Treatment FAQ

types of clinicians who provide psychological treatment

by Mr. Major Ratke PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders.
  • Primary Care Physicians. Primary care physicians and pediatricians can prescribe medication, but you might consider visiting someone who specializes in mental health care.
  • Family Nurse Practitioners. Family nurse practitioners (FNP) can provide general medical services like those of a primary care physician, based on each state’s laws.
  • Psychiatric Pharmacists. Psychiatrist pharmacists are advanced-practice pharmacists who specialize in mental health care. They can prescribe or recommend appropriate medications if allowed in their state and practice setting.

Professionals who provide psychotherapy include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Of that group, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are the most common.

What are the different types of mental health professionals?

Different Mental Health Professionals Can Deliver Different Services. Advanced Psychiatric Nurses ; Advanced psychiatric nurses hold a Master's degree or higher in psychiatric-mental health nursing.These professionals are able to assess patients, diagnose disorders, provide psychotherapy and prescribe medications in some states.

Who can provide psychological assessments and therapy?

The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it): Clinical Psychologist – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in psychology.

What kind of Doctor can diagnose mental health conditions?

Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.

What is a psychiatrist and what do they do?

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.

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Who specializes in treatment of psychological disorders?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.

What are the different types of psychological professions?

Types of Mental Health ProfessionalsPsychologist.Psychiatrist.Psychoanalyst.Psychiatric nurse.Psychotherapist.Mental health counselor.Family and marriage counselor.Addiction counselor.More items...

What are the three main categories of professionals who practice psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can be provided by a number of different types of professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, and others with specialized training in psychotherapy.

What are the 4 kinds of the therapist?

The most common types of licensed therapists are:Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs)Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs)Psychiatrists (MDs or DOs)

Who is a Clinical Psychologist?

Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They use the science of psychology to treat complex human problems and promote change. They also promote resilience and help people discover their strengths.

What are 3 types of doctors or health professionals you could see for a mental disorder?

These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental health conditions.Psychologists. ... Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists. ... Clinical Social Workers. ... Psychiatrists. ... Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. ... Primary Care Physicians. ... Family Nurse Practitioners. ... Psychiatric Pharmacists.More items...

What is the difference between psychologist and therapist?

Psychologists can do research, which is a very important contribution academically and clinically, to the profession. A therapist is a broader umbrella term for professionals who are trained—and often licensed—to provide a variety of treatments and rehabilitation for people.

Who can provide counseling?

Therapy or counseling is provided by a range of professionals including family doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and trained counselors.

What is a psychotherapist vs therapist?

A psychotherapist includes all professionals who deal with mental health problems or emotional issues, whereas a therapist provides therapy solutions in various fields. A psychotherapist is a broader term that includes all professionals who deal with the management of mental health problems or emotional issues.

What are the different levels of therapists?

Some require a doctorate while others offer options at the master's level.Clinical and Counseling Psychologist.Licensed Social Worker.Marriage and Family Therapist.Licensed Professional Counselor.Licensed School Psychologist.Creative Arts Therapist.Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse.

What are the different types of counseling clients?

The following are the most common types of counselling:Marriage and Family Counselling.Educational Counselling.Rehabilitation Counselling.Mental Health Counselling.Substance Abuse Counselling.

What are the 5 types of therapy?

Approaches to psychotherapy fall into five broad categories:Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. ... Behavior therapy. ... Cognitive therapy. ... Humanistic therapy. ... Integrative or holistic therapy.

What are some examples of mental health professionals?

Examples include art therapist, music therapist. The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy: Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses.

What is a mental health counselor?

Mental Health Counselor – A counselor with a master's degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

What is a registered nurse psychotherapist?

Nurse Psychotherapist – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

What is peer specialist?

Peer Specialist – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training. Other Therapists – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy.

What is a marital and family therapist?

Marital and Family Therapist – counselor with a master's degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.

How to talk to a psychologist about a divorce?

Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.

What is a school psychologist?

School Psychologist – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting. The following mental health professionals can ...

What is a psychiatric doctor?

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.

What is the role of a therapist in mental health?

Therapists can help someone better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They can also offer guidance and help improve a person’s ability to achieve life goals. These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental health conditions.

What is a psychiatric pharmacist?

Psychiatrist pharmacists are advanced-practice pharmacists who specialize in mental health care. They can prescribe or recommend appropriate medications if allowed in their state and practice setting. They are skilled at medication management—meaning they evaluate responses and modify treatment, manage medication reactions and drug interactions, and provide education about medications. Many have completed additional training in child/adolescent psychiatry, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.#N#Degree requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Completion of residency training in psychiatric pharmacy is not required, but is common.#N#Licensure & credentials: Licensed pharmacist in the state where they practice; may also be designated a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.

