BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologists are state-licensed doctoral level clinicians with a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philisophy), Psy.D. (Doctor of psychology), or Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) degree.  Psychologists treat a wide range of behavioral health needs, however, they do not prescribe medications.  Psychologists specialize in assessment and evaluation.  They often provide evaluations which determine eligibility for entitlement, school services, social services, and competency to stand trial.  These are time limited contacts with clients and involve reports and recommendations.  Master level psychologist might work as school psychologists or in agency settings.

COUNSELOR, SOCIAL WORKER, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
These professionals have a master’s or doctoral degree in their field and are state-licensed, which is indicated by their credential:   LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker), LMFT(Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LSAC (Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor).  These clinicians are generalists able to deal with most behavioral health concerns.  However, they do not prescribe or monitor medications. 

PSYCHIATRIST
Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by the state to practice medicine.  They may have an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree.  Psychiatrists may prescribe medication and may work in cooperation with a one of the above named clinicians who provide counseling.  Many psychiatrists schedule 15-30 minute sessions which focus mainly on monitoring the medications. 

NURSE PRACTITIONER, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Nurse practitioners are licensed by the state as independent practitioners while physician assistants must operate under a physician’s license and supervision.  They may conduct initial evaluations and prescribe and monitor medications.  Neither nurse practitioners nor physician assistants provide ongoing counseling sessions unless they are master level psychiatric nurses.

PRACTICE SETTINGS

PRIVATE PRACTICE
Private practice means setting up a business and running all aspects including the hiring of any office staff necessary, marketing, and paying for all expenses.  Many private practitioners operate without additional help.  Your income depends on how many clients you see,  the fees you charge, and how high your overhead is.

AGENCY
State mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, and many social service agencies hire mental health professionals and pay a salary based upon your education and experience.  Agency staff handle payment, appointments, billing, insurance, and the other business aspects.  Reporting requirements may be more time consuming than that in private practice.

GROUP PRACTICE
Several practitioners may come together and share the cost of doing business while each specializes in some aspect of counseling.  The ways of sharing costs and responsibilities are varied ranging from each contributing equally to the fixed costs to each paying  a percentage of their income.