Also known as psychotherapists, mental health therapists treat patients who have behavioral disorders and mental health problems. Often referred to as mental health counselors, therapists have a different state license than counselors. Psychiatrists are licensed doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and provide therapy.
Some have completed additional training in child and adolescent mental health, substance use disorders, or geriatric psychiatry. A counseling counselor is a mental health professional who has a master's degree (MA) in psychology, counseling, or a related field. To be licensed, the professional counselor also needs an additional two years of experience working with a qualified mental health professional after graduate school. A mental health counselor is qualified to evaluate and treat mental problems by providing counseling or psychotherapy.
After identifying and evaluating mental health problems and challenges related to human development, mental health counselors employ effective methods of counseling and psychotherapy to treat people with conditions that may include mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, abuse of substances, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, personality disorders, dementia and adjustment disorders. The NAMI helpline can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area. To meet the exam requirement to be licensed as a mental health counselor in New York State, you must pass the National Mental Health Clinical Counselor Test (NCMHCE), administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Finding the right mental health professional and the right therapeutic approach is as important as finding the right doctor.
Mental health therapists evaluate and evaluate patients' mental health, behavior, and situational problems. The doctor will consult with the mental health counselor regarding the illness and will indicate if medical attention is needed. Only licensed mental health counselors and some others exempt under the licensing law may practice the profession. The following descriptions provide an overview of what to look for and the credentials you can expect from a mental health professional.
Mental health counselors use assessment tools, provide mental health and psychotherapy counseling, clinical evaluation and evaluation, treatment planning and case management, prevention services, discharge and aftercare. The term counseling has come to represent all mental health professions that do not involve prescribing medications as part of treatment. Before leaving the office, the mental health professional should describe the treatment plan to you and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The term “mental health professional” encompasses a wide range of people who work in occupations such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and other mental health therapists.
Professionals, called mental health counselors, are trained in counseling and psychotherapy to treat people with mental and emotional disorders and other behavioral problems. Whether you plan to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other type of mental health professional, you should start with a phone call to the professional. They are able to assess a person's mental health through clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and tests. Regardless of career path, counselors and therapists are qualified to help with all types of mental health problems.
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