When you start looking for help with anxiety or depression, the letters after people's names can be confusing. They are not interchangeable. Each one is a separate license under Michigan's Public Health Code, with its own training path and limits. The good news is that the choice is usually simpler than it looks: first decide whether you want therapy, medication or both, then check that the person is licensed for it.
The short version
- Psychologist (LP): doctoral-level training; provides therapy and psychological testing; does not prescribe in Michigan
- Limited licensed psychologist (LLP): master's degree in psychology; provides therapy; does not prescribe
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC): provides counseling and psychotherapy; does not prescribe
- Licensed master's social worker (LMSW): can provide clinical assessment and psychotherapy; does not prescribe
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): a separate Michigan license; ask about couple and family work
- Psychiatrist (MD or DO): a physician who specializes in mental health; can prescribe and may also provide therapy
- Nurse practitioner (NP): an advanced practice nurse; can prescribe, and some focus on mental health
Psychologists: LP and LLP
Under Michigan law (MCL 333.18223), a full psychologist license requires a doctoral degree in psychology, or a closely related field, from a qualifying program, plus at least a year of postdoctoral experience in a health care setting. That license is what LP after a name signals. Michigan defines the practice of psychology (MCL 333.18201) as assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional concerns through psychotherapy, counseling, psychological tests and similar means. The same section says it does not include the practice of medicine, such as prescribing drugs.
A limited license, shown as LLP, requires a master's degree in psychology and supervised postgraduate experience. For years, Michigan required LLPs to work under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist. That changed with Public Act 114 of 2026, which took effect on October 9, 2026. As of November 2026, LLPs who were licensed on that date may practice without supervision, limited to what their education, training and experience qualify them to do. The state also issues temporary and educational limited licenses to people still completing their training.
What this means for you: an LP and an LLP can both be skilled therapists. The difference is the level of training behind the license. It is reasonable to ask any psychologist which license they hold and how long they have practiced.
Counselors: LPC and limited licensed counselors
Michigan's counseling law (MCL 333.18101) defines a licensed professional counselor as someone licensed to practice counseling without supervision. A limited licensed counselor practices under the supervision of an LPC. Clinical counseling under the law includes psychotherapy and the diagnosis and treatment planning of mental and emotional disorders. The same section excludes prescribing drugs and bars counselors from presenting themselves as psychologists or social workers.
Social workers: LMSW and LBSW
Michigan licenses social workers at two levels (MCL 333.18501). Master's-level practice can include specialized clinical work: assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, including individual, couple, family or group psychotherapy. Bachelor's-level practice (LBSW) is different; the law specifically excludes psychotherapy from it. Neither level includes prescribing. If you want therapy from a social worker, look for the master's license.
Marriage and family therapists: LMFT
Michigan licenses marriage and family therapists as a separate profession, and LARA lists the license among the health professions you can look up. If a relationship is part of what is weighing on you, ask any therapist whether they see couples as well as individuals.
Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners
The American Psychiatric Association explains that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. After medical school, psychiatrists complete four years of psychiatry residency. Because they are physicians, they can order medical tests and prescribe medication, and they often combine medication with psychotherapy.
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses. Under MCL 333.17211a, they may prescribe nonscheduled prescription drugs on their own, and controlled substances as a delegated act of a physician. Some nurse practitioners specialize in psychiatric and mental health care. Your primary care doctor is another common starting point for medication questions.
Medication decisions always belong to a prescriber. If you already take something for mood or anxiety, talk with your prescriber before changing anything. Finding a Psychiatrist or Prescriber for Medication in Michigan covers how to find one.
Which one fits anxiety or depression?
- You want to talk through what is happening and change patterns: a psychologist, LPC, LMSW or LMFT
- You want psychological testing as part of an evaluation: ask a psychologist
- You want to know whether medication could help: a psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner or your primary care doctor
- Your symptoms are severe or not improving: often both, with a therapist and a prescriber who coordinate with your written permission
Beyond the license, fit matters. Experience with anxiety and depression in adults, a way of working that makes sense to you, and practical details like hours, location and fees all count. How to Choose a Licensed Psychologist in Michigan walks through those questions.
How to check a license on LARA
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) runs a free public lookup. It takes a couple of minutes:
- Go to LARA's "Find / Verify a Licensed Professional or Business" page and choose the profession under Health Professionals, such as Psychology, Counseling, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapy, Medicine or Nursing
- In the state license search, enter the person's first and last name, or their license number if you have it
- Check the license type: "Psychologist" is the full license, while "Masters Limited Psychologist" is an LLP
- Check that the status is active and note the expiration date
- For extra reassurance, the same LARA page links to disciplinary action reports
A clinician will not be offended that you checked. Dr. Lehmann, for example, is licensed in Michigan as a Psychologist, license number 6301016040. She provides anxiety therapy and depression therapy for adults in Franklin or by telehealth within Michigan, and she does not prescribe.