Download Understanding Types of Therapists

Understanding Types of Therapists
Parent/Student Resource
Understanding Types of Therapists
How do I know what type of therapist would be the most appropriate?
The following descriptions may be helpful when selecting a therapist:
 Psychiatrists (MD): One would use a psychiatrist to implement and oversee illness that
requires psychiatric drugs. People whose depression is not lifted through the medications used
by their primary care doctor may see a psychiatrist for more intensive medication management.
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Medical Doctor that is able to prescribe psychiatric medication.
4 years of training in a hospital
1 year of training in general medicine
3 years of training in psychiatry
May specialize in specific area, such as mood disorders
Many don’t provide therapy, but work in conjunction with a therapist to determine appropriate
diagnosis and medication.
 Physician (MD):
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Medical Doctor that is also able to prescribe psychiatric medication, but have not received the
same level of training as a Psychiatrist.
Don’t provide therapy, and often work in conjunction with a therapist.
 Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D.): Often administer tests used as instruments to
diagnose and evaluate how people think and how well they function. Some also do talk therapy.
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Not a medical doctor and can not prescribe medication
Trained in psychology or counseling
Uses various forms of psychotherapy
May specialize in a specific area (such as school psychology)
Psy.D. stands for "Doctor of Psychology" and is a professional psychology degree requiring
about 5 or more years of full-time post-graduate study. In contrast to the Ph.D., the main
focus of the Psy.D. is on developing clinical skills, with Psy.D. candidates often logging more
hours of clinical training than any of the other clinical/counseling degrees. Psy.D. programs
mainly train their candidates for careers as doctoral-level therapists (clinicians), with research
and teaching taking secondary roles.
 Clinical Counselor: Educated to recognize and diagnose emotional problems, devise plan
of action and execute a treatment.
 Licensed with 2 or 3 years of training and a master’s degree.
 Trained across a broad base of disciplines.
 Trained to have strong interpersonal skills.
 Marriage and Family Counselor (MFC) or Marriage, Family and Child
Counselor (MFCC):
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Usually a Master’s level degree with state specific licensure; counselors are mainly trained in
dealing with family, marital, and parent-child conflicts and problems.
Teensource 2004
Understanding Types of Therapists
Parent/Student Resource
 Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Alcohol
Counselor (CAC)
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Have received basic counseling skills focused on aiding people with alcohol and/or drug
problems.
Educate communities and schools about substance abuse.
 Nurses (PNP or PNPMH): Usually works under a psychiatrist.
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A Psychiatric nurse has a college degree in nursing and special training in psychiatry
A clinical nurse specialist has a college degree in nursing and a master’s degree in
psychiatric and mental health
Clinical nurses can provide psychotherapy. Some are certified to prescribe medication,
complete physicals, and psychiatric evaluations.
 Social Workers (LCSW, CSW, MSW): There focus is usually on helping healthy
individuals cope with current, time-limited problems. Educated to recognize and diagnose
emotional problems, devise a plan of action and execute treatment
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Not medical doctor. Cannot prescribe medicine.
Trained in social work. Usually licensed with 2 or 3 years of training and masters degree.
May specialize in a specific area. (hospital or private agency)
LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and has received some training in helping people
with emotional or mental difficulties.
CSW or MSW may use psychotherapy but has not necessarily received training in
therapeutic techniques (Good to check or ask about area of expertise)
 Certified Pastoral Counselor (CPC):
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Received a traditional Masters or Doctoral level education in a counseling area, and have
also attended three years of seminary.
Counselors can also be Certified Christian Counselors. Both types of counselors incorporate
their religious (Christian) beliefs into the therapy process, and have met certain criteria for
certification.
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They may work in private practice, for Churches, or for community centers.
References:
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Lyness D. Going to a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist. KidsHealth. 2001 November (cited 2002 April 19).
URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=110&article_set=22513
MayoClinic. Who Provides Mental Health Care? 2001 January 16 (cited 2002 April 19). URL:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/takecharge/self_manager/invoke.cfm?objectid=44F08529-935B-43A687FC1C5E6FCF1EE3&printpage=trye
Miller, Deborah. Finding a Therapist for Your Child's Emotional or Behavioral Problem. KidsHealth. 2000 August
(cited 2002 April 19). URL:
http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/choosingtherapist.html
http://www.dearmrsweb.com/Choosing_a_Therapist.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=168&article_set=22096
Teensource 2004