The different types of mental health professionals

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When you need mental health care, it can be hard to know what kind of professional you should see. To get the proper care, it’s important to know the key differences between mental health professionals and the services they provide.

Psychologist vs psychiatrist

These two mental health professionals may sound similar but they have different training and provide different services to their patients.

Psychologist

Psychologists are qualified mental health professionals with advanced degrees in psychology or philosophy.

What psychologists do:

• Observe and evaluate behavior through interviewing.
• Conduct mental health evaluations and other testing.
• Diagnose mental health conditions.
• Provide different types of therapy.

When you should see a psychologist

You should see a psychologist if you are struggling with a mental or behavioral health condition, need help adjusting to a life change or are feeling unusually down. Just remember, a psychologist cannot prescribe medication as part of your treatment.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialized in diagnosing, treating and researching mental and behavioral health conditions.

What psychiatrists do:

• Study, diagnose and treat mental and behavioral health conditions.
• Design treatment plans and prescribe medication for patients.
• Provide talk therapy and other forms of psychotherapy.
• Work in a variety of settings like general and psychiatric hospitals, private clinics and other community agencies.

When you should see a psychiatrist

You should see a psychiatrist if you are experiencing unhealthy or dangerous thoughts or have behaviors and emotions that are disrupting your daily life. Psychiatrists are a good care option if your mental health condition requires medication.

Other qualified mental health professionals

Therapist

A therapist is a mental health professional that typically specializes in a specific type of therapy or mental health condition.

What therapists do:

• Provide counseling.
• Help find solutions to reduce condition symptoms.
• Use specific therapeutic techniques to treat a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions.

When you should see a therapist

You should see a therapist when you are seeking a specific treatment to relieve symptoms of a mental health condition. Therapists can also be effective if you are able to manage your condition on your own but would like help developing coping mechanisms.

Psychologist vs therapist: what’s the difference?

The main difference between psychologists and therapists is their type of education. Psychologists typically have doctoral degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), while therapists usually have a master’s degree in their area of focus. This can mean a difference in how much you pay to see them, so be sure to check your coverage documents before your first appointment.

Mental health counselor

Mental health counselors offer mental health support for a variety of conditions, including addiction, depression, grief and behavioral disorders.

What mental health counselors do:

• Evaluate patients.
• Develop treatment plans and advise patients.
• Connect patients to community resources that will support their treatment.
• Offer support to patients and their families.

When you should see a mental health counselor

You should seek care from a mental health counselor if you are experiencing disruptions in your daily life due to changes in your thoughts, mood and behavior. Many hotlines are run by mental health counselors who can connect you to other qualified mental health professionals based on your needs.

Clinical social worker

Clinical social workers are licensed social workers trained to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent mental and behavioral health conditions. Clinical social workers typically focus on behavioral and biopsychosocial disorders and conditions.

What clinical social workers do:

• Provide talk therapy.
• Assess and diagnose mental health conditions.
• Create treatment plans.
• Oversee treatment from other qualified mental health professionals.
• Lead mental health programs.

When you should see a clinical social worker

Seeing a clinical social worker may be right for you if you are looking for individual therapy to improve your mental health, especially if you struggle with trauma.

Mental health nurse practitioner

A mental health nurse practitioner, also called a psychiatric nurse practitioner, provides mental health care alongside other providers like primary care providers (PCPs), clinical social workers and psychiatrists.

What mental health practitioners do:

• Diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Prescribe medication.
• Oversee treatment of mental health conditions.
• Offer counseling.
• Provide psychotherapy and perform medical procedures.
• Perform mental health screenings.

When you should see a mental health nurse practitioner

Consider seeing a mental health nurse practitioner if you are experiencing mental health issues that may require medication but think a psychiatrist may not be right for you. Mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medication on their own in most U.S states and territories or with a collaborating physician in all states.

How your primary care provider can help

While your PCP does not specialize in mental health care, they can connect you to a qualified mental health professional who can help with your specific condition, prescribe medication and oversee your treatment.

Find a qualified mental health provider near you

Wellmark continues to evolve our mental health solutions to offer members resources that help them get the right care, when and how they want it. You can log in to myWellmark today to find a mental health professional near you.

Short on time or getting care in person not an option? Get the behavioral health care you need from anywhere with your phone, tablet or computer, Wellmark members can see a qualified mental health professional virtually with Doctor On Demand^®.

Keep in mind, the type of mental health provider you see may impact what you pay out of pocket. myWellmark can help you determine what you'll pay for care. myWellmark lists providers by credentials in their title to help you estimate costs. It’s always a good idea to double check your benefits before receiving care.