What are the requirements for a psychiatric nurse?

Degree requirements: Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing with specialized focus on psychiatry.#N#Licensure & credentials: Licensed nurse in the state where they are practicing. Examples of credentials include, but are not limited to: 1 NCLEX, National Council Licensure Examination 2 PMHNP-BC, Board Certification in psychiatric nursing through the American Academy of Nurses Credentialing Center

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states, they are also qualified to prescribe and monitor medications.

What are some examples of credentials?

Examples of credentials include, but are not limited to: NCLEX, National Council Licensure Examination. PMHNP-BC, Board Certification in psychiatric nursing through the American Academy of Nurses Credentialing Center.

What degree is needed for mental health?

Degree requirements: master’s degree (M.S. or M.A.) in a mental health-related field such as psychology, counseling psychology, marriage or family therapy, among others. Licensure & Certification: Varies by specialty and state. Examples of licensure include:

What are the different types of mental health professionals?

Types of Mental Health Care Professionals. The most important thing to understand is that Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Therapists all provide an integral service to those who seek their help. They are all considered mental health professionals.

What is the role of a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, as described above, who diagnose psychiatric conditions, manage medical issues, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. The practice of using medications to treat psychiatric conditions is referred to as “psychopharmacotherapy.” Because they are also medical doctors, psychiatrists may order lab work or other tests to monitor progress. Psychiatrists also collaborate with other medical doctors, such as pediatricians, neurologists, endocrinologists, and family medicine doctors, in order to provide the best medical care.

What is a therapist and a counselor?

The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are often used interchangeably. Therapists and counselors typically focus on providing psychotherapy, or counseling, to individuals, families, couples, or groups, in a variety of settings and specialties.

Why do psychiatrists do lab work?

Because they are also medical doctors, psychiatrists may order lab work or other tests to monitor progress. Psychiatrists also collaborate with other medical doctors, such as pediatricians, neurologists, endocrinologists, and family medicine doctors, in order to provide the best medical care.

Is mental health a professional?

They are all considered mental health professionals. Oftentimes, an individual is best served by working with a combination of all, since medication and therapy may each be necessary. In most cases, an individual can start by seeking help from one type of professional and then be referred to another professional if indicated.

Do psychologists have a doctorate?

Psychologists have also completed post-graduate training, but in a different setting than psychiatrists. They have completed a doctoral program that is non-medical. Psychologists often specialize in administering specialized diagnostic testing as well as therapy in a variety of settings.

Where do clinical psychologists work?

Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. They are trained in a variety of treatment techniques but may specialize in treating certain disorders or working with certain populations. For example, a clinical psychologist might specialize in an area such as substance abuse treatment, child mental health, adult mental health, or geriatric mental health.

What is a biological psychologist?

These psychologists are also sometimes called biological psychologists or physiological psychologists. They study and perform research on the brain and behavior. By examining the neural bases of behavior, biopsychologists are able to understand different biological factors that might impact how people think, feel, and act.

Why do psychologists work in aviation?

Because of the highly specialized and delicate nature of the job , it is essential to choose candidates who are healthy, stable, and capable of coping with intense pressure. Aviation psychologists utilize their knowledge of psychology to ensure that only the best people are chosen for these critical roles.

Why do social psychologists use their knowledge?

In other cases, social psychologists utilize their skills and knowledge to influence human behavior in order to foster healthier and more productive groups.

How much does a counseling psychologist make?

These professionals share many commonalities with clinical psychologists. Counseling psychologists make an average of $85,000 per year. As with clinical psychologists, they ...

What is an aviation psychologist?

Aviation Psychologists. These psychologists study the behavior of pilots and other flight crew members. Aviation psychologists also perform research on airline safety, develop new training equipment, and help select suitable employees. For example, an aviation psychologist might select or even develop psychological tests used to screen applicants ...

Why do psychologists study animals?

Why study animals? Because while there are obviously major differences, it is assumed that some things may hold true for all species.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor first and foremost. A psychiatrist is generally the only professional that specializes in mental health care and can prescribe medications. (Family doctors often prescribe medications for mental health concerns, but do not have specialized training or background in the treatment of mental disorders.)

What is a mental health professional?

Mental health professionals can hold different educational degrees, licenses, and credentials. Some can help evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions. They can also help plan your course of treatment and offer guidance and support along your journey.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. These professionals can prescribe many medications and therapies in all 50 states.

What is a mental health nurse practitioner?

