Each profession also has its own unique educational, training, and licensing requirements.
The regulation of titles such as “psychotherapist” or “therapist” varies from state to state.
Psychologists typically offer individual or group therapy treatment sessions.
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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.
Most states require one to two years of supervised experience after graduation to be fully licensed to practice.
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.
In some states, an LMHC can diagnose, but they can never prescribe medication.
LCSWs can diagnose patients, but LMSWs cannot.
Unlike psychologists or mental health counselors, social workers are not limited to providing therapy.
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.
A Word From Verywell
When seeking treatment for a mental illness or disorder, consider your needs.
Find out which option is the best for you.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.
How to become a psychologist.
U.S. Bureau of Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Licensed professional counselors ability to diagnose - scope of practice policy.(n.d.-b).
U.S. Bureau of Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.
How to become a social worker.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association.FAQs about advanced practice psychiatric nurses.
Types of Mental Health Professionals.
