Types of mental health professionals and practices

Psychiatrists assess mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. As physicians, they evaluate patients to determine whether their symptoms are the result of a physical illness, a combination of physical and mental ailments, or strictly mental issues. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, diagnose illness, manage treatment, and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness.

Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families. The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feelings, and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, and formulate and prescribe medications and treatment plans. With a similar role to a psychiatrist, they help patients struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, substance abuse issues, postpartum depression, and more. They are also qualified to diagnose patients with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or eating disorders, and prescribe treatment.

Psychiatric nurses or mental health nurses specialize in mental health and care for people experiencing mental illnesses or distress. A mental health nurse builds effective relationships with patients who use mental health services and their relatives or caregivers. Mental health nurses are typically part of a healthcare team that includes psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare assistants.

A psychologist practices psychology and studies mental states; perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes; and behavior. Their work often involves the experimentation, observation, and interpretation of how individuals relate to each other and to their environments. Some psychologists work independently, conducting research, consulting with clients, or working with patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians and social workers, or in school settings, working with students, teachers, parents, and other educators. Those in private practice often work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients. If you are looking for psychological tests you are looking for a psychologist.

Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and promote psychological well-being. The problems or needs addressed range from minor adjustment issues to serious mental health problems. They address behavioral and mental health issues such as adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions; emotional and psychological problems, including serious mental illness and crisis intervention; interpersonal or social problems and dysfunction; behavioral problems including substance abuse and dependence; and intellectual, cognitive, and neurological conditions.

A psychoanalyst follows the theories and practice of Sigmund Freud, modernized since Freud’s conception of the practice, to help someone explore their repressed or unconscious impulses, anxieties, and internal processes. They practice psychoanalysis, an in-depth form of talk therapy aimed at rooting out psychological problems under a person's conscious actions. They focus on the subconscious memories of a patient to find a solution to the current problems. Psychoanalysis can be a powerful treatment for those wishing to delve into deep self-reflection. Patients aim to speak freely without censoring themselves, and explore subconscious beliefs, emotions, or desires with the analyst. Psychoanalysis is open-ended and lacks predefined goals. The process often lasts years, or even decades.

Neuropsychologists study how the brain affects people’s behavior and thinking, often after a severe illness or brain trauma. If you are having trouble paying attention, staying alert, or remembering short- or long-term events, you may need a neuropsychologist.

School psychologists apply principles from educational psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, community psychology, and behavior analysis to meet the learning and behavioral health needs of children and adolescents. They often collaborate with educators, families, school leaders, community members, and other professionals to create safe and supportive school environments. They carry out psychological testing, psychoeducational assessment, intervention, prevention, counseling, and consultation.

Social workers identify people and communities in need of help; assess clients' needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine their goals; and help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment. Professional social workers aim to create change and encourage the resilience of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Licensed clinical social workers are licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. They provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers. Clinical social workers may develop treatment plans with the client, doctors, and other healthcare workers. They may work in a variety of specialties, such as child and family, school, healthcare, and mental health and substance abuse.

A therapist is a broad designation that refers to professionals who are trained to provide treatment and rehabilitation. The term is often applied to psychologists, but it can include others who provide a variety of services, including social workers, counselors, life coaches, and many others. There are many reasons why you might want to see a therapist. People often decide to see a therapist when they experience symptoms related to a mental health condition. However, anyone experiencing stress or who wants to overcome an issue can benefit. You don't need to wait to reach out until something is causing you significant distress or interfering with your ability to function.

Psychotherapy is the term for providing mental health therapy services, as “psycho-” refers to the mind. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the use of psychological methods to help a person change behavior, increase happiness, and overcome problems. Conditions that can be helped by psychotherapy include coping with stressful life events, trauma, medical illness, or loss, such as the death of a loved one; and specific mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy tends to explore past issues that might be contributing to present day problems. Talk therapy can improve self-esteem, optimism, and understanding of one's self, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Psychotherapists diagnose and treat most mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and addictions. If you are looking for someone who can help you work through challenges with mood, emotional regulation, or relationships, you are looking for a psychotherapist.

Behavior therapy or behavioral psychotherapy uses techniques derived from behaviorism and/or cognitive psychology. Behavioral therapy is based on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that behaviors can be changed. This therapy identifies and helps change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. Altering these responses can often alleviate psychological distress and psychiatric problems. Cognitive behavior therapy is perhaps the most common form of behavior therapy. It focuses on the way someone's thoughts and emotions influence their decisions and actions, with the goal of modifying those patterns into healthier ones.

Family therapy is a branch of psychology and clinical social work that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. It tends to view change in terms of the systems of interaction between family members. Family therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the improvement of relationships among family members. It can also help treat specific mental health or behavioral conditions, such as substance use disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. Family therapy can involve any combination of family members. In order for family therapy to work at an optimum level, it requires active participation from the whole family. The therapist will ask direct questions, such as when the trouble started, how each person feels about the problem, and what you have been doing to manage the situation so far. From that point, they will work with you to create a treatment plan to improve family conflicts.

A mental health counselor works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Counseling is a form of talk therapy. An individual, couple, or family meet with a trained professional counselor to talk about issues and problems that they are facing in their lives. Professional counseling is confidential and nonjudgmental. Counselors are typically not asked to treat mental health conditions or make diagnoses. Instead, they tend to help with life challenges. The goal of counseling is to enable the individual to make critical decisions regarding alternative courses of actions without outside influence. Counseling will help individuals obtain information and clarify emotional concern that may interfere with or be related to the decision involved. In general, counseling is recommended for specific issues and situations, such as addiction or grief, and takes place over weeks to several months.

Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that began with a focus on vocational counseling, but later moved to adjustment counseling, and then expanded to cover all normal psychology psychotherapy. Counseling psychologists focus on normative developmental and mental health issues and challenges faced by individuals across their lifespan, as well as systemic challenges (such as prejudice and discrimination) experienced in groups, workplaces, organizations, institutions, and communities. They use strengths-based perspectives and practices to prevent and improve emotional, relational, physical/health-related, social, cultural, vocational, educational, and identity-related problems.

Pastoral counseling is a branch of counseling in which psychologically trained ministers, rabbis, priests, imams, etc. provide therapy services. Pastoral counseling uses spiritual resources and psychological understanding for healing and growth. While individual pastoral counselors may represent specific religions, the concept and framework of pastoral counseling is not tied to any one religion or faith. It’s common for pastoral counselors to be licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs). As with other mental healthcare professionals, pastoral counselors can help with various issues and often have specialties such as marriage and family therapy, substance use disorders, or mental health conditions. They can also help with spiritual or religious matters. Pastoral counselors come from many different faith groups and religions. You do not need to be of the same faith as the counselor (or religious at all) to see them.