Licensed mental health provider
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Many types of mental health care professionals can help you achieve your recovery goals. These professionals work in inpatient facilities, such as general hospitals and psychiatric facilities, and outpatient facilities, such as community mental health clinics, schools and private practices.
Health care professional job titles and specialties can vary by state. The descriptions below give an overview of what to look for and what credentials to expect from a mental health professional. Finding the right professional is easier when you understand the different areas of expertise and training.
The NAMI HelpLine can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area. Please note that we are unable to provide specific recommendations to individual providers as we are unable to speak to the quality of their care.
Assessment and Therapy
Therapists can help someone better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They can also offer guidance and help improve a person’s ability to achieve life goals. These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental health conditions.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some may have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other behavioral therapy interventions.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a field of psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).
Licensure & credentials: Psychologists are licensed by licensure boards in each state.
Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists
These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.
They operate under a variety of job titles—including counselor, clinician, therapist or something else—based on the treatment setting. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to symptom reduction but to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.
Degree requirements: master’s degree (M.S. or M.A.) in a mental health-related field such as psychology, counseling psychology, marriage or family therapy, among others.
Licensure & Certification: Varies by specialty and state. Examples of licensure include:
- LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
- LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- LCADAC, Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.
Degree requirements: master’s degree in social work (MSW).
Licensure & credentials: Examples of licensure include:
- LICSW, Licensed Independent Social Workers
- LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Workers
Prescribe and Monitor Medication
The following health care professionals can prescribe medication. They may also offer assessments, diagnoses and therapy.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), plus completion of residency training in psychiatry.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed physician in the state where they are practicing; may also be designated as a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states, they are also qualified to prescribe and monitor medications. Requirements also vary by state as to the degree of supervision necessary by a licensed psychiatrist.
Degree requirements: Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing with specialized focus on psychiatry.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed nurse in the state where they are practicing. Examples of credentials include, but are not limited to:
- NCLEX, National Council Licensure Examination
- PMHNP-BC, Board Certification in psychiatric nursing through the American Academy of Nurses Credentialing Center
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians and pediatricians can prescribe medication, but you might consider visiting someone who specializes in mental health care.
Primary care and mental health professionals should work together to determine an individual’s best treatment plan.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
Licensure & credentials: Licensed physician in the state where they are practicing.
Family Nurse Practitioners
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) can provide general medical services like those of a primary care physician, based on each state’s laws. Like primary care physicians, they can prescribe medication, but you might consider visiting someone who specializes in mental health care. Family nurse practitioners and mental health professionals should work together to determine an individual’s best treatment plan.
Degree requirements: Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed nurse in the state where they are practicing.
Examples of credentials include:
- NCLEX, National Council Licensure Examination
- FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
Psychiatric Pharmacists
Psychiatrist pharmacists are advanced-practice pharmacists who specialize in mental health care. They can prescribe or recommend appropriate medications if allowed in their state and practice setting. They are skilled at medication management—meaning they evaluate responses and modify treatment, manage medication reactions and drug interactions, and provide education about medications. Many have completed additional training in child/adolescent psychiatry, substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.
Degree requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Completion of residency training in psychiatric pharmacy is not required, but is common.
Licensure & credentials: Licensed pharmacist in the state where they practice; may also be designated a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
Other Professionals You May Encounter
Certified Peer Specialists
These specialists have lived experience with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. They are often trained, certified and prepared to assist with recovery by helping a person set goals and develop strengths. They provide support, mentoring and guidance.
Social Workers
Social workers (B.A. or B.S.) provide case management, inpatient discharge planning services, placement services and other services to support healthy living.
Pastoral Counselors
Pastoral counselors are clergy members with training in clinical pastoral education. They are trained to diagnose and provide counseling. Pastoral counselors can have equivalents to a doctorate in counseling.
Updated April 2020
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research.
Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.
The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it):
- Clinical Psychologist – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.
- School Psychologist – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting.
The following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication:
- Clinical Social Worker – A counselor with a master's degree in social work from an accredited graduate program.
Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting. - Licensed Professional Counselor – A counselor with a master's degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
- Mental Health Counselor – A counselor with a master's degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
- 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.
- Nurse Psychotherapist – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
- Marital and Family Therapist – counselor with a master's degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy.
Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Pastoral Counselor – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.
- Peer Specialist – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training.
- Other Therapists – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist.
The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy:
- Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.
- Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy.
- Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness.
Additionally, your Primary Care Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication.
You've Made the Call to the Mental Health Professional. Now What?
Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.
) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.
On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know-- what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment.
If you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.
Our Services
Once you become a student and register, you will be eligible for our free services.
Individual counseling is provided by a licensed mental health provider or supervised clinician. You can host 6-12 short sessions in person or virtually via a confidential video conferencing platform. During this time, your doctor will use a variety of therapies to help you reach your individual goals.
