Types of Mental Health Professionals
(National Mental Health Association)

• Psychiatrist - medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. Like other doctors, psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication.

  • Qualifications: should have a state license and be board eligible or certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
• Psychologist - Counselor with an advanced degree from an accredited graduate program in psychology, and 2 or more years of supervised work experience. Trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.
  • Qualifications: a state license.
• Clinical Social Worker - Counselor with a masters degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group counseling.
  • Qualifications: state license; may be member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
• Licensed Professional Counselor - Counselor with a master's degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
  • Qualifications: state license
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor - Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
  • Qualifications: state license
• Marital and Family Therapist - A counselor with a masters degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
  • Qualifications: state license
• Pastoral Counselor - Clergy with training in clinical pastoral education Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
  • Qualifications: Certification from American Association of Pastoral Counselors.