A mental health nurse practitioner is a nurse with graduate-level education and advanced licensing. These professionals are also called psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nurses (PMH-APRNs).

What is a LPC?

Licensed professional counselor (LPC): master’s degrees in counseling, psychology, or a similar field

What is a clinical social worker?

Typically a clinical social worker will have completed a Master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.) and carry the LCSW designation if they are doing psychotherapy (Licensed Counselor of Social Work). Most programs require the professional to go through thousands of hours of direct clinical experience, and the program focuses on teaching principles of psychotherapy and social work.

What is a Ph.D. program?

Psy.D. programs tend to focus on clinical practice and result in the professional having thousands of hours of clinical experience before they enter practice . Ph.D. programs can focus on either clinical or research work, and the amount of clinical experience a professional will gain varies from program to program.

What is the most popular type of therapy?

There are many different schools of psychotherapy. They can involve therapeutic conversations, group therapy, expressive therapy, and more. The most popular type is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists specialize in the science of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. They work in places like private offices, hospitals, or schools. Psychologists treat a range of issues, from relationship problems to mental illnesses, through counseling.

What degree do you need to become a mental health counselor?

Psychologists often require a Ph.D., while psychiatrists require medical degrees. Almost every state requires all types of counselor to have a college degree with specialized training.

What is a psychiatric nurse?

Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who specialize in mental health. They’re known for their therapeutic relationships with the people who seek their help. Psychiatric nurses perform psychological therapy and administer psychiatric medication.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists mainly diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They use psychiatric medicine, physical exams, and lab tests. A psychiatrist is a doctor with either a doctor of medicine (MD) degree or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. General practice doctors can also prescribe ...

What is a counselor in a church?

These counselors are often leaders in area churches. They may have extensive religious and mental health training. They often conduct sessions on a one-on-one basis or in groups. You may also be able to do sessions in couples or family settings.

What is a mental health counselor?

Mental health counselor. “ Mental health counselor ” is a broad term used to describe someone who provides counseling. Their titles may also include the terms “licensed” or “professional.”. It’s important to ask about a counselor’s education, experience, and the types of services involved since the term is vague.

What is behavioral therapy?

Behavioral Therapy. Focuses on specific behaviors and not necessarily on any underlying condition or disorder. Often used to correct behavior caused by phobias, addiction, and some mental disorders such as OCD and ADHD.

What is neuropsychological rehabilitation?

Aims to assist patients with brain injuries to improve changes in emotions (mood), cognitive processes (memory and attention), and psychological effects of brain injuries through a combination of psycholog ical treatment, physical therapy, and technological intervention. This treatment may follow ...

What is mindfulness therapy?

Integrates mindfulness, which is the ability to be fully aware of your surroundings and how you feel in the present moment, into an interactive therapy that focuses on dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. Balances change and acceptance for behavior modification. May be used for mood disorders, addiction, sleep disorders, suicidal behavior, and unstable personality dynamics.

What is hypnotherapy used for?

Hypnotherapy can be used as a standalone therapy or can be combined with other therapies and may be used to treat eating disorders, depression, anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, or as a component of substance abuse treatment.

What is hypnosis therapy?

Involves hypnosis, or a state of deep relaxation that allows patients to tune out distractions and zero in on specific thoughts. Hypnotherapists may also make suggestions to the patient to encourage behavior changes. Contrary to popular belief, patients undergoing hypnotherapy recall all elements of the procedure and cannot be compelled to say or do anything they do not wish to. Hypnotherapy can be used as a standalone therapy or can be combined with other therapies and may be used to treat eating disorders, depression, anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, or as a component of substance abuse treatment.

What is family system therapy?

Involves the entire family, instead of an individual patient, to address all family environment contributors to mental health concerns and recovery. May be used for families that include an individual with ADHD, depression, eating disorder, or other dysfunction. Some psychologists specialize in doing family systems therapy, and sometimes family systems therapy is combined with individual psychotherapy.

What is acceptance and commitment therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Focuses on encouraging the patient to accept their thoughts and feelings without negatively judging themselves, including difficult thoughts or behaviors, and to take action to improve their situation and achieve behavior change.

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Aviation Psychologists

Biopsychologists

Clinical Psychologists

Cognitive Psychologists

Community Psychologists

Comparative Psychologists

Consumer Psychologists

Counseling Psychologists

  • Counseling psychologistsprovide psychotherapy to people experiencing psychological disturbances, behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, stress, and related issues. These professionals share many commonalities with clinical psychologists.
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Cross-Cultural Psychologists

Developmental Psychologists

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