A Guide to Acronyms in the Helping ProfessionsAUTHOR Don H. Morris DATE March 17, 2012COMMENTS: 29 Comments

Acronym Index

Introduction

Professional Degrees

Licenses

Certifications

Related Designations

Certification Boards

Professional Associations

Governmental Agencies

Corporate Titles

Peer Support Groups

Diagnostic Systems

Theories of Psychotherapy

Assessment Instruments

Forms of Businesses

Introduction

Are you confused by those strings of letters that appear on the business cards and

telephone listings of helping professionals? Here is a helpful list of some of the most

common abbreviations and acronyms. The designations are broken down into

several categories for your convenience. If you do not see the acronym you are

looking for in one category, check out the others. This is not an exhaustive list, so

the acronym you are looking for may not be here.Many professionals will list both a

license and a national certification. For example, a professional counselor may place

both LPC (for Licensed Professional Counselor) and NCC (for Nationally Certified

Counselor) after his/her name and degree.

Some helping professions, such as art therapy, are not licensed separately in many

states. In such cases, practitioners will be licensed in a related professional field,

and certified by a national association in their chosen profession. In the example

above, a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) may be licensed as a psychologist

(Licensed Psychologist), clinical social worker (LCSW), or professional counselor

(LPC).

Other professionals may have dual credentials, such as being licensed both as a

professional counselor (LPC) and a marriage and family therapist (LMFT). A clinical

social worker (LCSW) may also be certified as an employee assistance professional

(CEAP). This makes for extra designations on their business cards, letterheads, and

phone listings.

All of the helping professions have associations composed of persons who belong to

that profession or who share an interest in the advancement of that particular field.

Not all practitioners belong to the professional associations of their fields. Those

who do demonstrate a commitment to the standards of their profession.

Each helping profession has its own set of educational requirements. Some

professions, such as psychiatry and clinical psychology, require their practitioners to

earn doctorates (such as an MD, PhD, or PsyD). Others, including professional

counseling and social work, require only a master’s degree (such as an MA, MS, or

MSW). In the fields that allow a master’s degree for licensure, some practitioners

earn a doctorate in order to obtain advanced training and to teach in graduate

programs in their fields.

Some graduate training programs in the helping professions are offered by

seminaries and religiously-oriented colleges and universities. Degrees from these

institutions may reflect the religious content of the training (such as DMin, MDiv, or

MAR). Others offer the more familiar degrees as well (such as MA or MS).

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Professional Degrees

Almost all of the helping professions require training beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Most master’s degrees consist of from 36 to 60 semester hours. The Specialist in

Education degree requires additional training, usually 72 semester hours.

Doctorates typically require 90 to 100 semester hours.

To make it all more confusing, please be aware that some institutions of higher

learning reverse the order of the initials. For example, Master of Arts may be

abbreviated A.M. instead of the usual M.A.

Acronym Degree

DC Doctor of Chiropractic

DD Doctor of Dentistry

DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery

DMin Doctor of Ministry

DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice

DO Doctor of Osteopathy

DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy

DSN Doctor of Science in Nursing

DSW Doctor of Social Work

EdD Doctor of Education

JD Doctor of Jurisprudence

MD Medical Doctor

OD/DO Doctor of Optometry

PharmD Doctor of Pharmacy

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

PsyD Doctor of Psychology

EdS Specialist in Education

MA Master of Arts

MAR Master of Arts in Religion

MC Master of Counseling

MDiv Master of Divinity

MEd Master of Education

MHSc Master of Health Science

MN Master of Nursing

MNNP Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner

MPH Master of Public Health

MRC Master of Rehabilitation Counseling

MRE Master of Religious Education

MS Master of Science

MSN Master of Science in Nursing

MSS Master of Social Services

MSW Master of Social Work

MTh Master of Theology

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Licenses

Issued by states to allow professionals in the specified field to practice in that

jurisdiction. Each state sets its own requirements for education and training for each

profession it recognizes, although this is usually similar to national certification

standards (see next section). Typically, each state’s Department of Health has a

division of health-related boards to oversee the licensure process. Some states

register or certify cetain professions rather than issuing licenses. In such caes, the

appropriate acronym will be in the next section, Certifications

Acronym Credential

* Licensed Physician

* Licensed Psychiatrist

* Licensed Psychologist

LAMFT Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

LAPC Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

LCDC Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

LCMHC Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

LCPT Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist

LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LD Licensed Dietitian

LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor

LOT Licensed Occupational Therapist

LPT Licensed Pastoral Therapist

LPT Licensed Physical Therapist

LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

LPC Licensed Professional Counselor

LPN Licensed Practical Nurse

LSW Licensed Social Worker

RN Registered Nurse

RNP Registered Nurse Practitioner

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Certifications

Issued by boards created by professional associations to certify that a professional

has met the educational and training requirements to practice in the specified field.

