Key Takeaways
The world of mental health treatment can be confusing.
There are various titles, such as counselors, therapists, psychologists, andpsychiatrists.
Chances are youve even seen life coaches promising you mental health help too.
Then theres the jumble of letters after each providers name.
And when youre in emotional pain, your greatest focus is on getting better.
What Is Psychotherapy?
You dont need to have a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from therapy.
Adults, couples, teens, and kids can all benefit from psychotherapy treatment.
A therapist will guide the group through discussing various topics.
Group therapy can be helpful in validating challenging experiences, strengthening relationship-building skills, and building community.
Who Can Provide Psychotherapy?
The licensure process is dictated by the states regulating body, also referred to as the licensing board.
The licensing board is very important because they are the people to which issues with therapists can be reported.
This means you could seek out counseling for everything from an anxiety disorder to struggles with settling into retirement.
Who Can Provide Counseling?
Like with psychotherapy, counseling can be provided by licensed mental health providers.
The most common licensed professionals who provide counseling are clinical counselors and licensed clinical social workers.
Peer counselors are a good example of this.
Additionally, coaches have no educational requirements, again, because theyre not governed by a regulatory body.
How Do State Regulations Come Into Play?
Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding licensure requirements.
Thats why we suggest not getting too hung up on what all the titles and licensing restrictions mean.
However, not everyone agrees with this differentiation.
Counseling and therapy are so closely related that I dont consider them to be any different, she says.
Dube, too, works in both worlds.
There are plenty of directories out there to get you started.
Bottom Line
There are endless reasons to seek out therapy and various ways you could receive therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to this question may be different for everyone.
Only a psychiatrist, other physician, or psychiatric nursecan prescribe medication.
These two professionals can also provide psychotherapy.
Give yourinsurancecompany a call and ask about your mental health benefits.
They can let you know what is covered by your plan and if you have any out-of-internet benefits.
Be sure to ask if there are any limitations to licenses.
The cost of therapy varies based on your insurance status and healthcare provider.
8 Types of Therapy: Which Is Best for You?
Plus 7 Tips for Finding Affordable Options
How to Find a Therapist Whos Right for You
