Therapists, Counselors, and Psychiatrists at NAMHS
What are the differences between working with a therapist, a counselor, or a psychiatrist? This is a question that people who are new to seeking mental health services often think about.
Although they are all mental health practitioners, the professional certifications of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists and scope of work they do are different.
At North American Mental Health Services, the majority of our practitioners are PA-Cs (Certified Physician Assistants), LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), and LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors). We also have psychiatrists who are medical doctors and can write prescriptions.
What is an LMFT?
An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFT’s work with families and individuals whose problems are relationship-based. Issues may include depression, the effects of a family member’s substance use, divorce, and parent-child conflict. LMFT’s use counseling and varied therapeutic techniques to help create lasting changes in thoughts and behaviors.
LMFT’s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
AMFT’s are Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. AMFT’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.
What is an LMFT?
An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFT’s work with families and individuals whose problems are relationship-based. Issues may include depression, the effects of a family member’s substance use, divorce, and parent-child conflict. LMFT’s use counseling and varied therapeutic techniques to help create lasting changes in thoughts and behaviors.
LMFT’s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
AMFT’s are Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. AMFT’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.
What is an LPCC?
An LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They provide professional clinical counseling to improve mental health. They diagnose problems and use therapy and counseling to help patients cope with mental health challenges including emotional issues, substance abuse, personal trauma, disability, and changes to one’s work or environment.
Like LMFT’s, LPCC’s cannot prescribe medication.
An APCC is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. APPC’s have years of experience and training and are working towards licensure.
What is an LPCC?
An LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They provide professional clinical counseling to improve mental health. They diagnose problems and use therapy and counseling to help patients cope with mental health challenges including emotional issues, substance abuse, personal trauma, disability, and changes to one’s work or environment.
Like LMFT’s, LPCC’s cannot prescribe medication.
An APCC is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. APPC’s have years of experience and training and are working towards licensure.
What is an LCSW?
An LCSW is a Licensed Counselor Social Worker. They provide psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals and groups. They assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems.
LCSW’s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
An ASW is an Associate Social Worker. ASW’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.
What is an LCSW?
An LCSW is a Licensed Counselor Social Worker. They provide psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals and groups. They assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems.
LCSW’s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
An ASW is an Associate Social Worker. ASW’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.
What is a PA or NP?
PAs are Physician Assistants (which also includes PA-Cs or Certified Physician Assistants). Physician Assistants diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. PAs have thousands of hours of medical training and work under the supervision of a doctor.
NPs are Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners are nurses with advanced training in a clinical setting. They can diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and collaborate with patient care. They work under the supervision of a doctor.
What is a PA or NP?
PAs are Physician Assistants. Physician Assistants diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. PAs have thousands of hours of medical training and work under the supervision of a doctor.
NPs are Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners are nurses with advanced training in a clinical setting. They can diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and collaborate with patient care. They work under the supervision of a doctor.
What is a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors and they can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They often work with people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists will monitor patients’ improvements or watch for medication side effects.
What is a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors and they can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They often work with people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists will monitor patients’ improvements or watch for medication side effects.
Is it better to work with a therapist, a counselor, or a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are able to diagnose conditions like ADHD and depression, and psychiatrists and their psychiatric team can prescribe medication.
People seeking therapy for depression, grief, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, a life challenge, or relationship difficulties should work with a LMFT or a counselor. Some patients who benefit from both medication and therapy may work with a psychiatrist and therapist at the same time.
At North American Mental Health Services, our mental health providers work with adults, teens, and children. Our mental health professionals work with patients in-office and online through telehealth services, including online therapy.
Contact our therapy and psychiatry offices in Redding, Woodland, Fairfield, Eureka, Monterey and Salinas to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
