How to Differentiate Between Mental Health Professionals
By: Vaishnika Pagadala
There are many types of mental health professionals and differentiating between them can be confusing. Some ways to identify each type are through their specialities/area of focus and their scope of practice. Approaching the right professional for the right issue is essential to take care of your mental health effectively.
Professionals focusing on Evaluation and Guidance:
These professionals focus on evaluating the person’s emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues and disorders.
Psychologists: Professionals who evaluate a person’s mental health through interviews, evaluations, and testing. Although they cannot prescribe medications, they may diagnose disorders and offer therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment option offered.
Counselors: Masters-level healthcare professionals who evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques. Although they cannot prescribe medication, they focus on symptom reduction and guide them through better ways of thinking and living. Some specializations include Substance-abuse counselors and Psychoanalysts.
Substance-Abuse Counselors
Psychoanalysts
Therapists: Professionals who help with challenges in daily lives, such as stress, familial issues, or work load. They evaluate a person’s mental health and offer advice and mental exercise to help them overcome certain challenges. Therapists provide solutions to both physical and mental health issues. Some specializations include Psychotherapists and Marriage/Family Therapists.
Psychotherapists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Clinical Social Workers: Licensed professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health conditions. They primarily work with individuals, groups, or families, in a variety of settings, from hospitals to community mental health centers.
Professionals focusing on Diagnosis and Therapy:
Psychiatrists: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialization in mental health. They are qualified to determine if a psychological condition is due to a physical aspect, mental aspect, or both. They use a variety of treatments, from therapy and psychological interventions, to medications.
Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: Also known as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, they provide care to patients struggling with psychological conditions. They are qualified to diagnose common mental health conditions such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety and can prescribe medications. They are often under the supervision of a psychiatrist, based on the state they practice in.
Psychiatric Pharmacists: They work alongside a healthcare team in treating patients with mental health and substance abuse conditions. They provide patient care, medication management, education about medications and psychiatric conditions.
At the Child and Family Guidance Center, we offer a variety of services to help a diverse community. We offer a wide range of mental and behavioral health services such as counseling, therapy, psychological rehabilitation, skills training, ADHD treatment, and case management. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 214.351.3490.
Citations:
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?. Western Governors University. (2024, January 8). https://www.wgu.edu/career-guide/healthcare/psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-career.html
Types of mental health professionals. NAMI. (2024, February 12). https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Types-of-Mental-Health-Professionals/
Rice, Dr. W. (2016, August 17). How to differentiate mental health professionals, Tampa psychologists. Rice Psychology. https://ricepsychology.com/blog/how-to-differentiate-mental-health-professionals/
Hairston, S. (2023, May 25). Substance abuse counseling vs. therapy: How to choose. OpenCounseling. https://blog.opencounseling.com/substance-abuse-counseling-vs-therapy/#:~:text=What%20makes%20theme%20 different%20is,cross%2d Licensed%20as%20 both.)