Who Provides Therapy? Understanding Credentials
We get it-sorting through all the different titles and degrees can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down in a simple, client-friendly way:
Master’s Level Therapists: The Heart of Mental Health Care
At EMDR Trauma Therapy Center, most of our therapists are master’s-level clinicians who have completed extensive education and hands-on training to be licensed mental health professionals. In Florida, there are three main types:
- LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Each holds a graduate degree (usually a Master’s in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage & Family Therapy), followed by two years of supervised internship and hundreds of hours of clinical work. Here’s how they differ:
LMHCs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health concerns using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness. They often work with trauma, anxiety, depression, and more.
LCSWs not only provide therapy but are also experts in social systems and community support. They offer a holistic lens-especially helpful for clients dealing with complex life situations, grief, or health challenges.
LMFTs are relationship specialists. They’re trained to help couples and families understand communication patterns and repair emotional connections. They also work with individuals from a systems perspective.
Doctoral-Level Providers (PhD, PsyD)
Licensed psychologists hold doctoral degrees and are highly trained in assessment, therapy, and research-backed interventions. Both PhDs and PsyDs can provide therapy, and many also offer psychological evaluations and specialty care for complex cases.
Medication Management Providers
Sometimes therapy is just one part of the puzzle. At EMDRTT, we also offer medication management through our experienced nurse practitioners. They work alongside our therapists to support clients with a full, integrated care plan. For more complex psychiatric needs, clients may also work with a psychiatrist.
Therapy Should Feel Personal-Because Healing Is
With four locations across Florida-Fleming Island, Inverness, Jacksonville (Riverside), and Saint Augustine-and online services available statewide, our goal is to make therapy accessible and personalized. We have nine amazing therapists in Fleming Island alone, along with online clinicians and medication providers who are passionate about tailoring care to each client’s needs.
Our support team is also here to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and match you with someone who fits-not just based on insurance or availability, but on your goals, style, and comfort.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, burnout, or simply feeling stuck-therapy offers a place to breathe, reflect, and reset. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself anymore.
Ready When You Are
No pressure. No expectations. Just a chance to feel a little more like yourself again.
Call us at 904-375-2353 or visit emdrtt.com to get started