Mental Health Professionals

What types of mental health professionals are there?

The following are examples of professionals who may be of help to you or your family.

• Psychiatrist

  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental and emotional illness. Because of their medical training, they can treat serious disorders that other mental health professionals cannot.

  Psychiatrists have an MD degree, have completed a residency program in psychiatry, and have an additional 2 years of experience. They also must pass a national exam for board certification.

  Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe drugs and provide other kinds of medical therapies. They also are trained in a wide variety of therapies, including individual, family, and group therapies. Most public agencies and mental health centers have psychiatrists on staff. Psychiatrists may also have private practices or work in medical settings.

• Clinical Psychologist

  Clinical psychologists are trained to provide therapy to individuals or groups. In addition, they are skilled in the use of diagnostic measures. The academic background includes training in psychotherapeutic approaches, human behavior, and research methodology.

  Psychologists have a doctoral degree, at least 2 years of supervised experience, and must pass an exam.

• Social Worker

  Most social workers who do psychotherapy have a master's degree in social work (MSW) and training and experience in diagnosis, individual and group therapy, consultation, and referral.

  Requirements for membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the highest accreditation for a social worker, include a master's degree, 2 years of supervised experience after the master's degree, and successful completion of a national examination.

• Psychotherapist

  "Psychotherapist" is a general term to describe anyone who practices psychotherapy, the treatment of emotional problems with psychological methods.

• Other

  Other mental health professionals who provide therapy include marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, and pastoral counselors. Requirements for certification vary but usually involve a master's or doctoral degree in an accredited program as well as supervised training in psychotherapy.

How do I find a mental health professional for my child?

There are several resources you can use to find the right mental health professional for your child. It is important to ask questions and get referrals from people who you know and trust. The following people or organizations may help you begin the search for a competent therapist:

• Your family doctor.
• Your clergyman, school teachers, or counselors.
• Friends or family members who have been in therapy.
• Your employee assistance program.
• Community mental health agencies.
• Community human service agencies.
• Nearby hospital or university medical center.
• University departments of psychology, social work, or child development.
• The Yellow Pages of your telephone directory.
• Community branches of: the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers.
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016. Call (202) 966-7300 for the Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry nearest you.