If you are in a mental crisis, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Suicide Prevention Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741.
Below is the mental health tool. It is not intended for diagnosis and/or treatment. ONLY for educational purposes.
In addition to our clinical services, we will also be initiating an ongoing HEALTH AND WELL-BEING program throughout the year. Please check the HEALTH & WELLNESS section of this website periodically for upcoming events such as: Healthy Lifestyle Fairs and events from other providers..png)
The following are examples of support groups and workshops the college provides for both students and staff:
- Psychoeducational workshops - Get information about mental health, physical health and wellness issues.
- La Hermanidad, Sisterhood – A monthly series in which we empower women in higher education through storytelling. A safe space where women and those who identify as women are invited to share, reflect, teach and begin to heal from their experiences.
You will work with a mental health counselor on a plan to meet your needs, and we will provide a referral to either the college or the community. We have connections with health care providers.
The Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Center may conduct outreach, counseling, and prevention programs for Hudson County Community College faculty, staff, and students with reasonable notice (minimum 3 weeks).
In addition, we offer seminars, presentations, tables and participation in university-wide events.
If you believe your student organization, class, or faculty/staff community would benefit from such programs, please complete the following online outreach request form.
Request for presentation of outreach activities
TalkCampus 24/7 peer-to-peer support - free for HCCC students!
Learn more here
Talk about whatever you want without judgment with a volunteer colleague. It's safe and anonymous. Volunteers are located all over the world and speak all languages.
Be a friend of the speaking campus!
TalkCampus will virtually teach a small number of HCCC students how to support someone by actively listening and empathizing.
We offer wellness activities, support groups and workshops!
September 29, 2022
Relations in the opposite direction, exhibition “In their boots”
March 12, 200024 Social Work panel
Password: MW7K5XPH 9000
30 2000
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about domestic violence
November 10, 2020
Suicide Prevention Activity
Current HCCC students and graduate students are eligible to apply for an internship at the Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Center.
- Current HCCC Student / Social Services Major
- HCCC, subject to program approval, may participate in the TalkCampus Volunteer Training Program, which will require volunteers to participate in various online training activities, study materials, and take tests. You will learn to be an active listener, to provide support without judgment. You will know how to communicate on social networks. Once approved, you will start posting on the TalkCampus website, a live, interactive community that supports college students around the world.
- HCCC, subject to program approval, may participate in the TalkCampus Volunteer Training Program, which will require volunteers to participate in various online training activities, study materials, and take tests. You will learn to be an active listener, to provide support without judgment. You will know how to communicate on social networks. Once approved, you will start posting on the TalkCampus website, a live, interactive community that supports college students around the world.
- Social work specialties (graduate level)
- Social work interns from accredited programs under contract with the HCCC may complete a full-time internship; a licensed clinical social worker will supervise them. During their placement at MHWC, they will have the opportunity to provide one-to-one short-term consultations, participate in support groups, learn how to document and use the electronic health record system. Opportunity to develop mental health interventions such as suicide prevention, mental health awareness, domestic violence, dating abuse, etc. There will be an opportunity to take part in the TalkCampus volunteer training program if interested.
Fordham University Social Work Program
The Fordham University Social Work Program prepares students to participate effectively in all areas of social work throughout their careers.
Fordham has developed a future-oriented curriculum that provides students with tools and skills based on theory and ethics. Our curriculum is designed to transform students into highly competent, integrated practitioners who have the tools to succeed in any setting.
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Montclair State University MSW Program
The Montclair State University MSW program trains leaders in social practice with children, youth and families in a diverse local and global society. The program aims to train experienced practitioners to provide a range of clinical and advocacy services to vulnerable children, adolescents and their families. Graduates will contribute to the well-being and functioning of their clients by engaging in ethical, culturally competent and evidence-based practices, as well as demonstrating a strong commitment to social/economic justice.
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NJCU's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in social work.
The BSW program will prepare students for the general practice of social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The BSW program emphasizes social equity for low-income and/or vulnerable populations. Students who earn a BSW degree may apply for a Social Work Certificate in the State of New Jersey.
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NYU Silver offers clinical social work training that includes direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. The core mission is to serve and empower those who are most vulnerable, marginalized, alienated and excluded. With a strong commitment to social justice and a strong focus on research, Silver School offers bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degree programs.
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Rutgers University School of Social Work
Rutgers University School of Social Work, New Jersey, is one of the largest social work programs in the nation. It is one of the top three undergraduate programs in the US.
Through partnerships with government agencies, local non-profits, foundations, and socially active corporations, it provides over 1,000 different job opportunities locally and around the world. Six active centers and institutes dedicated to research, education and public assistance on issues related to the family, addiction and domestic violence. A wide range of educator research, including the development of evidence-based screening and intervention tools, a comprehensive assessment of child well-being with youth participation, and the establishment of data centers to monitor social service professionals.
