to conduct psychological evaluations and run groups. A postdoctoral psychology resident must have obtained a permit from the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners in order to provide mental health services.
A predoctoral psychology intern is a clinician who is in the process of completing a doctoral degree in psychology, has completed their clinical competency examination, and has been approved by the Director of Clinical Training at their educational institution to embark on internship . Typically, a predoctoral intern has completed three or four years of doctoral education, clinical training in a variety of settings, and may be working on their dissertation. Predoctoral psychology interns are in the last phase of their clinical training before receiving their doctorate degree. They provide mental health services for a minimum of one year under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. Predoctoral psychology interns are able to provide individual therapy services to children, adolescents and adults, as well as offer family therapy, couples counseling and run therapeutic groups. Predoctoral interns are also able to conduct psychological evaluations.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a clinician who has obtained a master's degree in counseling. An individual who possesses an LPC has passed the National Counselor Examination and has completed 4,500 hours of direct clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. A LPC is able to provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults, as well as family and couples/marriage counseling depending on their specialization. A LPC has been approved by the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee of New Jersey to provide mental health services independently.
A Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) is a clinician who has obtained a master's degree in counseling. An individual who possesses an LAC has already passed the National Counselor Examination and is in the process of completing 4,500 hours of direct clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. A LAC obtaining clinical hours is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). A LAC is able to provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults, as well as family and couples/marriage counseling. A LAC is only allowed to provide therapy services once approved by the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee of New Jersey.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) is a clinician who has obtained a master’s degree in social work, with at least 12 credits focused in the areas of assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy and/or clinical practice, and interventions with special populations and/or clinical supervision and consultation. An individual who possesses an LCSW has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination and has completed 3,000 hours of direct clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. A LCSW is able to provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults, as well as family and couples/marriage counseling. A LCSW must be approved by the New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners to provide mental health services.
A Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is a clinician who has obtained a master’s degree in social work. An individual who possesses an LSW has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters Level Examination and is in the process of completing 3,000 hours of direct clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. A LSW obtaining clinical hours are working towards obtaining their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. A LSW is able to provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults, as well as family and couples/marriage counseling. A LSW is only allowed to provide mental health services once approved by the New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners.
A Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) is a clinician who has obtained a master’s degree in an addictions or counseling-related field. An individual who possesses an LCADC has passed the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium oral and written examinations and completed 3,000 hours of clinical training under supervision. A LCADC is able to provide individual and group therapy services to individuals with substance use disorders and/or their loved ones. A LCADC is also able to conduct substance abuse evaluations. A LCADC is only able to provide substance abuse counseling independently after obtaining approval from the New Jersey State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselors Committee.
A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is a clinician who has obtained a high school diploma/GED or higher and taken 270 credits of specialized courses related to alcohol, drugs and addiction. An individual who possesses a CADC has passed the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium oral and written examinations, completed 3,000 hours of clinical work under supervision, and attended 30 self-help meetings. A CADC is able to provide individual and group counseling services to individuals with substance use disorders and/or their loved ones, under the supervision of a licensed professional. A CADC is also able to conduct substance abuse evaluations. A CADC is not allowed to diagnose substance use disorders independently. A CADC is only able to provide substance abuse counseling after obtaining approval from the New Jersey State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselors Committee.
Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals who treat individuals, couples, and families. Their approach is often family systems based, even in the treatment of individuals. They evaluate family roles and development to better understand how a client’s family may play a role in their mental health. LMFTs have graduate training (either a Masters or Doctorate degree), at least two years of direct clinical experience, and they have passed the National Licensing Exam for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) are mental health professionals who are gaining hours to become fully licensed LMFTs. Associate Marriage and Family Therapists have already completed their masters degree, as well as at least one year of clinical training that consists of individual, couples, and family therapy. AMFTs, are required to complete 3,000 hours of direct client counseling, while working under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.