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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 111 (from laksa142)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa111.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://mhanational.org/resources/types-of-mental-health-professionals/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://mhanational.org/resources/types-of-mental-health-professionals/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/types-of-mental-health-professionals\/","crawl_time":1776132072,"first_indexed_time":1742603194,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,mhanational!\/resources\/types-of-mental-health-professionals\/ s443","src_root_hash":"17583339692893106511","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Types of Mental Health Professionals | Mental Health America","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Which mental health professional is right for me?  There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.\nThe following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it):\nClinical Psychologist\n– A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in psychology.  Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.\nSchool Psychologist\n– A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in School Psychology.  School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting.\nThe following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication:\nClinical Social Worker\n– A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting.\nLicensed Professional Counselor\n– A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nMental Health Counselor\n– A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nCertified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor\n– Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nNurse Psychotherapist\n–  registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nMarital and Family Therapist\n– counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nPastoral Counselor\n– clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\nPeer Specialist \n– counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions.  Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals.  Many peer support programs require several hours of training.\nOther Therapists\n– therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy.  Examples include art therapist, music therapist.\nThe following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy:\nPsychiatrist\n – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses.  A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.\nChild\/Adolescent Psychiatrist \n– A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children.  Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy.\nPsychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner\n – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness.\nAdditionally, your \nPrimary Care Physician\n,\nPhysician’s Assistant\nor\nNurse Practitioner\n(depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication.\nYou’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What?\nSpend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.\nOn your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know– what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment.\nIf you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.","attrs_markdown":"[English](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/types-of-mental-health-professionals\/ \"English\")\n\n[English](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/types-of-mental-health-professionals\/ \"English\")   [Spanish](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/es\/resources\/types-of-mental-health-professionals\/ \"Spanish\")\n\nLearn\nMain Navigation\n\nLearn\n\nExplore resources for understanding your mental health, helping loved ones, or accessing information for personal, academic, or professional purposes—all conveniently gathered in one place.\n\n[Explore resources](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/learn-about-your-mental-health\/)\n\n[Mental Health Learning Hub](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/mental-health-learning-hub\/)\nLearn\n\n[Resource center](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/)\n\n[Mental health conditions](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/conditions\/)\n\n[Quick 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\"Spanish\")\n\n[Back to All](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/) \/ [Resources](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/) \/ Types of Mental Health Professionals\n\n# Types of Mental Health Professionals\n\nTopic\n\nTreatment\n\nType\n\nArticle\n\nAudience\n\nGeneral\n\nShare\n\n- [Share to Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmhanational.org%2Fresources%2Ftypes-of-mental-health-professionals%2F)\n- [Share to Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmhanational.org%2Fresources%2Ftypes-of-mental-health-professionals%2F)\n- [Share to LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmhanational.org%2Fresources%2Ftypes-of-mental-health-professionals%2F)\n- Copied link\n\n![](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/WorkplaceWellness_2.jpg.webp)\n\nWhich mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it):\n\n- **Clinical Psychologist** – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.\n- **School Psychologist** – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication:\n\n- **Clinical Social Worker** – A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting.\n- **Licensed Professional Counselor** – A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Mental Health Counselor** – A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor** – Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Nurse Psychotherapist** – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Marital and Family Therapist** – counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Pastoral Counselor** – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Peer Specialist** – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training.\n- **Other Therapists** – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy:\n\n- **Psychiatrist** – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.\n- **Child\/Adolescent Psychiatrist** – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy.\n- **Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner** – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness.\n\nAdditionally, your **Primary Care Physician**, **Physician’s Assistant** or **Nurse Practitioner** (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication.\n\n### You’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What?\nSpend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment.\n\nOn your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know– what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment.\n\nIf you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.