Ever wonder what the differences are between a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, professional therapist??? There are many different types of mental health professionals. Many of my clients are not familiar with the different types of mental health professionals or what these professionals can do to help them during difficult times. I felt the need to write this up to help educate the general public as to what the different mental health professionals do and how they can receive the best help for their particular situation. If you feel there is any missing information or if the information is inaccurate, please feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at counselor@shericobarruviaslpc.com. I do not want to portray other mental health professionals in an unfavorable light so please let me know if I need to make any changes to this information as this is for educational purposes. Thank you!
What is a Mental Health Practitioner???
The broad definition of a mental health practitioner is someone who evaluates and treats mental and behavior disorders; however, there are several different types of mental health practitioners such as licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed master social workers (LMSWs), psychiatric nurses or nurse practitioners, school counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Training
Mental health practitioners are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques to address issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal ideation, stress, self-esteem, grief, trauma, marital issues, parenting, crisis, PTSD, and many others. All too often substance issues and mental health go hand in hand. To practice as a mental health counselor in the state of Texas for LPCs, you must obtain a master’s degree in a counseling or related field, pass the state licensing exam, and earn 3,000 clock hours of post-graduate school fieldwork under the supervision of an approved supervisor. Social workers, nurses, school counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists all have different requirements for training and licensure.
What do Mental Health Practitioners DO and Where do They Practice???
Mental health practitioners work with a wide variety of individuals, couples, families, and groups, depending on their specialty and the environment in which the work (e.g., outpatient private practice, hospital (in/outpatient), agency, clinic, residential treatment, etc.). Mental health professionals work with their clients to address and treat emotional and mental disorders to promote positive mental health and healthy ways to cope with stressors. They also help with job and career concerns, and educational decisions. Mental health professionals also play a role in the growing mental health crisis in the military population.
- Psychiatrists: Prescribe and manage their patient’s medications; perform psychiatric evaluations and provide psychiatric diagnoses; projective testing; may provide some counseling, but are not typically trained for counseling; psychiatrists are often found working in private practice or psychiatric hospital settings
- Psychologists: Perform psychological evaluations and diagnose; IQ testing; provide counseling; do not prescribe medications (not in Texas); psychologists are often found working in private practice
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Provide some evaluations, but not psychiatric or psychological evaluations; can provide ADHD, depression, anxiety inventory evaluations; provide mental health assessment, diagnosis, and counseling; do not prescribe medications, often found working in private practice, hospitals, agencies, clinics, residential treatment settings
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S): Provide all of the above listed for LPC in addition to providing approved supervision to LPC-Interns as they obtain hours for licensure
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Interns (LPC-Intern): Practicing under the supervision of an LPC-S to gain full licensure; must obtain 3,000 hours experience, not allowed to practice independently or accept insurance; often found working in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and residential treatment
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Very similar to LPCs; however, they may assist in providing other services such as finding food, clothing, shelter for clients; often found working in psychiatric hospital settings, private practice, agencies, government jobs; can practice independently and can accept Medicare
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): See above listed for LCSW; however, LMSWs cannot practice independently and cannot accept insurance
- Psychiatric Nurse: Provides psychiatric and medical treatment; often found working in a psychiatric hospital or hospital type setting, medical outpatient office; cannot prescribe medications
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Prescribes medication just as a regular nurse practitioner would
- School Counselors: Provide mental/emotional counseling to students in their schools; provide guidance and career counseling; may provide assistance to teachers to help them have a better understanding of their students; assist in other non-counseling related activities; however, there is a push for school counselors to provide more mental health counseling.
There is a great need for mental health practitioners of all specialties. Positive mental health is vital to our overall health. Our biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and chemical (use) beings are all intertwined. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help for mental issues. You would see a doctor if you had diabetes or a heart condition, correct??? Your mental health is just as important. Please see my Resources page for more information on mental health resources.