What are the Types of Mental Health Professionals?

There are many type of mental health counselors and psychotherapists with varying degrees and titles. It’s important to know the difference so that you understand their background, training, and approach. This may help you better understand how to make the most of your time and your efforts.

Types of Mental Health Counselors and Professionals

Psychiatrists

• Has an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine)
• Specialized training after medical school prescribing medication for mental health problems. 
• Some offer psychotherapy, talk therapy

Clinical Psychologists

• Earned a Ph.D or Psy.D.
• Ph.D is highly focused on research; or… 
• PsyD., which is highly focused on the psychotherapy process. 
• Some have completed specialized training to offer specialty examinations such as for learning disorders, personality tests, attitude tests, achievement and aptitude tests, vocational tests, and neuropsychological tests and exams.

Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Earned a Master’s degree in Social Work 
• Have trained in a variety of clinically therapeutic areas, such as:
  • individual psychotherapy, 
  • group therapy, 
  • consultation, 
  • connecting clients to community resources, 
  • advocating for clients and patients, 
  • Screening tests and examinations for mental health
• High focus on person-in-environment and how the environment impacts a person’s functioning and mental health, such as: 
  • Stress
  • Work Life Balance
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Interpersonal Relationships

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

• Earned a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy
• Have trained in specific therapeutic areas, such as: marital distress, parenting problems, anxiety, depression and negative communication patterns in relationships. 

For a more detailed list, click here to visit HealthLine or, click here to visit NAMI.