Different Types of Mental Health Professionals

                  When you are first looking for help with a mental health disorder, the number of different mental health professionals can be confusing.  In today’s post I will try to make sense of some of the options.  I am not a mental health professional.  By no means is this list meant to be authoritative or exhaustive.  I am a person with lived mental illness experience who has seen several professionals about my illness.  My intent in sharing this information is to provide assistance to those trying to navigate the mental health system.  It can be an overwhelming process especially when a person is struggling.

                  You may need more than one of these professionals.  I have a team that includes four members.  That is not always necessary.  From my personal perspective, each member of my mental health team adds to my treatment and healing and are instrumental.  I believe a team approach is beneficial to living with mental illness. 

                  Let’s look at some different mental health professionals.

Psychiatrist

                  A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor.  They are either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).  Psychiatrists have completed a residency training in psychiatry.  They address both the mental and physical aspects of mental illness.  Psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions.  Once they have diagnosed a patient, psychiatrists prescribe and monitor medication.  They also can provide therapy.  Psychiatrist can also prescribe alternative treatments for mental illnesses including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ketamine, and electric convulsive treatment (ECT).  

 

Psychologist

                  A psychologist has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.  This can be a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.  They are licensed by their state.  Psychologists evaluate a person’s mental health.  They use clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and tests.  A psychologist uses the information they gain from these tools to make a diagnosis.  They provide individual and group therapy.  Psychologist often use psychotherapy (talk therapy) with patients.  Some types of therapy used by psychologists include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. 

 

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

                  A psychiatric nurse practitioner has a Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing with a specialized focus in psychiatry.  They have either PMHNP-BC, which is board certification in psychiatric nursing, or they have NCLEX, which is National Council Licensure Examination.  Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for patients with mental illness or substance use disorders.   Depending on their state, they can prescribe and monitor medication.  A psychiatric nurse practitioner blends nursing and psychiatric expertise when treating patients.  

 

Therapists/Counselors

                  Therapists and counselors have a master’s degree (MS or MA).  They can evaluate a person’s mental health.  When working with individuals they use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.  There is different licensing for therapists and counselors.  LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor.  LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LCADAC stands for Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.   Therapists work with people on understanding their thoughts, feelings, and choices.  

 

Social Worker

                  A social worker has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.  These professionals can evaluate a person’s mental health.  They use therapeutic techniques based on specific programs. Social workers are trained in case management and advocacy services.  Their role is often to empower individuals with mental illness to lead lives that are fulfilling and independent.  

 

Primary Care Provider

                  A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor (MD), physician’s assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP).  This provider can prescribe medication.  They can refer a patient to providers who specialize in mental health.  In the best scenarios a primary care provider works with other mental health professionals to provide the quality care.

 

                  Often, the first line of defense against mental illness is the primary care provider.  They are usually the provider who is going to see the patient most often prior to diagnosis.  Primary care providers should screen for mental health disorders and refer patients to the appropriate mental health care provider.  Once the patient has a mental health care provider, the PCP should work collaboratively with that provider to ensure the patient’s care.  

                  I have seen all the above providers except a social worker.  In my experience the best mental health professionals are the ones who listen not only to what the patient is saying, but also to what the patient is not saying.  They are empathetic and patient centered.  High-quality mental health care professionals treat the whole patient by being aware of their needs.  They ask meaningful questions.  They are not quick to slap a label on a person.  Instead, they see the person as an individual with an illness that they can treat.  

                  It is important to be comfortable with your mental health providers.  It is okay to try out professionals to ensure you have the right fit.  Being able to talk to your mental health care provider is crucial.  Even if you are not someone who is comfortable talking, there needs to be a comfort in the communication you have with your provider.  A good provider will support you in the communication aspects of treatment.  Don’t worry if you try a mental health provider and don’t feel there is a fit.  But make sure you try someone else. Don’t give up because a provider didn’t meet your needs.  We all deserve high-quality mental health care providers.  The right one for you is out there.  As an example, I have seen several psychiatrists over the years.  I had to learn that it was okay to change psychiatrists.  I have finally found the right one.  You will know when you have the right provider.  Trust yourself. 

                  There are a lot of great mental health providers out there.  If you are looking for one, ask your medical group for the names of providers.  You can ask your PCP to recommend someone.  There are also a lot of new ways to find a provider online, but that is for another post.  It is my hope that everyone can find the high-quality mental health providers like I have found.  It truly makes a difference.