Types of Mental Health Professionals Explained
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and are trained to diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and conduct psychological testing. In most U.S. states, they do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including through medication management, and can address the medical aspects of psychiatric care.
Licensed Therapists and Counselors
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) provide psychotherapy and are trained in specific master's-level programs, often specializing in particular populations or issues.
Other Members of the Care Team
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can diagnose and prescribe medication in many states, while primary care physicians often manage more straightforward mental health concerns or provide referrals to specialists when needed.
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