\n\n## Related items\n***\n[![Understanding agricultural worker health: Resources and support Image](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/agricultural-worker-health-768x512.jpg) Mar 31, 2026 \/ Resources Understanding agricultural worker health: Resources and support Article General Rural Read more](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/understanding-agricultural-worker-health-resources-and-support\/)\n\n[![Why self-care can feel tough for rural communities and what you can do about it Image](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/rural-communities-self-care-768x512.jpg) Mar 16, 2026 \/ Resources Why self-care can feel tough for rural communities and what you can do about it Article General Rural Read more](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/why-self-care-can-feel-tough-for-rural-communities-and-what-you-can-do-about-it\/)\n\n## Subscribe to our newsletter\n\"\\*\" indicates required fields\n\n[Mental Health America](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/)\n\n500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820  \n Alexandria, VA. 22314\n\nPhone (703) 684.7722  \n Toll Free (800)969.6642  \n Fax (703) 684.5968\n\n![Charity Navigator 4-star logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/charity-navigator.png)![Charity Watch Top Rated logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/charity-watch.png)![Candid Platinum Transparency logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/candid-seal-platinum-2025.png)\n\n©2026 Mental Health America is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All rights reserved.   \n   \n This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms) apply.\n\nQuick links\n\n- [Contact](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/contact\/)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/donate\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/careers\/)\n- [Financials](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/financials\/)\n- [In the news](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/news\/)\n\nLearn\n\n- [Mental health learning hub](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/mental-health-learning-hub\/)\n- [Blog](http:\/\/mhanational.org\/blog)\n- [Workplace learning hub](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/workplace\/)\n- [Research & reports](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/research-and-reports\/)\n- [Clinical trial resources](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/clinical-trial-resources\/)\n\nGet involved\n\n- [Advocacy & policy](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/advocacy-policy\/)\n- [Youth leadership](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/youth-leadership\/)\n- [Partner with us](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/partner-with-us\/)\n- [Fundraise with us](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/fundraise-with-us\/)\n- [Events](http:\/\/mhanational.org\/calendar)\n\nGet help\n\n- [Call or text 988](tel:988)\n- [Crisis services](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/crisis-services\/)\n- [Take a mental health test](http:\/\/screening.mhanational.org\/screening-tools\/)\n- [Explore treatment options](http:\/\/mhanational.org\/treatment-options)\n- [Find local support](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/affiliates)\n\n500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820  \n Alexandria, VA. 22314\n\nPhone (703) 684.7722  \n Toll Free (800)969.6642  \n Fax (703) 684.5968\n\n![Charity Navigator 4-star logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/charity-navigator.png)![Charity Watch Top Rated logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/charity-watch.png)![Candid Platinum Transparency logo](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/candid-seal-platinum-2025.png)\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Terms of use](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/terms-use\/)\n- [Site by Great Believer](https:\/\/greatbeliever.us\/)\n\n©2026 Mental Health America is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All rights reserved.   \n   \n This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms) apply.","attrs_readable_markdown":"![](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/WorkplaceWellness_2.jpg.webp)\n\nWhich mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it):\n\n- **Clinical Psychologist** – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy.\n- **School Psychologist** – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited\/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication:\n\n- **Clinical Social Worker** – A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting.\n- **Licensed Professional Counselor** – A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Mental Health Counselor** – A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor** – Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Nurse Psychotherapist** – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Marital and Family Therapist** – counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Pastoral Counselor** – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling.\n- **Peer Specialist** – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training.\n- **Other Therapists** – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist.\n\nThe following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy:\n\n- **Psychiatrist** – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.\n- **Child\/Adolescent Psychiatrist** – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy.\n- **Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner** – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness.\n\nAdditionally, your **Primary Care Physician**, **Physician’s Assistant** or **Nurse Practitioner** (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication.\n\n### You’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What?\nSpend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) 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Boilerpipe Text	Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide. The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it): Clinical Psychologist – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. School Psychologist – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting. The following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication: Clinical Social Worker – A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting. Licensed Professional Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Mental Health Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor – Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Nurse Psychotherapist – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Marital and Family Therapist – counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Pastoral Counselor – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Peer Specialist – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training. Other Therapists – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist. The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy: Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients. Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy. Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness. Additionally, your Primary Care Physician , Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication. You’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What? Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment. On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know– what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.
