Mental Health Professionals That Provide Psychotherapy

When you hear the term psychotherapist, you might immediately think of a psychologist. However, there are actually a number of different mental health professionals who are able to provide psychotherapy services to clients suffering from mental illness and psychological distress.

While each of these professions deals first-hand with the practice of psychotherapy, they often utilize different techniques and approaches. Each profession also has its own unique educational, training, and licensing requirements.

Professionals who provide psychotherapy and other mental health services often hold a number of different titles, credentials, or licenses. Job titles such as "psychologist" and "psychiatrist" require the individual to meet specific state and national requirements.

The regulation of titles such as "psychotherapist" or "therapist" varies from state to state. For example, in the state of Oregon, the use of the title "psychotherapist" is restricted to individuals who are licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychological Examiners.

While different types of mental health professionals have undergone different educational and training programs, all of the following are able to provide a variety of mental health services.

Types of Psychotherapy Providers

If you are interested in working in mental health or if you are seeking a therapist for treatment, it is important to understand the credentials, licensing requirements, and certifications of therapy providers.

Psychologists

"Psychologist" is a specific, protected term describing a mental health professional who has a PhD (a doctorate degree) in psychology or a PsyD (doctorate of psychology). Psychologists typically offer individual or group therapy treatment sessions.

It's important to remember that while all psychologists can be therapists, not all therapists are psychologists.

There are also levels within the distinction of a psychologist. PhD psychologists have undergone five years of graduate training in psychology. PsyD psychologists have the same training as those with a PhD, but there is less emphasis on research and experimental methods; instead, their main training is in clinical treatment.

Most states require one to two years of supervised experience after graduation to be fully licensed to practice. In most states, psychologists do not have prescribing privileges, meaning they cannot prescribe psychotropic medication; however, they can officially diagnose mental illnesses, while other types of therapists cannot.

Counselors

Licensed counselors, also called licensed professional counselors (LPCs) or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), typically have two to three years of graduate training in counseling methods. Counselors are typically master's-level professionals, though they can also hold doctorate degrees. Their training is specifically focused on talk therapy and mental health treatment.

Specialty areas can include marriage and family counseling, school counseling, community counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Many states require counselors to be licensed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), which can grant the title of National Certified Counselor.

In some states, an LMHC can diagnose, but they can never prescribe medication.

Social Workers

Social workers, or MSWs (master social workers), have two years of graduate training in therapy and other mental health services, as well as completion of at least one internship and supervised experience in the field. Social workers must pass a state exam in order to be licensed to practice in that state and become LMSWs (licensed master social workers).

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), an LMSW must complete three years of supervised clinical treatment at a mental health service such as a hospital, clinic, or private practice, and then pass a clinical exam.

LCSWs can diagnose patients, but LMSWs cannot.

Unlike psychologists or mental health counselors, social workers are not limited to providing therapy. Social workers can work in a variety of mental-health-related fields, ranging from individual, couples, or group therapy to case management to non-profit work to working for insurance companies. A social work degree and licensure can open the door to many different kinds of work within the mental health, counseling, and medical fields.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have graduated from medical school and then participated in a resident program in psychiatric care. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and have the ability to prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. 

Some psychiatrists are board-certified, indicating they have passed written and oral board exams after completing medical school and psychiatric residency.

Psychiatrists specialize exclusively in the prescription of psychotropic medication for mental illness. Most psychiatrists do not offer counseling services but will recommend treatment and give referrals to therapists.

Advanced Pyschiatric Nurses

Advanced psychiatric nurses hold a master's degree or higher in psychiatric-mental health nursing. These professionals are able to assess patients, diagnose disorders, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications in some states. 

Advanced psychiatric nurses are clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners and work in diverse settings, including hospitals, private clinics, mental health settings, emergency psychiatric settings, and substance abuse treatment centers.

A Word From Verywell

​When seeking treatment for a mental illness or disorder, consider your needs. Your primary care physician can help you determine what kind of mental health professional you need and can give you a referral.

If you know which kind of mental health professional you want to work with, you can use an online therapy directory to find a therapist near you.