What are the differences between psychiatrists and other types of professionals who provide mental health care?

Only the psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can order medical tests and prescribe medication. It takes many years of education and training to become a psychiatrist. After earning a bachelor's degree, he or she must graduate from medical school and go on to complete four years of residency training in the field of psychiatry.

Other professionals who care for people with mental illness or provide mental health services undergo different types of training whose length and core emphases differ according to the field of study. Here is a brief summary:

Psychologist: Most clinical psychologists have a master's or doctoral degree; on the doctoral level, the degree is usually a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) or Psy.D. (doctor of psychology, which is not a medical doctor). A psychologist applies psychological principles to the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and developmental disabilities through a broad range of psychotherapies. A psychologist is commonly trained in advanced psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, testing theory, psychological testing, psychological theory, research methods, psychotherapeutic techniques, and psychosocial evaluation.

Licensed clinical social worker: A licensed clinical social worker (L.C.S.W.) is also trained in psychotherapy and helps individuals deal effectively with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. A social worker usually has a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.). and has studied, among others, sociology, growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, research methods.

Psychiatric nurse: A psychiatric nurse may have an associate arts, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing. Much of the psychiatric nurse's specialty training takes place in a hospital inpatient service. Among the services the psychiatric nurse is trained to provide (at the order of a medical doctor) are various patient care services, administration of medication, and other duties commonly performed by nurses, such as immunizations and skin tests.

Frequently Requested Mental Health Resources

Statistics, Research, Insurance, and the Law (compiled by NMHA):

• Center for Mental Health Services - Survey Branch
  (301)443-3343
• National Institute of Mental Health
  (301)443-4513
• Medicare Telephone Hotline
  (800)638-6833
• Social Security Administration (SSI, Medicare, Medicaid)
  (800)772-1213
• Dept. of Justice ADA Information Line
  (800)514-0301

• National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline
  (800)662-HELP
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  (800) 799-7233 OR (800) 787-3224
• National Child Abuse Hotline
  (800)4-A-CHILD
• National Youth Crisis Hotline
  (800)HIT-HOME
• National Adolescent Suicide Hotline
  (800)621-4000
• Panic Disorder Information Line
  (800)64-PANIC
• Project Inform HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline
  (800)822-7422

Finding a Psychologist in Your Area

A psychologist can help you cope with many of life's problems. The American Psychological Association does not provide referral services. For a referral to a psychologist in your area call 1-800-964-2000. The operator will use your zip code to locate and connect you with the referral system in your area. Neither APA nor the operators answering the 800 number can respond to specific questions regarding personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you do not live in the United States or Canada, contact your national psychological association or local mental health facility. If you believe you need immediate assistance, please call your local emergency number or the mental health crisis hotline listed in your local phone book's government pages. Because APA does not operate, supervise, or exercise any control over any of the above-referenced referral services, it makes no representations or warranty whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding any information or advice provided by these referral services. In no event shall APA be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on information provided by these referral services.

Finding a Psychiatrist in Your Area

The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose 39,500 physician members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and substance abuse. The APA's organizational objectives include the advancement and improvement of care for persons with mental illnesses through nationwide public information, education, and awareness programs and materials.

For a referral to a psychiatrist in your area, please contact:
Marcia Bennett
Public Information Assistant
Division of Public Affairs
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005

phone: (202) 682-6325
fax: (202) 682-6255