Mental health care 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 Worker
- ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Worker
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
Finding a Mental Health Professional
The most important step in treating a mental health condition sometimes feels like a challenging one: finding a mental health professional.
A trustworthy and knowledgeable mental health professional will be a valuable ally. It may take a little time and persistence to locate this ally or assemble a team of allies. Following the plan below can increase the chance of finding someone whom you feel comfortable working with.
Step 1: Think About Whom You're Looking For
People have many different reasons to consult a mental health professional. Are you looking for someone who is licensed to prescribe medication? Or are you looking primarily for someone to talk to?
Most people treating a mental health condition have at least two separate professionals, one focusing on medication (the biological side) and the other focusing on emotional or behavioral therapies (the mind side). Here are some things to think about:
- If you haven't talked to a physician yet, you should see one for a physical exam. Many illnesses can cause symptoms similar to mental illness. Even if you don't think your condition will require medical treatment, tell a doctor about your symptoms and get a diagnosis.
- If you have a mental health condition that may benefit from medication, you should probably consult a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, rather than relying on a primary care doctor. Primary care doctors are important allies in managing your "big picture" health, but a specialist has had more experience treating conditions like yours.
- If you're seeking help with emotions, behaviors and thinking patterns, you should locate a therapist or counselor. Like doctors, therapists and counselors have specialties, so you can find one who knows about your specific condition.
- If you have to wait for an appointment, you can start using other support resources in the meantime. Peer support groups, such as those sponsored by NAMI, are available for free. Your local mental health authority may also be able to connect you with licensed peer specialists in your state.
- If you need assistance with housing and employment, or have multiple health challenges or difficulties affording treatment, would you benefit from having a social worker on your treatment team?
Step 2: Gather Referrals
If you have health insurance, start by calling your insurer's information number.
Ask for phone numbers of professionals in your area who accept your insurance plan. Try to get at least three names and numbers, just in case. This is also a good time to ask for clarification of your insurance benefits. Here are some questions you might ask:
- Can you make a direct appointment with a psychiatrist, or do you need to see a primary care doctor first for a referral?
- How does your plan cover visits to therapists? Therapy coverage can vary greatly between insurance plans.
- If you need help with a specific condition such as addiction or an eating disorder, ask for doctors with the subspecialty you need.
If you do not have health insurance, your first stop should be your community mental health center. You can find the phone number in a phone book or at a public library.
Step 3: Make the Call
If you find you're reluctant to call, ask a friend or family member to call for you. Make an appointment. If it's your first time seeking a diagnosis, tell the person on the phone so that they can block out enough time for a good conversation.
If you're told that new patients have to wait many months for an appointment, it would be wise to make an appointment anyway. Then call the second and third numbers on your list. You can always cancel your first appointment if you find someone who can help you sooner.
Another way to get an appointment sooner is to join the waiting list for cancellations. If another patient cancels at the last minute, you may get an appointment earlier than you expected.
If you feel you can't wait weeks or months for help, see your primary care doctor as soon as possible to get treatments and support to tide you over until you have your team assembled. And if you're in an emergency situation, please go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
Step 4: Ask Questions
In your first visit with a doctor or therapist, you're seeking advice but you're also "shopping around." It's reasonable to ask questions. Be honest about the fact that you're looking for someone you can work with long-term.
Here are some questions you might want to think about or ask:
- Do you feel comfortable with this person? Even if this person has a good reputation or a high level of education, the most important thing is whether you can work well together. What "vibe" do you get? The personal questions a mental health professional asks may make you uncomfortable sometimes, but the person shouldn't make you uncomfortable. You should feel that this person is on your side.
- How much education and professional experience does this person have?
- Has this person worked with people similar to me? For how long?
- How will you work together to establish goals and evaluate your progress?
- What can you expect if you work together? How often will you meet and how hard will it be to get an appointment? Can you call on the phone or email between appointments? What kind of improvements can you expect to see?
- If you're concerned about your ability to meet insurance co-pays or deductibles, bring it up now rather than later.
Ask if you can pay on a sliding scale or at a discount. Doctors and therapists would like to know ahead of time if these problems might arise because it's important to continue treatment without interruption. - If having a provider who understands and respects your cultural background is important to you, NAMI offers some tips to help find the right provider for you.
Step 5: Build a Relationship
Sometimes the first person you visit might not "feel right" or lack experience with your particular mental health condition. Move on to the next phone number on your list and keep looking.
Remember that you're recruiting team members who can help you with your treatment long-term. With a little persistence, you'll find people who will listen to you, take your perspective into consideration and work with you to improve your sense of well-being.
Mental Health Services
Programs and Practices
Arlington Schools takes a multifaceted approach to meeting the mental health needs of its students.
Strategies for prevention and intervention in the field of mental health are being implemented at the student, staff and community levels. With the understanding that strengthening mental health practices affects the prevention of many secondary needs (such as substance abuse or depression), an integrated approach is considered to be the most effective.
Mental health is a broad field covering the social, emotional and psychological development of children. Through the APS Primary and secondary school curriculums and counseling programs, students are exposed to concepts relating to social skills, peer mediation, character building, citizenship, stress management, and recognizing psychological or emotional needs. Special programs provide students with information about recognizing harassment and bullying, as well as signs of suicidal thoughts.
In addition to their counselors, each school has an assigned school psychologist and school social worker who works with school staff to support students who require more personalized intervention.
All high schools also have attendance counselors, substance abuse counselors, school nurses, and school counselors. School therapists from the Department of Mental Health support several schools.
