LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
An LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is a master’s-level clinician licensed in Massachusetts to provide psychotherapy. The path runs through a graduate degree in counseling or a related field, thousands of supervised clinical hours, and state licensing exams. LMHC training emphasizes counseling theory and direct clinical practice.
The LMHC is one of the two most common therapy licenses you will meet in Massachusetts, alongside the LICSW. The counseling path tends to concentrate coursework on psychotherapy itself: theories of change, clinical technique, assessment, and ethics, with extensive supervised practice before independent licensure.
Several therapists on our team are LMHCs. As with every license type, the letters certify training and accountability; the therapy itself depends on the person, their specialties, and the fit between you.
Common questions
Can an LMHC diagnose mental health conditions?
Yes. LMHCs are trained and licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions with psychotherapy. What they do not do is prescribe medication; that requires a medical license.
Is an LMHC covered by insurance?
Generally yes; LMHCs are recognized providers with most commercial plans. Coverage always depends on your specific plan and whether the individual clinician is in your network, which we help you verify before starting.
Related terms
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