A Guide to Acronyms in the Helping

Professions
AUTHOR Don H. Morris DATE March 17, 2012
COMMENTS: 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 masters degree (such as an MA, MS, or
MSW). In the fields that allow a masters 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 bachelors degree.
Most masters 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 states 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

Physicians 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

Physicians 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-IVTR

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-10CM

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

Childrens 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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CEDAW
Acron
ym

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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