All school staff have the opportunity to be trained to recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation. Personnel tasked with assessing the risk of suicide or violence (school psychologists, social workers and counselors) have been trained in such procedures, with ongoing training in this area for new hires and for the renewal of existing staff. Crisis management training is also an ongoing activity at all levels.
School mental health staff are constantly updated on community resources and are available to facilitate referrals to agencies and providers when needed. The Office of School Support and Student Services also liaises with other Arlington agencies and provides regular opportunities for staff from APS and the Department of Children and Family/Human Services to interact, engage in co-education, and ensure good communication between the agencies.
In some cases, students' mental health needs require them to be away from school for extended periods of time; for example, due to hospitalization or the need for homeschooling. The Office of School Support and Student Services has developed the following document to help families transition their children back to school.
Parent and Community Engagement
Office of School Support and Student Services is committed to engaging the Arlington community through advisory committees and advocacy groups, including the Parent Resource Center. In addition, outreach to private providers ensures that school staff are fully informed of available resources in the community. To this end, the Office of School Support and Student Services is hosting a "Mental Health Provider Fair" to raise awareness and communication between school staff and service providers, public and private.
APS is committed to supporting parents by offering a range of parent training at select schools, as well as presentations on specific topics at the Parent Resource Center.
Each school has a team of professionals available to parents. Parents should contact the principal or school counselor and may wish to consider referring their child to a student committee to discuss possible grades.
MENTAL HEALTH EXPO 2021
The exhibition "Mental Health EXPO 2021" will be held as part of the official program of the III Congress "Mental Health in the 21st Century".
The exhibition "Mental Health EXPO 2021" will be held as part of the official program of the III Congress "Mental Health in the 21st Century" in an online format.
The exhibition is aimed at demonstrating the products of innovative activities of organizations in the field of mental health. The exhibition also creates a platform for dialogue, formation of cooperation and exchange of best practices between manufacturers, suppliers of goods/services and the professional Russian and international community of psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, narcologists, as well as heads of medical institutions, social protection institutions, science and education, art and culture, sports, physical culture and tourism, economics and law, representatives of state authorities and local self-government.
WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
Direct access to more than 1000 Russian and foreign professionals in the field of prevention of mental disorders, as well as the treatment and rehabilitation / habilitation of people with mental disabilities and / or mental spectrum disorders
Promoting the organization's image5
Establishing and / or strengthening business cooperation with key partners in the market for goods / services in the field of mental health
Increase sales
Promote products/services
Demonstrate loyalty to mental health values
VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
For the first time, a virtual exhibition will be held within the framework of the Congress, where 3D models of the Partners' stands will be presented. By clicking on the company logo, participants will be able to get to its page and get the opportunity to watch videos and other digital materials, download presentations and booklets of interest, take surveys and tests, and participate in quizzes.
The company's virtual stand is a full-fledged space for communication, with the ability to ask a question, request a call or exchange contacts.
Sections of the Exhibition
Marketing and management in the field of mental health
- Training of specialists, advanced training
- universities, research institutes
- Centers for advanced training
- Seminars and trainings, courses
- System for the selection and evaluation of the work of specialists
- Advertising and PR
- media
- Others
Prevention of mental disorders
- Anti-doping laboratories
- Publishers of educational and educational literature
- Scientific and educational institutions for the development of methods in the field of prevention of mental disorders
- Vaccination
- Hardening
- Mental hygiene
- Active Longevity
- Others
Treatment of mental disorders
- Medical institutions, research and practice centers, educational institutions
- Health and rehabilitation centers
- Medical and physical education dispensaries
- Resort and sanatorium institutions
- Rehabilitation clubs
- Medical Literature Publishers
- Pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical establishments
- Health insurance companies
- Equipment and furniture for psychiatric and specialized medical institutions
- Manufacturers and suppliers of complex equipment for doctors' offices, medical institutions, sanatoriums and rest homes
- Healthcare waste disposal companies
- Control and analytical laboratories
- Pharmacies
- Biological Research Centers
- Laboratory medicine
- Manufacturers and suppliers of test systems
- Medical technology, equipment and diagnostics
- Manufacturers and suppliers of medical instruments
- Manufacturers and suppliers of consumables
- Emergency medicine facilities
- Manufacturers and suppliers of special vehicles
- Manufacturers and suppliers of disinfectants
- Traumatology and Orthopedics
- Palliative care providers
- Manufacturers and suppliers of uniforms and special clothing
- Others
Rehabilitation/habilitation of people with mental and developmental disorders
- Rehabilitation and rehabilitation facilities
- Physiotherapy Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers
- Sports industry and equipment
- Manufacturers of goods and services in the field of balneology
- Health food manufacturers and suppliers
- Restorative and adaptive exercise equipment
- Manufacturers and suppliers of swimming pools and saunas
- Producers of rehabilitation/habilitation services
- Gerontological centers
- Manufacturers of rehabilitation instruments and devices
- Manufacturers and suppliers of personal care products
- Manufacturers and suppliers of orthopedic devices and appliances
- Manufacturers and suppliers of furniture and equipment for health resorts, rehabilitation centers
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturers of playground equipment
- Balneology
- Mental hygiene
- Massage equipment and technologies
- Water treatment and purification systems for medical institutions and health centers
- Certification and patenting of innovative products in the field of rehabilitation
- Herbal and Aromatherapy
- Diet food
- Biologically active additives (BAA)
- Mineral waters
- Product Certification
- Homeopathy
- Specialized publishers and Internet portals
- Others.
Learn more
