When working with mental health providers, you may notice a lot of degrees, licenses, certifications, registrations or other designations — and wind up befuddled by this "alphabet soup." You may wonder if the more initials providers have after their name, the more qualified they are to treat you.

Although higher degrees and certifications generally indicate that a mental health provider has pursued advanced training and education, there isn't necessarily a direct correlation to the quality of your care. You may be just as happy with someone who has a master's degree as with someone who has a doctoral degree and is board-certified by several organizations.

In any case, understanding what all of those letters mean can help you sort out your choices for a mental health provider. Here are some you may come across.