What’s the difference between a counselor and a psychologist? What kind of training does a psychiatrist require? Who should I see for medication versus therapy? You can find these answers in the information below!
Typically, mental health providers will primarily offer one of two main services: therapy or medication management.
Therapy
Psychologist:
- Role: evaluation(via testing and clinical interview); diagnosis of mental health disorders; group and/or individual therapy
- Education: doctoral degree in psychology
- Credentials: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in psychology) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)
Counselor:
- Role: diagnosis of mental health disorders; group and/or individual therapy
- Education: master’s degree in counseling or related mental health field
- Credentials: LPC(Licensed Professional Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Social Worker
- Role: diagnosis of mental health disorders; group and/or individual therapy; case management; advocacy
- Education: bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement) in social work; master’s degree in social work
- Credentials: LSW (Licensed Social Worker), MSW (Master of Social Work), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker)
In addition to formal education, psychologists, counselors and social workers are also required to complete internships/residency programs and pass certification exams.
Medication Management *
Psychiatrist:
- Role: diagnosis of mental health disorders; prescribing/monitoring medication for mental health disorders (Although psychiatrists can provide therapy, most will focus solely on medication while clients see a different clinician for therapy.)
- Education: medical school
- Credentials: M.D.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner:
- Role: diagnosis of mental health disorders; prescribing/monitoring medication for mental health disorders (Psychiatric nurse practitioners can also provide therapy, but most will focus solely on medication while clients see a different clinician for therapy.)
- Education: earned RN (via bachelor’s degree in nursing or associate’s degree plus other training) plus advanced practice coursework, including master’s or doctoral degree
- Credentials: APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner), PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), DNP(Doctor of Nursing Practice), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
In addition to formal education, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are also required to complete internships/residency programs and pass certification exams prior to becoming licensed.
* Family physicians and family nurse practitioners can also prescribe and monitor mental health medication. However, it can be beneficial to work with a prescriber who specializes/has advanced training in mental health.
Travco Behavioral Health offers both therapy and medication management. If you’re in need of mental health treatment, contact us today!
