Who Provides Mental Health? And How?

Psychiatrists
Medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and offer psychotherapy.

Psychologists
Professionals with a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through therapy and psychological assessments. They cannot prescribe medication in most cases.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
Mental health professionals with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) who are licensed to provide therapy, counseling, and case management. They are trained to help individuals cope with mental illness and life challenges.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
Therapists with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They are licensed to provide mental health counseling and therapy for various psychological issues.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
Licensed therapists who specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relational and emotional difficulties. They focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized training in mental health. PMHNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, and in many cases, they can prescribe medications.

Psychiatric Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) with additional training in psychiatric and mental health care. They provide support, monitoring, and care for patients in psychiatric settings, often working closely with other mental health providers.

Addiction Counselors
Specialists who focus on treating individuals with substance use disorders. They provide therapy, counseling, and support for addiction recovery.

Art Therapists
Licensed professionals who use creative art forms, such as drawing, painting, or sculpture, as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express emotions and address psychological issues.

Occupational Therapists (OTs)
While they primarily focus on helping individuals with physical disabilities, some OTs are trained to support individuals with mental health conditions by helping them develop coping skills for daily tasks and activities.

Pastoral Counselors
Clergy members with additional training in counseling. They offer mental health support and guidance, often integrating spiritual or religious aspects into the therapeutic process.

Behavioral Therapists
Specialists trained in behavioral therapy approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help individuals address harmful behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Therapists
A general term used for mental health professionals who provide therapy and counseling. Therapists may include psychologists, social workers, licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, and others. They offer various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy.

School Psychologists
Psychologists who work in educational settings, assessing and supporting the mental health and academic needs of students. They collaborate with parents and teachers to develop appropriate intervention plans.

Mental Health Technicians (Psychiatric Technicians)
Professionals who work under the supervision of psychiatrists or psychologists to provide direct care to patients with mental health disorders, often in inpatient settings like hospitals or psychiatric facilities.

Clinical Psychotherapists
Mental health professionals who are licensed to provide psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. They may use various therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, or psychodynamic therapy.