Annual Conference Registration is Now Open! Click here to learn more

Resource Library

    4 Types of Mental Health Support


    There are several different types of trained mental health professionals. Each kind of provider has a different title and level of expertise. These providers offer psychotherapy aka talk therapy, a method for helping you explore your feelings and behaviors and learning to cope.

    This resource compiled by Optum Rx and Wespath Benefits

    PSYCHOLOGISTS

    • Have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree
    • Are licensed by the state they practice in
    • Are trained to diagnose and evaluate a person’s mental health through testing and talking to the patient and to treat them accordingly

    COUNSELORS, CLINICIANS AND THERAPISTS

    • Have a master’s degree
    • May be licensed in their state as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LCADAC)
    • Provide psychotherapy (talk therapy) aimed at helping improve your symptoms so you feel better

    CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS

    • Includes Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Academy of Certified Social Worker (ACSW)
    • Trained to assess a person’s mental health and provide psychotherapy using various therapeutic techniques

    PSYCHIATRISTS

    • Have completed medical school with additional training in psychiatry
    • Because they are licensed physicians, they can prescribe medication
    • Can also provide talk therapy
    • If your psychologist, counselor, clinician or therapist suspects you need this specialized expertise, they might refer you to a psychiatrist.