Getting help – and trusting someone else – with your personal problems can be difficult. Finding the right mental health professional can help you learn how to manage difficult times. We break it down for you here.
Navigating the world of mental health professionals can be overwhelming, especially given the wide range of options available. It can be difficult to know which type of professional best suits your needs. Should you see a psychologist or anger management counselor? Does it matter?
The COVID-19 pandemic has added another level of complexity,
Whether you opt for in-person or online therapy, understanding the roles of different mental health professionals can help you navigate this landscape more effectively. This will help you find the right type of care and support for your needs.
Psychologists
When people think of psychologists, the image of someone lying on a leather couch, sharing their feelings, often comes to mind. Although this scenario occurs, psychologists engage in more than just listening to your emotions.
Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees such as a doctorate, doctorate in psychology, and doctorate in education, and they must be licensed and pass general and state-specific exams to practice.
Psychologists may be skilled in treating a range of mental health problems, from depression to relationship problems and trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can also help with substance abuse disorders, eating disorders and learning disabilities, providing support to improve overall wellbeing. However, psychologists cannot prescribe medications in most states.
Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals and schools, and many now also offer online therapy services.
In 2021, the American Psychological Association conducted a survey that showed 50% of psychologists had shifted to providing a mix of in-person and virtual services to their clients, a significant increase from 30% in 2020.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are specialized physicians who diagnose, treat and prevent mental, emotional and behavioral disorders using a combination of psychiatric medicine, physical examinations and laboratory tests. They hold either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Although general practitioners can also prescribe medications to treat mental and emotional problems, many people prefer to seek treatment from a doctor. psychiatrists for more complex disorders.
Specialties of psychiatrists may include:
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Addiction psychiatry
- Forensic psychiatry
- Emergency psychiatry
- Neuropsychiatry
- Sleep medicine
- Pain medication
Psychoanalyst
A psychoanalyst follows the theories and practice of Sigmund Freud in helping someone explore their repressed or unconscious drives, anxieties, and internal conflicts. This is done through techniques such as:
- free association
- dream interpretation
- resistance and transfer analysis
Psychoanalysis has its critics. But many value it for its ability to delve deeper into deep psychological and emotional issues that may be causing harmful behavioral patterns, often on a subconscious level.
Be careful when choosing a psychoanalyst, as the title is not legally protected, meaning anyone can technically call themselves one. However, a credible psychoanalyst has typically had years of additional training beyond a graduate degree in mental health.
Look for a certified psychoanalyst. Legitimate certification bodies adhere to rigorous standards and are recognized by respected professional organizations in the field of psychoanalysis.
Here are some examples :
- The American Board of Psychoanalysis (ABPsa)
- The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)
- The International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA)
Psychiatric nurse
Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in mental health, often holding degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). They typically work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, correctional facilities, and residential treatment centers. Additionally, they may work in private practice or provide in-home care.
They establish therapeutic relationships with clients, provide psychological therapy, administer psychiatric medications, and manage challenging behaviors related to mental health issues. Psychiatric nurse practitioners may prescribe medications similar to psychiatrists when they are not available or cost-effective for an individual.
A study found that only about 5.2% of nursing students had “definitely decided” to choose psychiatric nursing as a specialty, indicating that it is difficult to attract students to this field.
Efforts to combat stigma and anxiety related to mental illness could make psychiatric nursing more attractive and improve recruitment rates in the mental health field.
Psychotherapist
“Psychotherapist” is a broad term encompassing various mental health professionals, including psychologists and therapists, who specifically provide psychotherapy, a form of “talk therapy” aimed at improving mental health and general well-being.
For example, a psychologist using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) would practice psychotherapy. These professionals typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
Advisors and advice
Counselors are mental health professionals who provide advice and support to individuals, couples, families and groups. Distinct from therapists And psychologistsCounselors typically focus on solving specific life problems and providing practical solutions rather than diagnosing and treating complex mental health disorders or deep-rooted psychological problems.
Counselors typically have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field; However, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some counseling roles, such as those focused on substance use disorders.
Here are some specific types of advisors:
- Mental Health Advisor: Mental Health Advisor is a general term for a licensed professional who provides mental health counseling services, often focusing on specific issues or populations. A mental health counselor can help you overcome difficulties such as grief, anger, or work and career problems.
- Family and marriage counselor: A family and marriage counselor specializes in resolving common challenges that arise in family and marital relationships, such as communication issues, conflict resolution, and parental concerns. Their sessions are goal-oriented, aiming to achieve practical solutions and improve relationships.
- Addiction Counselor: A addiction counselor specializes in caring for people with problems like substance abusegambling, sexual addictions, or hoarding. They often work in groups, facilitating therapy sessions and providing recovery and relapse prevention strategies.
- Religious advisor: Religious counselors provide support with crises of faith, marriage and family issues, integrating spiritual views into mental health care. Often church leaders, religious counselors have extensive training in religion and mental health.
Art therapists
Art therapists are trained professionals who use the creative process – such as painting, sculpting or writing – to improve mental health and well-being. They usually have a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field.
Art therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and private practices, providing a unique and valuable approach to mental health treatment.
Social workers
Social workers are professionals dedicated to helping individuals and communities facing personal and social challenges. They are found in various contexts, including public organizations, hospitals, universities and private practices.
Their work involves solving personal problems, disabilities and social problems, such as drug addiction, housing insecurity and unemployment. Social workers also play a crucial role in resolving family conflicts, including cases of domestic violence and child abuse.
There are many subtypes of social work. These may include:
- child, family and school
- medical and public health
- mental health and substance use
To become a social worker, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, as well as relevant licensure or certification.