NOTE: Some states register or certify certain professions rather than issuing

licenses. In such cases, the certification or registration is from the state rather than

from a professional association or other credentialing body.

Acronym Credential

ADTR Academy of Dance Therapists, Registered

AT-BC Art Therapist, Board Certified

AT-R Art Therapist, Registered

AVA Accredited Valuation Analyst

BC-DMT Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist

CA Chartered Accountant

CADAC Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

CAP Certified Addictions Professional

C-ASWCM Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager

CCH Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

CCMHC Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor

CDVC Certified Domestic Violence Counselor

CEAP Certified Employee Assistance Professional

CFA Certified Financial Analyst

CFE Certified Financial Examiner

CFP Certified Financial Planner

CFE Certified Fraud Examiner

CHT Certified Hypnotherapist

CIA Certified Internal Auditor

CMBC Certified Master Business Coach

COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

CPA Certified Public Accountant

CPC Certified Pastoral Counselor

CPC Certified Professional Counselor

CPT Certified Poetry Therapist

CRC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

CRT Certified Rehabilitation Teacher

DAPA Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association

DTR Dance Therapist, Registered

MAC Master Addictions Counselor

MCC Master Certified Coach

MFCC Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor

MT-BC Music Therapist, Board Certified

NCAC Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor

NCC Nationally Certified Counselor

NCCC Nationally Certified Career Counselor

NCGC Nationally Certified Gerontological Counselor

NCSC Nationally Certified School Counselor

PA-C Physician’s Assistant, Certified

PCC Professional Certified Coach

RCC Registered Corporate Coach

RD Registered Dietitian

RPT Registered Poetry Therapist

RN Registered Nurse

RPh Registered Pharmacist

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Related Designations

Acronym Designation

BCD Board Certified Diplomate (in a specialty)

CDF Career Development Facilitator

CDP Chemical Dependency Professional

CDS Chemical Dependency Specialist

CEDS Clinical Eating Disorders Specialist

CS Clinical Specialist (nursing)

MHPP Mental Health Paraprofessional

MHS Mental Health Specialist

MHSP Mental Health Services Provider

PA Physician’s Assistant

QCDC Qualified Chemical Dependency Counselor

QCSW Qualified Clinical Social Worker

QMHP Qualified Mental Health Professional

QMRP Qualified Mental Retardation Professional

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Certification Boards

These are bodies that are formed by professional associations in order to establish

standards for education and training for members of the profession. Boards create

exams that ensure prospective professionals can demonstrate a knowledge of

critical elements of the profession. Boards usually also set standards for continuing

professional education, and monitor members in compliance.

Acronym Board

ADT Academy of Dance Therapists

ABE American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work

ABPTS American Board for Physical Therapy Specialists

ANCC American Nurses Credentialing Center (and other boards for various specialities)

ACPE Association for Clinical Pastoral Education

AER Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired

CCE Center for Credentialing and Education

CRCC Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification

CBMT Certification Board for Music Therapists

FBPT Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy

NBCCH National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists

NBAE National Board Of Addiction Examiners

NBCC National Board for Certified Counselors

NBCOT National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

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Professional Associations

Most national associations have regional and state affiliates or chapters as well. This

list is limited to the United States unless designated as “international”. Many other

countries have similar associations of their own.

Acronym Professional Association

AANP American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

AAPC American Association of Pastoral Counselors

AATA American Art Therapy Association

AAACM American Association of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

AACM American Association of Chinese Medicine

AAMFT American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

AAPH American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists

ACA American Chiropractic Association

ACA American Counseling Association

ADTA American Dance Therapy Association

ADA American Dietitic Association

AMA American Medical Association

AMHCA American Mental Health Counseling Association

AMMA American Medical Massage Association

AMTA American Massage Therapy Association

AMTA American Music Therapy Association

ANA American Nurses Association

AOA American Optometric Association

AOA American Osteopathic Association

APA American Psychoanalytic Association

APA American Psychiatric Association

APA American Psychological Association

APA American Psychotherapy Association

APTA American Physical Therapy Association

APHA American Public Health Association

AOTA American Occupational Therapy Association

ASCA American School Counselors Association

ABMP Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals

CSWF Clinical Social Work Federation

EAPA Employee Assistance Professionals Association

IAC International Association of Coaches

ICF International Coach Federation

NAADAC National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

NAFC National Association of Forensic Counselors

NAPT National Association for Poetry Therapy

NASP National Association of School Psychologists

NASW National Association of Social Workers

NECA National Employment Counselors Association

OAA Opticians Association of America

WABC Worldwide Association of Business Coaches

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Governmental Agencies

Here are a few of the acronyms of U.S. and U.N. agencies related to the helping

professions.

