Many people often ask me if I am a psychologist, probably because that is a term many people associate with the mental health profession. Knowing the different types of mental health professionals can be confusing, but is important to know how to navigate when searching for emotional help. Below are the differences of several mental health professionals. Please be aware that these are generalizations of the types of services that these professionals typically provide.
Psychiatrists, MD
Psychiatrists have a Medical Degree or an MD, requiring them to go to medical school. Many of them also actively participate in research. Their training includes learning in depth about medicine related to brain chemistry and human behavior. Some people go to their primary care doctor for their psychiatric prescriptions, but it is always a better idea to go to a psychiatrist if you are prescribed any psychiatric medicines, as this is their specialty. For example, you probably would not go to a mechanic and ask them to fix your bumper, even though they are capable of it. You might instead choose to go to an auto body shop, because they are experts at working on the body of a car. The same goes for an psychiatrist versus a general doctor; even though your general practitioner is able to prescribe mental-health medications, they are not the experts on those specific drugs.
Now, going to see a psychiatrist is not the same as going to a therapist. Psychiatrists are more concerned with medication management and many of them do not participate in talk therapy; however, some do provide a combination of services. Some psychiatrists have their own private office, while others work more of a hospital or group setting.
Psychologist, Ph.D. in Psychology
Psychologists have a Ph.D. in psychology. Their training includes intensive years of training with a large focus on testing and research. Psychologists are the professionals who conduct testing for ADHD, autism, and IQ, to name a few. Many psychologists do practice talk-therapy with clients. In fact, depending on the state, some psychologists can prescribe certain psychiatric medications. This is helpful for people who need both medication management and talk therapy. Psychologists tend to work in both the private-practice setting as well as hospital and other medical settings.
Social Worker, LCSW or MSW
Social Work has been around since about the 19th century. Social Workers wear several hats as they help their clients overcome life struggles. They listen to client problems, provide case management, help clients with managing daily activity skills, such as cleaning and cooking, help children who have been abused and find placement for those without a home. They help the homeless population find shelter and they help the hungry find food. Social Workers are generally trained in helping people through social justice on a societal level. Some social workers have a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and provide talk therapy for clients. Because social workers are trained to do so many things, they are able to work in a variety of settings, such as at the Social Services Office, hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, and some have their own private practice.
Counselor, LPC, LPCA, LPCS
A counselor holds a master’s or doctorate in Mental Health Counseling from an accredited school and titled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA), or a Licensed Professional Counselor supervisor (LPCS). A LPC is a fully licensed counselor, while a LPCA is an associate and are working towards being fully licensed. LPCAs get active supervision from a LPCS who ensures the therapist is working ethically and effectively. Licensed professional counselors' training focuses on emotional health through the cultivation of a therapeutic relationship. Counseling programs have a heavy foundation in ethical practices, therapeutic interventions and the theories of counseling. LPC’s are a newer license and still growing in America. Their sole mission is providing emotional therapeutic services.
Other Professionals, RNs, Occupational, Life Coaches
Other professionals include Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Life Coaches. Psychiatric RNs go to nursing school and decide to focus on the mental health population and are often are paired with a psychiatrist. Many of them work at in-patient facilities and are trained in psychiatric medications and caring for people who struggle with self-harm or reality. Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Life coaches help others navigate through their circumstances in a way that helps them live optimally.
Knowing you need help is the first step, but the second step- finding a professional to help you- is not as hard as it may seem. Once you know what services you need, whether it be testing for sensory processing disorder, or mental-health therapy for healing through grief and loss, all you have to do is reach out to the professional that specializes in the service needed. We understand this may not be common knowledge to people outside the mental health profession, and we hope we helped clarify this.
If you need the help of a professional counselor, contact us for therapy, or visit our website for more information.