Different Types of Therapists – Understanding Mental Health Practitioners

These days, it seems as if the number of people seeking access to mental health care is consistently increasing. When we reach out for help, it is essential for that help to effectively meet our needs. Additionally, there are many different types of therapists to choose from. Each kind of therapist has met unique education and training requirements and has specific areas of expertise. This article will explore the educational and credential differences between social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists.

Different Types of Therapists

Social Workers

Social workers are mental health professionals trained to help individuals, families, and communities address various issues, often including mental health problems. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, community centers, and private practices.

To become a social worker, you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a related field. However, most social workers have a master’s degree in social work (MSW). An MSW program typically takes two years to complete and includes social work theory, practice, research, and policy coursework.

After completing their degree, social workers must obtain a license in their state. The requirements for licensure vary by state. They usually include passing an exam and completing a specific number of supervised clinical hours. In New York State, the letters “LMSW” stands for “Licensed Master of Social Work.” An LMSW can provide psychotherapy, treatment planning, and diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, this can only be done under the supervision of an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). 

An LCSW has completed three additional years of supervised practical experience and passed another clinical exam. An LCSW can provide psychotherapy, treatment planning, and diagnosis using the DSM without supervision although most continue to receive supervision. Someone with an LCSW-R after their name in New York State is a social worker able to work with insurance panels. However, New York State is currently in the process of changing the “R” process.

Mental Health Counselors

Mental health counselors are professionals who provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community centers.

To become a mental health counselor, you must earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. Most programs take two to three years to complete and include coursework in counseling theory, techniques, and ethics.

After earning their degree, mental health counselors must obtain a license in their state. Licensure requirements vary by state but usually include passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours.  In New York, this type of therapist will have the letters “LMHC” (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) or “MHC-LP” (Mental Health Counselor – Limited Permit). An MHC-LP can provide psychotherapy and assess, evaluate, and identify disorders using the DSM under the supervision of an LMHC. An LMHC has completed 3000 hours of post-graduate supervised practical experience. 

Psychologists

Psychologists are mental health professionals who study human behavior and mental processes. They can provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families, as well as conduct research and teach at universities.

To become a psychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree in psychology. This typically takes five to seven years to complete and includes research methods, statistics, and psychological theory coursework.

After completing their degree, psychologists must obtain a license in their state. The requirements for licensure vary by state but include passing an exam and completing supervised clinical hours. These therapists have a “PsyD” or “PhD,” which stands for Doctor of Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy, respectively. A licensed psychologist has completed two post-graduate years of supervised experience, passed an exam, and is trained in diagnostic testing and assessment. They often participate in research and may be able to provide emerging and newer interventions. It can be effective to work with a psychologist to receive the most specialized care for more moderate-to-severe mental health issues.

Compare and Contrast

The main difference between social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists is their level of education and training. Social workers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. Mental health counselors have a master’s degree in mental health counseling; while psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology.

Another difference is their scope of practice. Social workers often work with individuals and families on a wide range of issues, including mental health problems. Mental health counselors and psychologists primarily provide therapy for mental health problems.

Additionally, psychologists are trained to conduct research and teach at universities, while social workers and mental health counselors do not typically have this training. Psychologists may be the best type of therapist to work with to develop a specialized treatment plan for reaching therapeutic goals.

In terms of licensure, all three types of therapists must obtain a license in their state, but the requirements vary by state. However, psychologists typically have to complete more supervised clinical hours than social workers or mental health counselors.

Final Thoughts

When seeking mental health treatment, it is important to choose a therapist who is qualified and trained to address your specific needs. Social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists all have unique education and training experiences that may make one more suitable than another. Insurance benefits and financial access are also important factors to consider, as psychologists typically have a higher fee to reflect different education and training. 

It is also important for prospective clients to ask about training and therapeutic approaches that might best meet their needs. For example, clients interested in working with trauma might look for any type of therapist trained in EMDR or Somatic modalities. 

An important note – social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists do not prescribe medication. Professionals that can help with medication are psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physicians/general practitioners. Additionally, each state has different requirements, and the information in this article may only apply to New York State.

Read more about the role of play in therapy

At myTherapyNYC, clients can work with LMSW and LCSW social workers and MHC-LP and LMHC mental health counselors. Additionally, our practice is a teaching environment in which clients could consider working with social-work or mental-health-counseling interns, as well. Reach out to myTherapyNYC to find out which of our therapists would be a good fit for you!

What do you look for in a therapist, and how do their credentials factor into your search? Join the conversation in the comments below!