There are many sorts of mental health experts that may assist you in achieving your recovery objectives. These professionals operate in both inpatient settings, such as general hospitals and psychiatric institutions, as well as outpatient centers, including community mental health clinics, schools, and private practices.
Job titles and specialties for healthcare professionals may differ by state. The following is a guide to what to look for and what credentials to anticipate from a mental health professional. Understanding the many areas of expertise and training makes it simpler to locate the perfect specialist.
The NAMI HelpLine can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area. Please be advised that I am unable to make any specific recommendations regarding the care of specific providers since I am just a grad student at the moment and I am are not in a position to assess the quality of their service. However, I am happy to share what I know in this blog post.
Assessment And Therapy
Therapists can assist individuals to improve their awareness and cope with thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They may also provide counsel and assistance in helping people achieve life objectives. These mental health experts might be able to assist you to assess and diagnose mental health problems.
Types of mental health experts
Psychologists
A psychologist has a doctorate in clinical psychology or a related discipline such as counseling or education. They are educated to assess a person’s mental health with clinical interviews, psychological testing, and psychometric evaluations. They may provide diagnoses and deliver individual and group therapy depending on their training. CBT therapists, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) practitioners, and other behavioral therapy interventions.
Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists
Master’s-level health care experts are educated to assess a person’s mental health and employ therapeutic methods based on specific training programs. This is what I am currently training for at Capella University. These professionals work in a number of occupations, including counselor, clinician, therapist, or something else, depending on the treatment environment. Working with one of these mental health experts can help you think more clearly, feel happier and live a better life.
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:
- LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
- LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- LCADAC, Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers are educated to evaluate a person’s mental health and apply therapeutic methods based on detailed education programs. They also get training in case management and advocacy services.
Degree requirements: Master’s degree in social work (MSW).
Licensure & credentials: Examples of licensure include:
- LICSW, Licensed Independent Social Workers
- LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Worker
Prescribe And Monitor Medication
The following health care providers can prescribe medicines. They may also provide evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors that have received specialized psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health problems, prescribe medications, and provide therapy. Some psychiatrists have additional training in child and adolescent mental health, drug addiction, or geriatric psychiatry.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), plus completion of residency training in psychiatry.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed physicians in the state where they are practicing; may also be designated as a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Psychiatric Or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders or substance use problems. They may prescribe and track medications in some jurisdictions. The amount of supervision required by a physician varies depending on the state.
Degree requirements: Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing with specialized focus on psychiatry.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed nurse in the state where they are practicing. 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
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians and pediatricians can give drugs, but you might want to see a mental health specialist because your PCP does not specialize in mental disorders. To determine the best treatment approach for each patient, primary care and mental health specialists should collaborate.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Licensure & credentials: Licensed physician in the state where they are practicing.
Family Nurse Practitioners
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) are authorized to offer routine medical services comparable to those of a general practitioner based on each state’s legislation. They can prescribe medicines, but you might want to seek help from someone who focuses on mental health care instead. To determine an individual’s optimal treatment plan, family nurse practitioners and mental health experts should collaborate.
Degree requirements: Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed nurse in the state where they are practicing. Examples of credentials include:
- NCLEX, National Council Licensure Examination
- FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
Psychiatric Pharmacists
A psychiatrist pharmacist is a specialized pharmacist who has completed additional training in mental health treatment. If allowed in their state and practice setting, they may prescribe or suggest the appropriate medications. They are experts at medication management, which entails evaluating responses and modifying treatment, managing medicine reactions and drug interactions, and educating patients about medicines. Many of them have received additional training in child/adolescent psychiatry, drug or alcohol abuse, or geriatric psychiatry.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Completion of residency training in psychiatric pharmacy is not required, but is common.
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.
Other Professionals You May Encounter
Certified Peer Specialists
Treatment specialists have lived experience with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. They are frequently educated, licensed, and prepared to assist someone in recovery by assisting them in creating goals and developing abilities. They give assistance, mentoring, and advice.
Social Workers
Social workers (B.A. or B.S.) help individuals live healthy lives by providing case management, inpatient discharge planning services, placement services, and other assistance.
Pastoral Counselors
Pastoral counselors are people who have received specialized education in pastoral counseling. They are educated to recognize and give therapy. A doctorate in counseling is not required for pastoral counselors.