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There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide. The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it): - Clinical Psychologist – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. - School Psychologist – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting. The following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication: - Clinical Social Worker – A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting. - Licensed Professional Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Mental Health Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor – Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Nurse Psychotherapist – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Marital and Family Therapist – counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Pastoral Counselor – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Peer Specialist – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training. - Other Therapists – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist. The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy: - Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients. - Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy. - Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness. Additionally, your Primary Care Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication. ### You’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What? Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment. On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know– what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment. ## Related items *** [![Understanding agricultural worker health: Resources and support Image](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/agricultural-worker-health-768x512.jpg) Mar 31, 2026 / Resources Understanding agricultural worker health: Resources and support Article General Rural Read more](https://mhanational.org/resources/understanding-agricultural-worker-health-resources-and-support/) [![Why self-care can feel tough for rural communities and what you can do about it Image](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rural-communities-self-care-768x512.jpg) Mar 16, 2026 / Resources Why self-care can feel tough for rural communities and what you can do about it Article General Rural Read more](https://mhanational.org/resources/why-self-care-can-feel-tough-for-rural-communities-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/) ## Subscribe to our newsletter "\*" indicates required fields [Mental Health America](https://mhanational.org/) 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820 Alexandria, VA. 22314 Phone (703) 684.7722 Toll Free (800)969.6642 Fax (703) 684.5968 ![Charity Navigator 4-star logo](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/charity-navigator.png)![Charity Watch Top Rated logo](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/charity-watch.png)![Candid Platinum Transparency logo](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/candid-seal-platinum-2025.png) ©2026 Mental Health America is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 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All rights reserved. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.
Readable Markdown	![](https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WorkplaceWellness_2.jpg.webp) Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research. Below is a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide. The following mental health professionals can provide psychological assessments and therapy; however, cannot generally prescribe medications (although some states will allow it): - Clinical Psychologist – A psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in psychology. Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. - School Psychologist – A psychologist with an advanced degree in psychology from an accredited/designated program in School Psychology. School Psychologists are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy, and work with school staff to maximize efficiency in the schools setting. The following mental health professionals can provide counseling and with proper training, assessments; however, cannot prescribe medication: - Clinical Social Worker – A counselor with a master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program. Trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group counseling, and provide case management and advocacy; usually found in the hospital setting. - Licensed Professional Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Mental Health Counselor – A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical work experience. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor – Counselor with specific clinical training in alcohol and drug abuse. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Nurse Psychotherapist – registered nurse who is trained in the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Marital and Family Therapist – counselor with a master’s degree, with special education and training in marital and family therapy. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Pastoral Counselor – clergy with training in clinical pastoral education. Trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. - Peer Specialist – counselor with lived experience with mental health or substance use conditions. Assists clients with recovery by recognizing and developing strengths, and setting goals. Many peer support programs require several hours of training. - Other Therapists – therapist with an advance degree trained in specialized forms of therapy. Examples include art therapist, music therapist. The following mental health professionals can prescribe medication; however, they may not provide therapy: - Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients. - Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children. Child and Adolescent psychiatrists can also prescribe medication; however, they may not provide psychotherapy. - Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – A registered nurse practitioner with a graduate degree and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illness. Additionally, your Primary Care Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication. ### You’ve Made The Call To The Mental Health Professional. Now What? Spend a few minutes talking with him or her on the phone, ask about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, whether or not they have a specialty or concentration (some psychologists for instance specialize in family counseling, or child counseling, while others specialize in divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one.) If you feel comfortable talking to the counselor or doctor, the next step is to make an appointment. On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will want to get to know you and why you called him or her. The counselor will want to know– what you think the problem is, about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk about your feelings at your next meeting; don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.
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