The two main categories of mental health professionals are psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health conditions and can prescribe psychiatric medication. Psychotherapists provide psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, to help people address emotional, behavioral, and other psychological concerns. Psychotherapists may have backgrounds in psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, or other professions. The services each professional can provide depend on their training, qualifications, and licensure.

Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees in psychology, such as a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). Depending on their education, training, specialization, and licensure, psychologists may provide psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and other services. When choosing a psychologist, it is helpful to ask about their professional credentials and experience with the concerns you want to address.

Social workers who provide mental health services often hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Depending on their credentials and role, they may provide psychotherapy, counseling, assessment, care coordination, and assistance with practical concerns that affect emotional well-being. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are qualified to provide clinical services within the scope of their licenses. Social workers who are completing supervised training toward independent clinical licensure may provide services under appropriate supervision.

Counselors typically have a master's degree in counseling, counseling psychology, or a related field. Depending on their training and license, they may provide psychotherapy, counseling, assessment, and other mental health services. In New Jersey, professional counseling credentials include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). An associate counselor works toward independent licensure under supervision. Requirements and professional titles vary by state, so it is important to understand a provider's qualifications and current licensing status.

Licensure indicates that a professional has met the applicable requirements for education, training, examination, and authorization to practice within a particular profession. Some clinicians provide services while completing supervised training toward independent licensure. In those cases, it is important to understand the clinician's current credentials and the role of the supervising professional. Understanding the distinctions explained in Licensed vs. Unlicensed Psychotherapists can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a therapist.

Choosing a mental health professional begins with identifying the concerns you want to address and the type of support you are seeking. Consider the professional's qualifications, experience with your concerns, treatment approach, availability, fees, and insurance arrangements. You may also want to ask whether the professional has experience working with people in circumstances similar to yours. The How to Find Professional Help overview brings together information about treatment options, professional qualifications, licensure, and ways to access care.

Before beginning treatment, consider asking about the professional's education, credentials, experience, and approach to treatment. You can also ask what to expect during the initial appointments, how treatment goals will be established, how progress will be reviewed, and what fees or insurance arrangements apply. If the clinician is working under supervision, ask about the supervisor's role. These questions can help you understand the treatment process and decide whether the professional is a good fit for your needs.

Yes. Different mental health professionals may work together when a person's needs call for more than one type of care. For example, someone may see a psychotherapist for ongoing emotional or behavioral concerns and a psychiatrist for medication evaluation and management. With appropriate consent and communication, coordination between professionals can help support a person's overall treatment plan. The article Psychotherapy or Psychiatry? explains the differences between these types of care and when each may be appropriate.

Parents may seek professional guidance when they have concerns about a child's emotions, behavior, development, relationships, or adjustment to changes at home or school. Depending on the concern, appropriate support may include a professional who works directly with children or adolescents, parent counseling, or a combination of services. Parent counseling can help parents better understand their child's needs, strengthen communication, and develop practical strategies for responding to challenges. ITI-NJ's Therapy Services for Parents page describes how parent counseling can support families, including when a child is not participating in treatment.

Mental health treatment can include psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, or a combination of approaches. Care may be provided in routine outpatient settings or, when more intensive support is needed, through programs such as intensive outpatient, day treatment, or inpatient care. The appropriate approach depends on a person's concerns, circumstances, and treatment needs. The Types of Mental Health Treatment page explains these approaches and the different levels of care.