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Testimonials from our former MSW interns.
Carla Levin
MSW | Social Services / Pre-Social Work 2018 AS Graduate
“The social work curriculum, along with the internship, helped me gain skills in this area and excel in my undergraduate and graduate studies.
I enjoyed my time at HCCC so much that I returned to do my postgraduate internship with Mental Health and Wellbeing Counseling. and was able to see how much the staff and teachers care about their students."
William Antes
UTC '22
“I have a passion and experience in the field of fitness and my own healing, my interest is to learn more about how psychology, philosophy and fitness can fit together and desire have a more clinical, professional, ethical and therapeutic relationship. with my clients, I understood that the NYU MSW program would be consistent cute."
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PRIVACY: We take the right to privacy and confidentiality seriously. Communication between a consultant and a student is privileged, confidential and protected by our staff. Counseling records do not become part of the history of education.
Counseling information will not be released to anyone outside of the Counseling Center without written permission from the student. We will not publish your entries unless we have written consent. However, there are four exceptions to privacy: (1) imminent harm to oneself, (2) imminent harm to other people or property, (3) abuse of children, the elderly, or the disabled, and (4) staff consultation and supervision.
Union City, New Jersey 07087 Telephone: (201) 360-4229
Text: (201) 912-2839
Consulting
PSI Volunteer Support Coordinator Program - November
Tell us about the PSI Volunteer Support Program.
With pleasure! The role of all facilitators is to provide 3 things: education, empathy and channeling of resources. There are times when a person asks for support and doesn't even know what words to use to describe what they're going through.
Coordinators can help build a more complete picture to help understand the different manifestations of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, risk factors, and available treatment options. They provide much-needed support and encouragement along the way. When a person is ready to take the next steps to get the help they need, facilitators will help them find the resources best suited to their needs (insurance, location, areas of specialization).
Do you need to be a perinatal mental health professional to volunteer as a support coordinator?
Not at all! Our volunteers simply need to have compassion for those who are struggling and a desire to help. Our orientation includes basic training so facilitators can feel comfortable talking about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and treatment options.
In addition to being the PSI Support Coordinator Manager, you are also a Support Coordinator. Share with us your experiences and the impact you've had as a volunteer.
I've honestly lost count over the past 7 years. I will say that I feel I am more influential as a coordinator than as a licensed mental health provider.
I remember contacting a parent who got my name from her mother. Her mom and I chatted while walking the dogs in the neighborhood, and I try to mention my role whenever possible, just in case. My daughter was coming to the end of maternity leave, and she was afraid of returning to work. Her anxiety was sky-high, and all attempts to find a psychotherapist ended in a dead end. As we talked, I began to suspect that perhaps she was having intrusive thoughts. I kindly shared, “By the way, in case this helps you or someone you know, many parents have unwanted thoughts, images, or ideas that pop into their heads out of nowhere and can be incredibly frustrating. Just know that it is a thing and it has a name - intrusive thoughts. They don't mean that you want something terrible to happen, or that it's a premonition that something bad is about to happen.
On the contrary, it's just that your brain is overloaded, it thinks about all the possible things that can go wrong so that you can prevent it. It really shows how much you love your child and want him to be safe.
She was silent for a few moments and shared that she had been tormented by these thoughts for several months, but she was afraid to tell anyone about them. We talked for a while about how they could be treated, and she was not destined to have those thoughts for the rest of her life. After our conversation, I found several therapists who insured her, received special training in working with pregnant women and puerperas, and have vacancies. A few weeks later I saw her mom and she said that our conversation and the new therapist had changed the world. She said that her daughter was back to her normal self again and was finally able to enjoy motherhood!
What areas of the Volunteer Support Coordinators program are most needed?
Specialties: Dads, Navy, Loss, Postpartum Psychosis (ideally a provider with professional experience)
Location: Philadelphia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Kentucky, Idaho, California (but we'll take care almost anywhere!)
Please specify the critical role PSI support coordinators play in providing the services they need.
There is a lot of misinformation about mental health problems during pregnancy and after childbirth. We often hear about parents who went to their obstetrician and received only a “better…” offer or a prescription for medication. Although medications may be part of a treatment plan, they are not the only option available. OBs generally don't have time to really talk about what's going on and their resource lists can be hopelessly out of date. Coordinators do their best to learn about resources available in their community or related to their area of specialization, so they are likely to share options that are not known to the parent's health care provider.
Our volunteers can spend more time talking and providing information that can help parents understand what's going on and how they can get the help they need. The coordinators listen and can confirm the difficulties of the parents.
How do I start the process of becoming a volunteer support coordinator?
Very easy! Visit https://www.
