By Dr. Tiffany Young, PhD, LPC Contributing writer for I Press On Blog
Navigating mental health resources can be extremely difficult especially when you are in a crisis, don’t know how to help your child, or just don’t know where to start. Knowing the similarities and differences between mental health professionals is important in getting the right help at the right time.
Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists are all mental health professionals with overlapping goals and professional interests. These professionals might be found in clinics, schools, hospitals, non-profits, and in private practice. In the mental health profession, they are all equally qualified to practice their craft.
Here are some differences between counselors, social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists. Let’s concisely break each down each profession:
Counselors or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Licensed professional counselors are mental health professionals with a master’s degree whose main goal is to help clients through psychotherapy also known as talk therapy. Counselors are trained to be excellent listeners and help guide individuals in expressing feelings and emotions as well as remove negative thinking patterns that prevent success
What to Expect:
When seeing a licensed professional counselor, expect to sit with the counselor for 45minutes to 1 hour. Sessions might include discussing specific mental health needs, as well as exploring feelings, thoughts, and actions to help move pass and work through mental and emotional challenges. Visits are usually once a week.
Social Workers
Social workers are mental health professionals with a master’s degree. A social worker’s main goal is to help connect clients to appropriate community resources. Social workers are trained to be excellent at navigating the larger system. Some social workers also work with individuals and families in private treatment and may have a private practice or work in community agencies.
What to Expect:
When seeing a social worker, the outcome is dependent upon the expectation. Because social workers provide a broader range of services than just focusing on mental health and emotional challenges, be sure to communicate specific needs with the social worker to get the best outcome.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors whose main goal is to help individuals manage mental health medications. When dealing with a major mental health disorder or a crisis, you may be referred to a psychiatrist to receive medication. Psychiatrists often work closely with counselors and social workers to bridge services. Talk therapy and medication management is often a great combination for lasting mental health change!
What to Expect:
Seeing a psychiatrist is much like visiting a primary care physician. Psychiatrists will check your medical status as it relates to your mental health symptoms and provide prescriptions for medications as necessary. They may also refer you to a higher level of care such as hospital inpatient services (if needed). Visits are usually once a month.
Psychologists
Psychologists are mental health professionals with a doctoral degree who study human behavior and mental processes. They are excellent researchers and also work in clinical settings. Psychologists often do testing to determine a diagnosis, and often work with psychiatrists and counselors to create well rounded treatments. Some psychologists also work in private practice and provide individual treatment.
What to expect:
When seeing a psychologist, expect a session to last for 1 hour or more. A psychologist might have a client complete tests and/or questionnaires in order to provide specific individual treatment. Psychologists will often coordinate care with psychiatrists and counselors after determining the results of testing.
There are many resources to treat mental health disorders, especially depression. The distinctions (provided above) between the various mental health professions might help you make a better informed decision when choosing care. When seeking mental health treatment it is important to know:
- Your specific goals
- The severity of your symptoms
- The outcome you want to receive from treatment
Compare the above list to the descriptions of the mental health professionals listed. And, if needed, seek treatment. It is okay to see a trained specialist to treat your depression.You do not have to suffer in silence!
Dr. Tiffany Young is a Therapeutic Coach with a license in Professional Counseling. Her background includes 13 years of experience in the mental health field in all arenas of mental and emotional wellness. Dr. Young has a Doctorate of Philosophy from Texas A&M University-Commerce and specializes in Crisis Management.
Considered the Crisis Expert Dr. Young is a VIP in mental health consulting and is highly sought out for speaking events, retreats, and conferences. Dr. Young is passionate about helping her clients’ growth in living beyond their crisis and eliminating stigma that causes people to hide their pain.
Dr. Young is happy to partner with I Press On to spread awareness about depression. So many people suffer from depression from the shadows and the work of I Press On helps provide mental health professionals like myself with allies in the community to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. With the rising suicide rates depression awareness is needed at an all-time high.
Photo Credit: EPIC Photography