Therapists, psychologists and counsellors have a range of credentials and licenses. Here are a few you may come across when seeking the right professional. What you should know is that only Registered Psychologists should be using the term or title "psychologist" or "psychology" in British Columbia.  While some other professionals offer to write "Psychological Evaluations" or skirt the rules by using psychological tests and calling their report a "Psycho-Educational Report" recent supreme court findings about this limits the use of the term psychology to those registered with the College. For more information on this you can contact the British Columbia Psychological Association or the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. In most jurisdictions a licensed or registered professional is required to complete one to two years of supervised clinical experience, take and pass a written exam, and often take and pass exams in professional ethics as well as oral examinations. Feel free to ask any professional you consider seeing about their level of education, experience and the requirements for their registration or license.

Academic Degrees

PhD
Doctor of philosophy. This academic degree is earned in four to seven years. Many psychologists, therapists, counselors and coaches hold a doctorate of philosophy. A PhD in psychology teaches theory as well as statistics and data gathering. Many PhDs go on to work in academic settings, as researchers and professors. Psychologists with a PhD are also fully trained in the assessment and treatment of all behavioral conditions, from anxiety and depression to anger and resentment. (American Psychological Association) Most PhDs complete approved internships during and then after graduation. Usually this involves two years of internship. The highest level of approval are internship approved by either the American or Canadian Psychological Association. It's a good idea to ask if your therapist completed an APA or CPA approved internship.

PsyD
Doctor of psychology. The PsyD is a terminal degree, like a PhD However, the PsyD focuses on therapy and counseling rather than research. The degree was developed in the late 1960s to address the need for practitioners. In the last 30 years, the PsyD has become increasingly popular. (American Psychological Association)

MA (or MS, MC)
A master of arts, master of science, or master of counseling can be earned in counseling, psychology or related fields. It usually requires two years of post-collegiate study. Many MA programs also require a thesis. Many counsellors and social workers hold a master's degree, and many PhD psychologists earn a master's en route to earning their doctoral degree. (American Psychological Association)

CAGS
A Certificate of Advance Graduate Studies (CAGS) is a one or two year post masters program usually taken in order to specialize in a new field such as school psychology.

MD
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who, after completing medical school, receive an additional four years of clinical training in mental health specialties. Psychiatrists treat emotional and mental disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication. These professionals may treat psychiatric disorders with therapy in conjunction with psychotropic medications. (American Psychiatric Association)

DO, Psychiatry
Doctors of osteopathic medicine 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 above only. (American Osteopathic Association)

MSW
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. (National Association of Social Workers)

EdD
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 (American Psychological Association)

Professional Licenses

Reg Psych (Registered Psychologists)
In British Columbia psychologists are required to be registered with the College of Psychology, a government approved regulatory board. They are required to hold a doctorate in psychology (5-7 years) and usually hold a master level degree prior to that. Additionally they are required to complete two full years of clinical supervision and are required to take and pass a national professional examination (EPPP), a B.C. ethics exam and an oral examination. Finally, each year Registered Psychologists are required to complete specific continuing education requirements to maintain their registration. In some states psychologists have hospital privileges, and can prescribe medications. Here in B.C. they can not and you need to see a psychiatrist or other medical doctor for medication. Psychologists in B.C. do, however, diagnosis and provide treatment for mental disorders, learning disabilities and related problems.

LCSW (or ACSW, LCS, LICSW, CSW, RSW)
The licensed or registered clinical social worker  (British Columbia has Registered Social Workers) has a graduate academic degree, has completed supervised clinical work experience and has passed a national- or state-certified licensing exam. This advanced practitioner holds a license or registration that allows him or her to receive health-care insurance reimbursements.Usually social workers complete two years of clinical experience and pass a national exam. In BC there is now an additional level of advanced registration for social workers. (National Association of Social Workers)

