What types of
mental health professionals are there?
There are many types of mental health
professionals. Each type has specific educational
backgrounds, training, licensing, and techniques. You may be
confused by the "alphabet soup" of terms such as PhD, MD,
MA, PsyD, MFCC, or LCSW. Here are some explanations of
different kinds of mental health professionals:
- Psychiatrists
are medical doctors (MDs) who are trained in the medical
aspects of mental health. They can prescribe medicines
as well as provide therapy. They must take 4 years of
special training in psychiatry after they get their
medical degree. They must pass a national exam to become
board certified.
- Psychologists
are trained in counseling, testing, and therapy. They
work with many kinds of problems and different types of
therapy. They may use tests such as IQ tests,
personality tests, and career tests. They may work with
individuals, couples, families, and groups. They cannot
prescribe medicine in most states.
Psychologists may have either a master's
degree (MA) or a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, EdD). They
complete at least 1 year of special training after
earning their degree. They must pass a national exam to
become licensed.
- Psychiatric
nurses are registered nurses (RN) with a
master's degree. They are trained to assess mental and
physical illness. They may provide individual, family,
and group counseling. In some states, it is legal for a
psychiatric nurse to prescribe medicines.
- Most social
workers have a master's degree (MSW) in social
work. They have special training that helps them
understand how culture and society affect people. Some
social workers teach classes about how to make a budget,
deal with anger, or other life skills. They may work
with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
- Licensed
clinical social workers (LCSW) help people with
mental illness or substance abuse problems. They have a
master's or doctoral degree. They must complete 2 years
of supervised experience after they earn their degree
and pass a national exam to be licensed.
- Most school
psychologists have a PhD, PsyD, or EdD degree.
They help students with school and personal problems.
They work with teachers, parents, and others to help
kids with learning and behavior problems. They may test
for learning disabilities, and help develop
individualized education plans (IEP). They provide
therapy only if it relates to helping students.
- Marriage,
family, and child counselors (MFCC) are
therapists who have a graduate degree in counseling or
psychology. They work with people who have problems in
relationships.
- Pastoral
counselors are members of the clergy such as
priests, ministers, or rabbis. They have training in
both counseling and religion.
-
Psychotherapist is a very general term. Anyone
who treats mental and emotional problems can be called a
psychotherapist. They may or may not have special
training or a degree.
How do I find a mental health professional?
Ask questions and get referrals from people
whom you know and trust. The following people or
organizations may help you begin your search:
- Your family doctor.
- Your clergyman, school teachers, or
school counselors.
- Friends or family members who have
been in therapy.
- An employee assistance program (EAP)
available through your employer.
- Community mental health or human
service agencies.
- Nearby hospitals or university medical
centers.
- University departments of psychology,
social work, or child development
- The Yellow Pages of your telephone
directory.
You may also want to contact professional organizations such
as:
- American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry
- American Association of Marriage and
Family Therapy
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Psychological Association
- National Association of Social
Workers.
