Wondering what all these acronyms mean? We've got you!
Degree Types
MSW – Master of Social Work
A graduate degree in social work. Someone with an MSW may go on to pursue a clinical license (like an LICSW) that allows them to provide therapy, or they may focus on connecting people with resources, advocacy, and community support.
MA/MS – Master of Arts / Master of Science
These are graduate-level degrees in counseling, psychology, or a related field. An MA or MS is the educational foundation that allows someone to apply for Nebraska’s licensure as a PLMHP, and eventually an LMHP or LIMHP.
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
A graduate-level nursing degree that provides advanced clinical training. In mental health, earning an MSN is often the pathway to becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
A doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. A PhD indicates advanced study, research training, and clinical preparation. PhD-level therapists may provide counseling, psychological assessment, and testing.
Licenses and Certifications
PLMHP – Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
In Nebraska, this is the first level of licensure after completing a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. A PLMHP can see clients and provide therapy but must work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional while they gain the hours of experience required for independent practice.
LMHP – Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
An LMHP in Nebraska is licensed to provide counseling and therapy independently. They can assess, diagnose, and treat a range of mental health concerns, though more complex diagnoses sometimes require a higher level of licensure (LIMHP).
LIMHP – Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner
This is the highest counseling license in Nebraska. LIMHPs have advanced training and experience that allow them to work independently and diagnose/treat major mental health disorders without supervision.
LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor
“LPC” is a counseling license recognized in many states. In Nebraska, it often overlaps with the LMHP license, though some therapists hold both. An LPC means the counselor has completed graduate-level training, passed licensing exams, and is authorized to provide therapy.
PCMSW – Provisionally Certified Master Social Worker
In Nebraska, this is the provisional credential for social workers who have completed a master’s degree but are still under supervision. It’s the step before full independent licensure.
LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
In Nebraska, this is the clinical license for social workers who have advanced training and supervised experience. LICSWs can provide counseling and therapy independently, as well as offer specialized support for individuals, families, and communities.
LADC – Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
A professional credential in Nebraska for clinicians trained to assess and treat substance use and addiction. LADCs often provide counseling, education, and support for individuals and families.
NCC – National Certified Counselor
This is a national credential (not state-specific) that shows a counselor has met extra professional standards set by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It’s an added sign of commitment to high-quality, ethical practice.
LP – Licensed Psychologist
In Nebraska, an LP is a doctoral-level clinician licensed to practice psychology. Licensed Psychologists can provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and perform psychological testing and assessments.
APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
A nurse with a graduate degree (such as an MSN) who is licensed for advanced clinical care. APRNs can diagnose and treat health conditions, and some specialize in psychiatric care.
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
An APRN with specialized training in mental health. PMHNPs can provide therapy, assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe psychiatric medications. They often work alongside therapists and other providers to offer comprehensive care.
Therapy Approaches
CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. It helps people notice unhelpful patterns and learn practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
DBT – Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Originally developed to support people with intense emotions, DBT teaches skills for mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships. It blends acceptance (meeting yourself where you are) with strategies for change.
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
This approach is often used for trauma. By pairing eye movements (or similar exercises) with recalling difficult memories, EMDR helps the brain process the past so it feels less overwhelming in the present.
ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT encourages people to accept what they can’t control, notice difficult thoughts without getting stuck in them, and take actions guided by personal values. It’s about building a meaningful life even alongside challenges.
IFS – Internal Family Systems
IFS imagines the mind as having different “parts”—like the critic, the protector, or the hurt inner child. Instead of fighting these parts, therapy helps them work together in balance, guided by a person’s core “Self.”
