Types of Mental Health Professionals

Like any physical condition, the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may vary based on the specific condition and the individual. Where you seek help will depend on who is experiencing the symptoms (an adult or a child) and the symptoms they are experiencing.

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There are many types of mental health professionals available to help:

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
  • A counselor who has completed specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse who can provide a diagnosis and individual/group counseling
• Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • A medical doctor who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional/behavioral problems in children
• Clinical Social Worker
  • A counselor with a Master’s Degree in social work who is trained to make diagnoses and provide individual/group counseling
• Licensed Professional Counselor
  • A counselor with a Master’s Degree in psychology, counseling, or similar field, who is trained to diagnose and provide individual/group counseling
• Marital and Family Therapist
  • A professional with a Master’s Degree, with special training and education in marital and family therapy, who is trained to make diagnoses and provide individual/group counseling
• Mental Health Counselor
  • A counselor with a Master’s Degree and many years of supervised clinical experience, who is trained to make diagnoses and provide individual/group counseling
• Pastoral Counselor
  • A member of the clergy with training in clinical pastoral education, who is trained to diagnosis and provide individual/group counseling
• Psychiatrist
  • A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis of mental and emotional illnesses, who is also qualified to prescribe medication
• Psychologist
  • A professional with a doctoral degree in psychology, many years of professional experience including a year-long internship, who is trained to make diagnoses and provide individual/group therapy

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, get help immediately by calling a 24-hour crisis center at 988 or if it’s an emergency, dial 911.

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