17 Types of Therapists: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Written By Whitney Houston

Therapy can be life-changing, but with so many types of therapists, how do you know which one is right for you?

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationships, trauma, or personal growth, understanding different mental health professionals can help you find the best fit.

In this guide, we'll break down:
✅ 17 types of therapists and what they do
✅ The difference between state licensure and specialty certifications
✅ How to find a licensed therapist online
✅ Why choosing a licensed provider matters

If you're in Virginia, Phases Virginia offers expert, licensed mental health care for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and more.

Are There Really 17 Types of Therapists?

All licensed therapists are trained in fundamental mental health techniques and evidence-based interventions. They receive extensive education and supervised clinical training to work with individuals experiencing a wide range of diagnosable mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, relationship challenges, and more. While some therapists pursue specialized training in areas like trauma, addiction, or couples therapy, all licensed mental health providers are equipped with the core skills necessary to support clients with diverse mental health needs.

Online, you’ll see lists of 17 or more types of therapists, but in reality, only a few are licensed providers. The rest are specialists who must hold a state-issued license (such as LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Ph.D./Psy.D.) before practicing therapy.

Without a state-regulated license, a person cannot legally provide therapy, psychotherapy, or mental health counseling. While life coaches, grief coaches, or wellness counselors may offer emotional support, they are not licensed mental health providers.

Breaking Down the 17 Types of Therapists

Licensed Providers (Can Legally Provide Therapy)

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LCPC, LMHC)

  • Provides talk therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions

  • Helps individuals, couples, and groups develop coping strategies

  • Uses evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Works in private practice, hospitals, schools, and community mental health centers

  • Requires a master’s degree in counseling and state licensure

  • Can specialize in areas like trauma, addiction, grief, or career counseling

  • Some LPCs offer teletherapy and virtual counseling for accessibility

  • State-specific variations: LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

📍 Phases Virginia offers professional counseling with licensed LPCs specializing in CBT, DBT, and trauma therapy.

2. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LISW)

  • Trained in therapy and social work, addressing both mental health and social issues

  • Works with trauma survivors, individuals in crisis, and those experiencing addiction

  • Connects clients with housing, financial, and healthcare resources

  • Uses CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused interventions

  • Requires a master’s in social work (MSW) and state licensure

3. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

  • Specializes in relationship and family dynamics

  • Helps couples navigate communication, trust issues, and conflict resolution

  • Works with families dealing with divorce, parenting challenges, and blended family issues

  • Uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method

  • Requires a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and licensure

4. Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

  • Can diagnose and treat complex mental health disorders

  • Specializes in CBT, trauma therapy, and psychological testing

  • Often works in hospitals, research institutions, and private practice

  • Can provide long-term therapy or short-term intervention

  • Requires a doctorate in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and licensure

5. Psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O.)

  • A medical doctor who specializes in mental health and psychiatric medication

  • Can diagnose depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more

  • Often prescribes medication but may also provide therapy

  • Works in hospitals, private practices, and community mental health settings

  • Requires a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) and psychiatry residency training

What is the difference between LCP and LCSW?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) share many similarities in that both are trained mental health professionals who provide therapy for individuals, couples, and groups. They both use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. However, their educational backgrounds and approaches to care differ. LPCs typically have a master’s degree in counseling and focus primarily on talk therapy and psychological interventions. LCSWs, on the other hand, have a master's degree in social work and are trained to address both mental health and broader social issues, such as connecting clients with community resources, advocacy, and case management. While both can work in private practice, hospitals, or mental health clinics, LCSWs are more commonly found in settings like social services, schools, and community organizations where they provide both therapeutic and systemic support.

Specialist Therapists and What Makes Them Unique

When it comes to therapy, not all therapists are the same. Some mental health professionals go beyond their standard training to develop specialized skills that help them support clients with specific challenges. Whether it's working with trauma survivors, helping people overcome addictions, or guiding children through emotional struggles, these specialists bring unique expertise to the table.

