Professional Types

Choosing the right mental health professional depends on your specific needs, concerns, and goals. Here are some factors to consider:

• Nature of your concerns: Different professionals specialize in different areas. For example, psychiatrists can prescribe medication for conditions like depression or anxiety, while psychologists focus on therapy and psychological testing.
• Treatment preferences: Consider whether you're interested in talk therapy, medication, or a combination of approaches.
• Insurance coverage: Check which types of mental health providers are covered by your insurance plan.
• Personal comfort: The therapeutic relationship is important, so choose someone you feel comfortable talking to.

It's also common to start with your primary care physician who can provide an initial assessment and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

The main differences between psychologists and psychiatrists are:

• Education: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who complete medical school and a psychiatric residency. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in clinical or counseling psychology.
• Medication: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists generally cannot (except in a few states with additional training).
• Focus: Psychiatrists often focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions from a medical perspective. Psychologists typically provide psychological testing and therapy, focusing on behavior patterns and mental processes.
• Treatment approaches: Psychiatrists may provide brief therapy but often focus on medication management. Psychologists primarily use various forms of psychotherapy or counseling.

Many people work with both a psychiatrist (for medication) and a psychologist (for therapy) as part of their treatment plan.

To ensure a mental health professional is qualified:

• Check credentials: Verify they have appropriate education, training, and licensure in their field. Licensed professionals have titles like "Licensed Psychologist," "Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)," or "Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)."
• Verify license: Most states have online portals where you can verify a professional's license status.
• Look for board certification: For psychiatrists, board certification indicates they've passed rigorous exams in their specialty.
• Ask about specialization: Inquire about their experience and training with your specific concerns.
• Check for professional memberships: Membership in professional organizations often indicates commitment to ethical standards and continuing education.

On our platform, we verify credentials and indicate which professionals have completed our verification process with a verification badge.

Yes, many mental health professionals now offer online sessions, also known as teletherapy or telehealth. This became especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a popular option for many reasons:

• Convenience: No travel time and more flexible scheduling
• Accessibility: Services available to those in remote areas or with mobility issues
• Comfort: Sessions from the comfort of your own space
• Continuity of care: Ability to maintain therapy while traveling or during other circumstances

On our platform, you can filter professionals by those who offer online sessions. Many professionals offer both in-person and online options, allowing you to choose what works best for you.