Mental Health Professionals - Degrees & Scope of Practice
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Whether you are you looking for counseling or considering a career in psychology, it can be difficult to tell exactly which professionals provide which services. When a therapist's business card reads "MSW," what is that person qualified to do, exactly? What degrees does someone need to be a clinical psychologist? Inform yourself. Find out the precise difference between a licensed professional counselor and a counseling psychologist. From highest level of education and on downwards, the main categories of mental health professionals and their scope of practice can all be found below.
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A psychiatrist has achieved a medical degree (M.D. or O.D.), as well as completed a residency in psychiatry, and is qualified to provide psychotherapy, as well as prescribe medication and hospitalize patients for serious psychological disorders.
A psychoanalyst possesses an M.D., Ph.D., or Psy.D., with additional specific training in psychoanalysis, a branch of psychology founded by Sigmund Freud and highly influenced by the work of Carl Jung. Psychoanalysts practice a particular kind of therapy that is not necessarily well-suited to all clients, so before choosing to receive treatment from one, further reading on the theories surrounding psychoanalysis is recommended.
A clinical psychologist has a Ph.D. or Psy.D., and has successfully completed an internship in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat psychological disorders and perform psychological testing. In some cases, after additional training, they may prescribe drugs in some medical settings.
A counseling psychologist has either a Ph.D. or an Ed.D., with an internship in counseling psychology. Like a clinical psychologist, a counseling psychologist can perform psychological testing. In addition, he or she may assess and provide therapy for the normal problems of life.
A school psychologist may have a Ph.D., an Ed.D., or a master's degree, in addition to an internship in school psychology. Along with psychological testing, a school psychologist can assess and treat school (and other related) problems in children and adolescents.
A social worker must have at least a master's degree (M.S.W.), and may have done additional course work and training to pass accreditation tests as an L.C.S.W., or licensed clinical social worker. These professionals may diagnose and treat psychological disorders, and are often instrumental in helping individuals identify community services that may provide ongoing support. They often work in conjunction with institutions such as hospitals.
A licensed professional counselor (L.P.C.) also has a master's degree, as does a marriage and family therapist (M.F.T.), but these professionals emphasize private practice, and may specialize in relationships, day-to-day life problems, and/or psychological disorders.
A licensed chemical dependency counselor (L.C.D.C.) may have little or no post-secondary education, depending on standards which vary from state to state, and are often former addicts themselves. They may provide counseling and education for substance abuse problems, but may not diagnose or provide official treatment.
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Comments
This is a great resource- the many mental health professions can be confusing to sort through. FYI- a masters degree is not required in order to be a social worker. Many schools offer undergrad degrees in social work. States offer a licensure for social worker at this level- "social service worker" where I am from. A social worker at the undergrad level cannot offer therapy nor can they diagnose or offer treatment for any mental illness as defined by the DSM. A social worker at the undergrad level typically holds jobs such as the well-known child welfare worker- but this is just one example.
The public is generally unaware of and uninterested in the differences between providers of mental health services.
Had a couple of posts removed. Not sure why. Maybe it was because I didn't register with this site, which I have since done. Anyway, my first post was simply pointing out a fairly common misperception of what MFTs do (or don't do). As an MFT, I can state that we are well trained to deal with serious mental health issues. We are able to assess, diagnose, and treat all psychological disorders. To state that MFTs generally do not treat psychological disorders is not accurate. I work with a county mental health agency in CA. All on my caseload suffer from a significant mental health disorrders. I know many other MFTs that do the same thing, and do it well. Those who have spent time working with MFTs quickly gain insight into the fact that, generally speaking, we know what we're doing when it comes to dealing with more serious mental health issues (and how systems affect mental health). I work with a combination of LCSWs and MFTs. We respect each other and have confidence in our ability to perform our jobs well. In fact, the job description for MFTs and LCSWs is identical.
Hey, I just re-read what you posted about MFTs and LPS. You added dealing with psychological disorders. Thanks!
Great job in "running it down." I, myself, am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist LMFT in the state of California, although, I have to admit, sometimes I'm in other states (of mind). A funny! I have been in practice for 27 years and in the mental health profession for 42 years. I consider myself like a family practitioner in that I have considerable in-depth experience (and training)in working with a wide variety of psychological problems, some fit nicely into DSM categories and some do not. My perspective is one of "development" in the big scheme of development. You know, I am 64 years old, but when I'm giving a presentation in front of a large group of folks and someone confronts me (and he or she just happens to remind me of my Dad!), I feel like I'm three years old or at best maybe 12!! Why is that? I find those questions interesting, important, and the answers often profound. So the next question is, how can I remain 64 whether I am standing up in front of an audience or lying in bed next to my wife!! Well, I suppose in the latter case, it might be worthwhile feeling more like 32!! No, not 18!! So I find that often what keeps us from being "successful" in relationships of all kinds, is our capacity to be as grown up as we are or not. And then what's getting in the way. Usually it's some kind of emotional event that gets stuck in our amygdala and keeps firing off when we least suspect and robs us of our general level ofi ntelligence! Anyhow, good job of informing the publlic or reading audience of good solid info.
Vern
barryrutherford says:
2 years ago
Brilliant. Most people dont know this. Also even though someone may be qualified it does not mean they will successfully treat and diagnose your condition accurately..