Therapist is the general term used to describe all mental health professionals. These professionals can be further subdivided according to their type of training and expertise. Patients are urged to carefully screen potential providers, because some people advertise themselves as therapists or psychotherapists without completing a formal training, certification or licensure process.
Types of mental health professionals include:
Psychiatrist. A licensed doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) who has specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. After finishing medical school, psychiatrists must complete four years of residency training in the field of psychiatry. Many psychiatrists undergo additional training so that they can further specialize in such areas as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry or addiction psychiatry. This extensive medical training enables the psychiatrist to understand the body's functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses.
Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications to patients. “Board certified” psychiatrists have passed the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology’s national examination, and all psychiatrists should have a state license to practice. Since the treatment of mental disorders requires teamwork, psychiatrists collaborate with other mental health professionals on the treatment of the same patient. While the other professionals provide some form of talk therapy or psychosocial interventions, the psychiatrist typically concentrates on managing the patient’s psychiatric medications.
Psychologist. A mental health professional with specialized training in psychology, which focuses on the functions of mind, including behavior and cognition. Psychologists have earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D ) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), degree, and has also met state or provincial licensing criteria. They have supervised work experience in psychological research, testing, evaluation and therapy. They may specialize in certain areas of study, and those who diagnose and treat mental illnesses are usually known as clinical or counseling psychologists. Some receive additional training and specialize in treating certain demographic groups (such as children or adults) or conditions (such as personality disorders).
Clinical psychologists often work in clinics, counseling centers, hospitals and private practices and diagnose and evaluate mental and emotional disorders. Psychologists use tools such as cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy and hypnosis to treat patients. They conduct interviews and psychological tests, and may implement complex treatment programs, often in conjunction with psychiatrists and other mental health specialists. Psychologists are not physicians and, with the exception of some states, they are not qualified to prescribe medication to patients.
Licensed clinical social worker. Social workers have a broad range of responsibilities. They are trained to diagnose mental disorders and to provide individual and group counseling. They also help patients address problems related to social skills or health concerns, and may specialize in areas such as domestic violence or chronic illness. Social workers have master’s degrees in social work from an accredited graduate program and are licensed to practice in the state in which they reside. Many are members of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. In some states, people can achieve social worker status without advanced training. However, they are not allowed to provide mental health counseling under such circumstances.
Psychiatric/mental health nurse. Also known as a nurse psychotherapist, they are licensed registered nurses (R.N.s) trained to practice mental health nursing, to promote and foster mental health, assist clients in regaining or improving their coping skills or abilities, and prevent further disability. Psychiatric nurses assist patients with self care, administer and monitor treatment regimens and teach about mental health in individual or group counseling. Some nurses may receive a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing, which qualifies them as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), meaning they can diagnose and treat mental illness. In some states, they can also prescribe medications and practice under a physician’s supervision.
Licensed professional counselor. A counselor trained to diagnose mental disorders and provide patients with individual and group counseling. Licensed professional counselors have master’s degrees in counseling, psychology or a related field and are licensed to practice in the state in which they reside.
Mental health counselor. A mental health professional specially trained to diagnose mental disorders and provide patients with individual and group counseling. Mental health counselors usually have master’s degrees in mental health counseling and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Mental health counselors often specialize in certain areas, such as career counseling or substance abuse. They are certified by the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Counselors who are specially trained to diagnose substance abuse and provide patients with individual and group counseling. They are licensed by the state in which they reside.
Marriage and family therapist. Counselor trained to diagnose problems and provide individual and group therapy related to marriage and familial issues. These therapists may treat problems such as conflicts between parents and children, or the depression of a family member. These therapists have master’s or doctoral degrees with special education in their field, and most states require licensure. They may be certified by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Pastoral counselor. People who have a background in religious or theological training and provide counseling services for mental disorders in individual and group settings. Their counseling usually has a spiritual component. Individual clergy members without training still counsel their congregants, but may refer them to pastoral counselors for further treatment. Pastoral counselors may be certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Psychoanalysts. Counselors who use a form of psychotherapy called psychoanalysis. Developed by Sigmund Freud, this approach focuses on the unconscious factors that influence a patient’s thoughts and behaviors. The term “psychoanalyst” does not have a legal definition, meaning that anyone can describe himself or herself as providing the service. However, many psychoanalysts undergo training or certification.
Case manager. Someone who advocates on behalf of and coordinates various services for patients with mental health disorders. These may include services related to mental health, education, health, vocational training, transportation, respite care and recreational activities.
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