Acronym Agency

CDC Centers for Disease Control

CMHC Community Mental Health Center (many centers across the nation)

CMHS Center for Mental Health Services (HHs)

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FDA Food and Drug Administration

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

HHS Department of Health and Human Services

NIH National Institute of Health

NIMH National Institute of Mental Health

WHO United Nations World Health Organization

VA Department of Veterans Affairs

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Corporate Titles

Here are a few of the acronymsfor the most common senior executives in

corporations.

Acronym Agency

CAO Chief Administrative Officer

CCO Chief Communications Officer

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CFO Chief Financial Officer

CIO Chief Information Officer

COO Chief Operating Officer

CTO Chief Technical Officer

CD Creative Director

HRD Human Resources Director

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Peer Support Groups

Self-help groups are composed of individuals who share a common experience who

meet together for support and recovery. Although these groups are not organized or

conducted by professionals, their acronyms are frequently encountered in

publications and discussions of mental health issues, and are included here.

Acronym Support Group

AA Alcoholics Anonymous

ACOA Adult Children of Alcoholics

Al-Anon Family Support Group for Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Ateen Child Support Group for Alcoholics Anonymous

CA Cocaine Anonymous

CODA Co-Dependents Anonymous

Debtors Anon Debtors Anonymous

FAA Food Addicts Anonymous

GA Gamblers Anonymous

MA Marijuana Anonymous

NA Narcotics Anonymous

OA Overeaters Anonymous

SLAA Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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Diagnostic Systems

There are two major systematic classifications of diseases and conditions in use in

the United States. Both systems are regularly updated as scientific knowledge

increases and opinions of professionals change about the nature of disease. Below

are the more common acronyms still in use today.

ICDAInternational Classification of Diseases, Adapted for the United States.

Acronym System

DSM-III Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition. (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1981.)

DSM-III-R Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised. (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1987.)

DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.)

DSM-IV-TR

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.)

DSM-V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.)

ICD-9 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. (World Health Organization, 1977.)

ICD-9-CM International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. (World Health Organization, 1979.)

ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. (World Health Organization, 1989.)

ICD-10-CM

International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification. (World Health Organization.)

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Theories of Psychotherapy

There are more than five hundred theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Many

of these are not referred to by acronyms, such as psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy,

and client-centered therapy. Here is a partial list of some of the theories that do use

an abbreviation. Some of these theories or methods are not accepted by all mental

health professionals.

Acronym Theory

ABA Applied Behavior Analysis

BM Behavioral Medicine

BT Behavioral Therapy

CI Crisis Intervention

CT Cognitive Therapy

CBT Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming

PET Parent Effectiveness Training

PCP Personal Construct Psychology

PCT Personal Construct Theory

REBT Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy

RET Rational-Emotive Therapy

RT Rational Therapy

STEP Systematic Training for Effective Parenting

TA Transactional Analysis

TM Transcendental Meditation

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Assessment Instruments

This is a list of some of the more popular tests and measures used by helping

professionals. There are many hundreds of measures that have been published, so

this list contains only a fraction of those available.

Acronym Instrument

BDI Beck Depression Inventory

BVMGT Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test

CAT Children’s Apperception Test

CPI California Psychological inventory

CTP California Test of Personality

JPI Jackson Personality Inventory

MBTI Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

MMPI-2 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Second Edition

16PF Sixteen Personality Factor Scale

STAI State-Trait Anger Inventory

STAI State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

SB-LM Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Forms L and M

SB-IV Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition

SB-V Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition

TAT Thematic Apperception Test

WAIS Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

WAIS-R Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Revised

WAIS-3 Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition

WISC Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

WISC-R Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Revised

WISC-3 Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition

WPPSI Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence

WPPSI-R Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Revised

WPPSI-3 Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition

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Forms of Businesses

A professional practice that has established a partnership or corporation for tax and

other legal purposes will have one of the following acronyms as part of the name of

the company. A Professional Association (PA) is a group practice comprised of a

number of professionals in the same field who have formed separate corporations

or partnerships as well.

Acronym Business

* Sole Proprietorship

* General Partnership

DBA Doing Business As

LLC Limited Liability Company

LLP Limited Liability Partnership

PA Professional Association

PC Professional Corporation

PLLC Professional Limited Liability Company

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CEDAWAcronym

Definition

CEDAW Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (est. 1982; UN)

CEDAW Convention to Eliminate Discrimination against Women (est. 1979; UN)

CEDAW Component Explosives Damage Assessment Workbook (reference for blast effects software modeling)

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