All information below from Networktherapy.com
Types of Therapists
Psychiatrists:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental disorders, is licensed
to practice medicine, and has completed a year of internship and three years of specialty
training. A board-certified psychiatrist has, in addition, practiced for at least
two years and passed the written and oral examinations of the American Board of Psychiatry
and Neurology. Psychiatrists can evaluate and diagnose all types of mental disorders,
carry out biomedical treatments and psychotherapy, and work with psychological problems
associated with medical disorders. Like other medical doctors, they can prescribe
medication. Child psychiatrists specialize in working with children; geriatric psychiatrists
concentrate on helping the aged.
Psychologists:
Psychologists who conduct psychotherapy and work with individuals, groups, or families
to resolve problems generally are called clinical or counseling psychologists. They
work in many settings – for example, mental health centers, hospitals and clinics,
schools, employee assistance programs, and private practice. In most states, a licensed
clinical psychologist has completed a doctoral degree from a university program with
specialized training and experience requirements and has successfully completed a
professional licensure examination.
The field of psychology also includes those who specialize in such areas as testing, community organization, industrial relations, and laboratory research.
Clinical Social Workers:
Clinical social workers have master's or doctoral degrees in social work, at least
two years of post-graduate experience in a supervised clinical setting, and have passed
an examination required for state licensure. In addition to individual, family, and
group counseling and psychotherapy, they are trained in client-centered advocacy.
This includes information, referral, direct intervention with governmental and civic
agencies, and expansion of community resources.
Marriage and Family Therapists:
Marriage and Family Therapist are state licensed as counselors to provide psychotherapy
and counseling for families, couples, groups, and individuals. They have at least
a master's degree, two years of supervised post-degree experience, and have passed
a state comprehensive examination. Therapists with other licenses may also be qualified
to conduct marriage and family therapy.
Professional Counselors:
Professional Counselors have at least a master's degree, two years of supervised clinical
experience, and have passed an examination required for state licensure. In states
without licensure or certification laws, professional counselors are certified by
the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). They provide quality mental health
and substance abuse care to individuals, families, groups and organizations. They
may be trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches.
Psychiatric Nurses:
Psychiatric nursing is a specialized area of professional nursing practice that is
concerned with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental-health-related
problems. These nurses are registered professional nurses, and those who have advanced
academic degrees at the master's degree level or above can become advanced practice
registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs are qualified to practice independently and provide
the full range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, groups
and communities. In most states, psychiatric nurses in advanced practice have the
authority to prescribe medication.