A psychologist is a professional with advanced degrees in psychology. Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through various forms of therapy. They are often trained to conduct individual, group and family therapy; psychological testing to aid in diagnosing; cognitive testing; academic functioning assessments; personality testing; forensic work; and ongoing treatment planning.
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They cannot prescribe medications. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting from adolescent conflicts to more severe, chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia. Some clinical psychologists treat specific problems exclusively, such as phobias or clinical depression.
A neuropsychologist explores the relationships between brain systems and behavior. Neuropsychologists may study the way the brain creates and stores memories, or how various diseases and injuries of the brain affect emotion, perception and behavior. They design tasks to study brain functioning.
Neuropsychological evaluations are requested specifically to help understand how the different areas and systems of the brain are working. Testing is usually recommended when there are symptoms or complaints involving memory or thinking. With the dramatic increase in the number of survivors of traumatic brain injury, neuropsychologists work with health care teams to help brain-injured people resume productive lives.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders through a combination of therapy, medication and other medical interventions. Psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medications and perform medical procedures related to mental health.
A therapist is a professional who practices one or more types of therapy to treat mental or physical disorders and diseases. Mental health therapists are also referred to as psychotherapists. In fact the term “therapist” is often used as an umbrella term for all professions within the area of psychotherapy (social workers, counselors, therapists). This means all psychologists can be referred to as therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.
A social worker (MSW) is a professional with a master’s in social work from a two-year graduate degree program. While earning their advanced degree, they receive intensive education in sociology, psychology, advocacy psychology, human behavior, clinical treatment and practices, social policy issues, community resources and community organizing. Two years of graduate training is required, followed by two to three years of supervised clinical work. Social workers must also have a license to practice granted by the state.
Some social workers have special skills working with and counseling different age groups (children, adolescents, adults, seniors). Other social workers address certain issues like drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders and depression.
A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) treats a wide range of serious clinical conditions, including depression, marital issues, anxiety, individual psychological problems and child-parent problems.
A licensed practical counselor (LPC) works with individuals, families and groups to treat behavioral and emotional problems and disorders. Their scope of practice may include addictive disorders, psychoeducational techniques, diagnosis and treatment.
