Definitions

There are numerous abbreviations commonly used in the fields of marriage and family therapy, psychology, counseling, and other mental health professions. We understand that it can be confusing at times, so we have defined all abbreviations used on our site.

Please note that when a clinician’s letters are listed as M.MFT, M.A., M.S., or TLMFT, they are Pre-Licensed Clinical Fellows. This means that they are working under supervision until they are independently licensed (i.e., LMFT).

  • B.A. = Bachelor of Arts

  • B.B.A = Bachelor of Business Administration

  • B.B.S. = Bachelor of Behavioral Science

  • B.F.A. = Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • B.M. = Bachelor of Music

  • B.P.S. = Bachelor of Professional Studies

  • B.S. = Bachelor of Science

  • Ed.D. = Doctor of Education

  • EMDR = Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

  • HDFS = Human Development and Family Studies

  • LMFT = Licensed Marital and Family Therapist

    • The Scope of Practice for LMFTs is defined in statute at Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-115 part (5). LMFTs may practice marital and family therapy. Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals in the context of family systems theory and practice, couples and families. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive, affective and behavioral problems and dysfunctions within the context of marital and family systems. They may administer and utilize appropriate assessment instruments which measure and/or diagnose cognitive, affective and behavioral problems and dysfunctions of individuals, couples, and families as part of the therapy process or in the development of a treatment plan (in the context of marital and family systems).

  • LPC-MHSP = Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Services Provider Designation

    • The scope of practice for an LPC-MHSP is defined in statute at Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-22-150, part (5). LPC-MHSPs may “prevent, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional or behavioral disorders and associated disorders which interfere with mental health,” as opposed to only those listed in the LPC scope of practice. They may make a diagnosis using methods and techniques which they are trained and educated to use, such as clinical interviews, observation and documentation of behavior demonstrating DSM criteria, and assessments of a non-psychological or projective nature that are also not intelligence tests.

  • M.A. = Master of Arts

  • M. Div. = Master of Divinity

  • M.E. = Master of Engineering

  • M.Ed. = Master of Education

  • M.D.R. = Master of Dispute Resolution

  • MT-BC = Music Therapist, Board Certified

  • M.MFT = Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • M.S. = Master of Science

  • Ph.D. = Doctor of Philosophy

  • SYMBIS = Save Your Marriage Before it Starts

  • TLMFT = Temporary Licensed Marital and Family Therapist