Discounted & Affordable Therapy Options | Learn More About Our Associate Therapists Program >>
Discounted & Affordable Therapy Options | Learn More About Our Associate Therapists Program >>
You’ve decided to look for a therapist in Arizona – good job, that’s often the hardest part! But now you’re staring at a list of names with letters after them: LPC, LMFT, LAC, LAMFT, Intern. What does any of that mean? And does it matter for you?
It does – but not in the way you might think. A longer string of letters doesn’t automatically mean better care. What matters is finding someone whose training, approach, and availability match what you’re actually dealing with. This page breaks down what each credential means in plain terms, so you can make that call with confidence.
These credentials represent a progression – from student training through supervised practice to full independent licensure. Each stage requires more hours, more exams, and more experience than the last. Each of our therapists is supervised by the Clinical Director.
| Stage | Credential | What it means | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – Student | Intern | Associate Therapist Interns are graduate students in supervised clinical training – not yet licensed Best fit for: Cost-conscious clients, mild to moderate concerns – see associate therapist program |
Cost-conscious clients, mild to moderate concerns – see associate therapist program |
| 2 – Associate | LAC | Licensed associate counselor – degree complete, building hours, supervised Best fit for: Individual therapy, often more affordable |
Individual therapy, often more affordable |
| 2 – Associate | LAMFT | Licensed associate MFT – degree complete, building hours, supervised Best fit for: Couples & family therapy, often more affordable |
Couples & family therapy, often more affordable |
| 3 – Licensed | LPC | Fully licensed professional counselor – independent practice Best fit for: Complex or long-term issues, insurance billing |
Complex or long-term issues, insurance billing |
| 3 – Licensed | LMFT | Fully licensed marriage & family therapist – independent practice Best fit for: Couples, families, relationship patterns |
Couples, families, relationship patterns |
Arizona therapists may also hold additional credentials alongside their primary license:
Denise Stanfield
LPC
Donnella Corey
LPC
An LPC is a fully licensed, independent mental health professional. They have completed a master’s degree, logged 3,200 hours of supervised clinical work, and passed a national licensing exam. They can diagnose, treat, and bill insurance independently – no supervision required.
If you’re looking for the most experienced level of care, or if you have a complex situation involving trauma, personality disorders, or co-occurring conditions, an LPC is a strong fit.
Insurance: LPCs can bill BCBS and Aetna directly.
Natasha Lopez
M.S, LMFT, LCADC
An LMFT specializes in relationships – couples, families, and the patterns that shape how we connect with the people closest to us. Like an LPC, an LMFT is fully licensed and independent, with a master’s or doctoral degree and thousands of hours of supervised experience.
If your primary concern involves your relationship, your family system, or how your upbringing is affecting your present life, an LMFT’s training is specifically built for that work.
Insurance: LMFTs can bill BCBS and Aetna directly.
Brianna McBride
LAMFT
Jasmin Roumina
LAMFT
An LAMFT is the associate-level equivalent for marriage and family therapy. They’ve graduated with a degree in MFT, hold a state provisional license, and are working toward their full LMFT under clinical supervision. Their training is specifically focused on relational and systemic approaches – couples, families, and how people function within their relationships.
Like an LAC, an LAMFT brings full graduate-level training at a supervised stage of their career. If your focus is on your relationship or family, an LAMFT’s specialized background is directly relevant.
Insurance: Associates at AZRI can bill BCBS and Aetna under supervision.
Lynell Jones
LAC
Rebecca Seskind
LAC
Carla Beedy
LAC
An LAC has completed their master’s degree in counseling and is fully credentialed by the state of Arizona – they’re just not yet at the independent license stage. They work under the supervision of a licensed clinician while they complete the 3,200 post-graduate hours required to earn their LPC.
Working with an LAC doesn’t mean you’re getting less qualified care. It means you’re working with someone who has completed their full graduate training, is actively supervised, and is often more affordable than a fully licensed therapist. Many clients specifically seek out associates for that combination of quality and value.
Insurance: Associates at AZRI can bill BCBS and Aetna under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Siarra Reed
Intern
Interns are graduate students actively completing their clinical training as part of their master’s or doctoral program. They work under close dual supervision – from both their university and their clinical site – and carry a smaller caseload than licensed or associate therapists.
Seeing an intern isn’t a compromise. Many clients find that interns bring fresh energy, recent training, and a high level of engagement to their sessions. Interns are also the most affordable option we offer.
If cost is a barrier to getting the support you need, working with one of our interns is a real and valid path to care.
If you have questions about a specific therapist’s background or whether their training is a good fit for what you’re going through, reach out to us – we’re happy to help you find the right match.