Specialist therapists must first hold a state-issued license—such as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Ph.D.—before they can pursue additional certifications. These advanced credentials ensure they have the extra training necessary to provide targeted treatment. For example, trauma therapists may train in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), while addiction counselors obtain certification in substance abuse treatment methods.

What sets specialist therapists apart is their ability to tailor their approach to specific client needs. They use advanced techniques and evidence-based practices to address complex issues more effectively than general therapists. If you're looking for therapy that’s tailored to a specific concern, working with a specialist might be the right choice. Understanding the differences between various specialists can help you find the best fit for your mental health journey.

6. Trauma Therapist (EMDR, TF-CBT, CPT Specialist)

🔹 Uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
🔹 Helps clients recover from PTSD, abuse, and severe trauma

7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT Specialist)

🔹 Specializes in changing negative thought patterns
🔹 Treats anxiety, depression, and OCD

8. Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT Specialist)

🔹 Helps clients manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships
🔹 Common for borderline personality disorder and self-harm prevention

9. Addiction Counselor (LADC, CADC, LCAS)

🔹 Treats substance abuse and behavioral addictions

10. Sex Therapist (AASECT Certified)

🔹 Helps individuals and couples with sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, and trauma

11. Child and Adolescent Therapist

🔹 Uses play therapy, CBT, and behavioral interventions for children

12. Grief Counselor

🔹 Supports individuals processing loss and bereavement

13. Art Therapist (ATR-BC)

🔹 Uses creative expression to process emotions

14. Music Therapist (MT-BC)

🔹 Incorporates music interventions for mental and emotional healing

15. Psychoanalyst

🔹 Uses Freudian-based deep therapy to explore unconscious thoughts

16. Pastoral Counselor

🔹 Integrates faith and spirituality with mental health counseling

17. Psychotherapist (General Term)

🔹 This is a broad term that includes LPCs, LCSWs, and psychologists.

Why Choose Phases Virginia?

At Phases Virginia, we offer:
✅ Licensed therapists (LPCs, LCSWs, and psychologists)
✅ Variety of specialty areas
✅ Virtual therapy options
✅ Superbills for clients seeking insurance reimbursement

📍 Start therapy today at Phases Virginia.

What makes our therapy different?

Modern logotherapy, now often referred to as meaning-centered therapy (MCT) or existential positive psychology, has evolved into an evidence-based practice (EBP) backed by research in psychology and neuroscience. Originally developed by Viktor Frankl, logotherapy emphasizes that finding meaning in life—even in suffering—can be a powerful force for resilience and well-being. Today, studies show that meaning-making interventions are effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and PTSD, particularly in populations facing existential crises, chronic illness, or major life transitions.

Current research supports logotherapy as an EBP because it integrates well with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In practice, meaning-centered approaches help clients reframe distressing experiences, strengthen personal values, and enhance psychological flexibility. Clinical trials have demonstrated that MCT reduces emotional distress, increases life satisfaction, and improves coping mechanisms—making it a valuable tool in modern mental health treatment.

At Phases Virginia, we incorporate these principles alongside other proven interventions to help clients not only process and manage symptoms but also build a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in their lives.

Online Therapy Across Virginia – Phases Virginia

At Phases Virginia, we provide secure, online therapy for individuals, young adults, parents, and athletes across Virginia. Our licensed therapists specialize in anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, PTSD, and relationship challenges, as well as life transitions, adolescent therapy, sports therapy for athletes, and mental performance coaching. We also offer parent and family support for those raising children with behavioral or developmental diagnoses.

We proudly serve clients in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties), Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Roanoke, Charlottesville, and beyond. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, stress management, or mental health support, we’re here to help.

Take the first step today. Visit phasesvirginia.com to schedule your online therapy session in Virginia.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist can transform your mental health. Remember to:
✔ Verify their license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Ph.D./Psy.D.)
✔ Look for specialty training if needed
✔ Use online directories and schedule a consultation

If you’re in Virginia and need therapy, contact Phases Virginia today!

Whitney Houston
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