Learning the Difference: Mental Health Providers

By Jade Caswell, MA, LMHC

Deciding to seek mental health support can be a huge step towards prioritizing your well-being. After making this decision, it may be confusing to understand the difference between professionals within the field of mental health, and you may not know where to begin. Here at SMC, we decided to clear things up, and provide information on the roles of different professionals. Each professional is trained to provide support and help you make the best choices for your mental health, however, they each have different roles and often work in tandem to provide the best care! Read below for more information.

1. Mental health counselor:

A mental health counselor (or 'therapist') is a trained professional who helps people cope with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges through talk therapy. Counselors hold a master’s degree and must fulfill academic and training requirements. They may also be specialized in a particular therapeutic approach, such as CBT, DBT, EFT. Counselors do NOT prescribe medication. 

2. Psychologist:

A psychologist is a professional who studies the mind and behavior and helps people understand and manage mental health and behavioral challenges. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and may provide talk therapy and in-depth assessments. Additionally, they often have a background in research, testing and assessment. Psychologists do NOT prescribe medication in the state of Florida.

3. Psychiatrist:

A psychiatrist is a medical Doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental health disorders. A psychiatrist holds a medical degree with advanced training and may prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is trained in the biological aspects of mental illness and may work closely with other members of a patient's care team, such a counselor, social worker or primary care physician.

4. Neurologist:

A neurologist is a medical Doctor who treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. A neurologist holds a medical degree with advanced training and may prescribe medication and interpret tests like MRI, CT, EEG etc. Neurologists do not provide talk therapy.

Each mental health professional plays an important role in aiding patient wellbeing. Here at SMC, we aim to provide holistic counseling services with a wrap-around approach, incorporating a specialized care team for improved results. Need more information? Call us today at 813-335-9794!