RFT (or MFT/MFCC)
The licensed or registered marriage and family therapist has a graduate academic degree (a 2- to 3-year master's degree or a 3- to 5-year doctoral degree), clinical work experience and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. Most states offer this license. Along with the two- to three-year full-time masters programs with a practicum and internship, RFTs are required to complete 1,000 hours of individual or family therapy with 100 hours of supervision. This can take one to three years. In British Columbia family therapists belong to BCAMFT and are called Registered Family Therapists. Unlike most US states they are not required to take a licensing exam. (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)

LP (or NCPsyA)
The licensed psychoanalyst has obtained his license from the state department of education (requirements vary from state to state). Recipients must have a master's degree or higher, and completed psychoanalytic study in a program deemed qualified by the state DOE. The LP must complete a supervised psychoanalysis program and pass a state-certified examination. (New York State Department of Education)

RCC  (or LCPC, LMHC, DAC, MFCC)
Licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counsellor are called Registered Clinical Counsellors in British Columbia. In most jurisdictions a licensing qualification is granted to those who have advanced training, a graduate academic degree, clinical work experience and have passed a state-certified licensing examination. Usually this includes 1-2 years of supervision totalling several thousand hours. In British Columbia RCC's do not take a written or oral exam, and the qualifying experience is limited to a few hundred hours. Members of the Canadian Clinical Counsellors Association, called CCCs, have fewer requirements in terms of experience and there are no required written or oral examinations for the CCC status. Most jurisdictions use the NCC certification and exam (see below) for licensing or registration at this level. (American Counseling Association)

Additional Credentials You May Find

APRN (or APN, ARNPP, MHN)
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) have a master's degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. These nurses are eligible to be licensed as therapists. APRNs provide a range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, and groups, and function as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers or administrators. Many states require certification by a national body prior to practicing. Once licensed, APRNs are authorized to prescribe medications. (American Nursing Association)

ATR, ATR-BC
Registered art therapist. Art therapists are trained in both art and therapy and hold a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. Upon completion of the ATR degree, professionals may seek further certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, (ATCB). To obtain certification, the therapist must have postgraduate supervised experience and pass a written examination administered by the board. The ATR-BC credential requires maintenance with continuing education courses to keep standards high. All art therapists work with individuals, couples, families or groups. They often work as part of a team in settings such as community outreach programs, schools, nursing homes, corporations and independent practices. (American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy Credentials Board)

DMin
The doctor of ministry 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. A minister who specialized in pastoral counselling usually has been certified as a pastoral counsellor by taking Clinical Pastoral Education classes (CPE).(The Association of Theological Schools)

BCD
Board certified diplomate. This board certification is granted to practitioners—whether they are social workers, counsellors, psychologists, among other mental health professionals. These individuals have demonstrated a high level of competency and experience in their field. There are a number of "vanity" boards which some practitioners sign up for. If your mental health practitioner has special designations ask what they mean and if they required specific supervised experience and exams to obtain. Many of these vanity boards only require an application and payment.

ABPP
Board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Certification assures that specialists have successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements, including an examination designed to assess competency.

ABFP
Board certification by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP), or the "Forensic Board." The Forensic Board is an affiliate of the ABPP that offers a Diploma in Forensic Psychology to those psychologists who satisfactorily complete the requirements for achieving Specialty Board Certification. (American Board of Forensic Psychology)

NCC
The Nationally Certified Counselor is the certification issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), an independent organization that grew out of the American Counseling Association (ACA). The NBCC is an independent certification body. NBCC and ACA work together to further the profession of counseling. The ACA concentrates on membership association activities such as conferences, professional development, publications and government relations. The NBCC focuses on promoting quality counseling through certification. NBCC's flagship credential is the National Certified Counselor (NCC). It also offers specialty certification in several areas: school counseling: the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC); clinical mental health counseling: the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC); addictions counseling: the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). (National Board of Certified Counselors)

Finally, some therapists don't have formal training, and their services may not be covered by health insurance. Also, not all states or provinces require therapists to hold a license.