Introduction
Choosing a mental health provider? You may be unsure which provider is best for you. There are many types of mental health providers.
The terms that describe some types of mental health providers are used broadly and can mean different things in different states. Click on the tabs to learn about the various types of mental health providers.
Addiction counselor
Addiction counselors generally hold a degree in counseling, social work, psychology or a related field. In addition, they have specific training in the areas of alcohol, drug, gambling or other addictions. Counseling may be done on an individual basis, but is often done in a group setting. Addiction counseling may also involve family members or loved ones affected by your addictive behavior.
Art therapist
Art therapists generally have a master's degree in art therapy or another counseling field. This type of counseling involves expressing yourself through various types of art, such as painting or sculpture. Art therapy can help you get in touch with hidden thoughts and feelings. It may help with a wide range of problems including mood disorders, such as depression, addiction, traumatic experiences and problems related to medical illness. An art therapist may work with you one on one, or may do art therapy with a group.
Marriage and family therapist
Marriage and family therapists evaluate and help resolve problems within the context of a marriage or family. They typically have a master's or doctorate degree. After additional supervised training, they may go on to take an exam to become licensed or certified. Not all states require licensing or certification, however.
Marriage and family therapy is usually relatively brief, averaging about 12 sessions. It focuses on specific problems and quickly reaching solutions. You may meet with a therapist one-on-one, with a partner or with your whole family. These therapists provide help with a range of problems, such as depression, parent-child conflicts and eating disorders.
Mental health counselor
Mental health counselor is a broad term for a person who provides counseling. Most have at least a master's degree in social work or a related field, have several years of supervised work experience, and are licensed or certified. They may also be called licensed professional counselors, licensed mental health counselors or professional counselors.
Mental health counselors offer help for a range of problems, from anxiety to depression to job stress to grief. Some specialize in certain areas, such as career counseling, marriage issues or substance abuse. They may work in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, employee assistance programs or other settings. When considering a counselor, ask about education and licensing. Not all mental health counselors have the same levels of education, training and certification. Regulations for counselor certification vary from state to state, and can also depend on the type of counselor.
Psychiatric nurse
Psychiatric nurses are licensed registered nurses (R.N.s) who have extra training in mental health. They may have an associate degree or a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Their level of training and experience determines what services they can offer. Under supervision of medical doctors, they may provide mental health assessments and psychotherapy, and they may help you manage your medications.
Advanced practice registered nurses (A.P.R.N.s) have at least a master's degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. In general, they can diagnose and treat mental illnesses, and in some states they're allowed to prescribe medications.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.s) or doctors of osteopathy (O.D.s) who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses, particularly prescribing and managing medications. After medical school, they complete at least another four years of training. A psychiatrist who passes certain exams can be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Some psychiatrists specialize in areas such as child and adolescent, geriatric or addiction psychiatry.
Psychiatrists work in private practice, hospitals, medical centers, schools and other settings. Many people go to a psychiatrist to manage their medications along with a psychologist or another type of mental health provider for counseling.
Your family doctor can prescribe medications for mental health conditions and give you general advice. But, for more severe or complicated mental health concerns or if treatment isn't working, you may need to see a psychiatrist.
Psychoanalyst
The term "psychoanalysis" is often used loosely. But it refers to a specific treatment that explores unconscious factors that influence your relationships and behavior. Although anyone can call himself or herself a psychoanalyst since it isn't a legal term, many psychoanalysts have extensive training or certification. Psychoanalysts can be medical doctors, psychologists or social workers. They generally undergo at least four years of psychoanalytic training, coursework as well as supervised practice.
Psychoanalysis treatment is intensive, generally involving several sessions a week for five to 10 years.
Psychologist
Psychologists are trained specialists in psychology — a science that deals with thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Most psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) and undergo postgraduate training, licensing and certification. In some cases, psychologists practice with a master's degree.
Psychologists treat a range of issues, from marriage problems to personality disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, schools, community agencies and other settings. Psychologists can't prescribe medications except in New Mexico and Louisiana — the only states with these privileges for specially trained psychologists.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist is a general term for a mental health provider that provides a type of counseling called psychotherapy. Psychotherapists can be psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, marriage and family therapists, or other types of mental health providers. Compared with other types of mental health counseling, psychotherapy can be more involved. It focuses on exploring your past and the thoughts, feelings and experiences that define who you are, rather than just making changes to solve problems. Psychotherapy generally involves regular sessions over a period of six months to two years.
Pastoral counselor
Religious (pastoral) counselors are trained mental health counselors who also have in-depth religious training. They provide counseling, psychotherapy and other support in a spiritual context. There are several levels of certification, each with its own requirements regarding religious activity, coursework, research, publication and experience.
Pastoral counselors provide a variety of services, such as treatment of mental illnesses, wellness programs, spiritual direction, group therapy, and family and couples therapy. They may work in pastoral counseling centers, schools, religious communities or other settings.
Sex therapist
Sex therapy can help resolve a wide range of concerns about sexual function, feelings that affect your sex life, or the way you relate to your partner. Sex therapists are psychologists, counselors or other health professionals with special training in issues related to sex and relationships. Sex therapy is an effective tool for people of different ages, genders and sexual orientation, and can be helpful whether you're single or in a relationship.
Social worker
Social work is a broad profession. In general, social workers help people overcome social and health problems. Most have a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.). To provide mental health services, they must have advanced training and be licensed by their state.
Licensed clinical social workers (L.C.S.W.s) may provide therapy in private practice, psychiatric facilities, hospitals and community agencies. Others may work in employee assistance programs or as case managers who coordinate mental health, medical and other services on your behalf. They may specialize in certain areas, such as domestic violence or chronic illness. They can't prescribe medications or order medical tests.
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