Careers in Mental Health
Many people wonder what is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or just going to see your pastor. The difference usually has to do with education, training and focus on what each is trying to do in order to help people in their mental health.
What's the Difference Between All The Different Titles?
Psychiatrist: A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in the mental health issues of the brain. They are trained to diagnose mental health disorders and to prescribe medications to treat such things as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. They have completed medical school, a psychiatric residency, and is licensed by their state to practice psychiatric medicine.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practioner: CARNP's are trained to diagnose mental health disorders and to prescribe medications to treat such things as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. They have completed a Masters of Science in Nursing, work in conjunction with a psychiatrist, and is licensed by their state to prescribe psychiatric medicine.
Psychologist: A Psychologist has earned either a PhD or a PsyD in Psychology or a related field, completed an internship both APA approved, and passed a state licensure exam for psychologist. They are trained in doing psychological testing such as IQ tests, usage of the Rorschach (Ink-Blot) plates and other perceptual tests. They do counseling, testify in court to competency and provide psychological testing.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: Depending on where you live, these titles may have different names but their functions will be the same according to their fields. The LCSW's focus is described best as, "The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession’s focus on individual wellbeing in a social context and the wellbeing of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living." (http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp)
LMHC's practice mental health counseling to individuals, families and other entities. The American Counseling Association defines the practice of professional counseling as:
The application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles,
through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systematic intervention strategies, that address
wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. (http://www.counseling.org/Counselors/)
LMFT's are trained to help couples and families in helping to have better relationships. The American Association of Marriage and Family defines their practice as: "Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT's) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems." (http://www.aamft.org/faqs/index_nm.asp#who)
Depending on which state you reside, most states require LMHC's, LMFT's and LCSW's to have a Master Degree in their appropriate field, complete a prescribed internship and then pass a state or national competency exam as well as demonstrate their knowledge of their individual state laws governing mental health services. Some states allow interns to practice psychotherapy in their respective field while they are supervised by a clinical supervisor. Interns have completed their educational training and possibly have completed their state licensure exam. All interns must be supervised by an on-site supervisor in the State of Florida.
Checking on Florida Licensed Mental Health Providers
|
