Families are often unsure which type of mental health professional their child may need.
Each role is different. Sometimes, youth work with more than one type of professional at the same time, depending on their needs.
This section explains the most common types of mental health professional families may encounter.
The right fit matters. Families have the right to ask questions, trust their judgment, and choose a provider that best supports their child and family.
It is fine to switch to a new provider if you do not think the current one is helping.
Who Does What?
Expand the toggle to view detailed information about each mental health professional.
Therapists (Counselors, Clinicians, or Licensed Therapists)
Therapists are often the first point of contact for youth who need mental health support.
What they do:
- Provide talk therapy = psychotherapy (individual, family, or group): Talk therapy is when a person talks with a mental health professional, usually a therapist, about their thoughts and feelings. The therapist listens carefully and helps the person find ways to solve problems or feel better. Talking can help the person understand their feelings and learn new ways to handle them.
- Help youth understand and manage their emotions (emotional regulation)
- Teach coping and problem-solving skills
- Support healthy behavioral changes
- Work with families to improve communication and support
Common credentials you may see:
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- SWLC (Social Worker Licensure Candidate) – not licensed
- LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
- MFLC (Marriage and Family Licensure Candidate) – not licensed
- LCPC, LPC or LMHC (Licensed [Clinical/Mental Health] Professional Counselor)
- PLPC (Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor) – not licensed
Important to know:
- Therapists do not prescribe medication.
- Therapy may be short-term or ongoing.
- Parents are often involved, especially for younger children.
Psychologists
Psychologists specialize in understanding how people think, feel, and behave.
What they do:
- Provide therapy
- Conduct psychological testing and evaluations
- Assess learning, emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns
- Help with diagnosis and treatment planning
Important to know:
- Psychologists usually have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD).
- In most states, they do not prescribe medication.
- Testing can help schools and providers better understand a child’s needs.
- Because they often focus on testing, assessments, and screenings, they may refer a patient to a non-psychologist therapist for ongoing or regular therapy.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health for children and adolescents. They provide the highest level of care.
What they do:
- Evaluate mental health symptoms
- Diagnose mental health conditions
- Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
- Monitor medication effects and side effects
- Some provide psychotherapy
Important to know:
- Psychiatrists are specialized medical doctors (MD or DO).
- Child and adolescent psychiatrists are different than adult psychiatrists because they have extra training in how to treat children and adolescents.
- Appointments often focus on medication management.
- Youth may see a therapist for ongoing therapy while seeing a psychiatrist.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with mental health training. They provide the same types of therapy and treatments as a psychiatrist and other therapists.
What they do:
- Assess mental health symptoms
- Diagnose mental health conditions
- Prescribe and manage medications in all states and in many states without a doctor involved.
- Provide medical education and support to families
Important to know:
- They often work closely with therapists or clinics.
- Care is often similar to psychiatric care.
Primary Care Providers (Pediatricians or Family Doctors)
Primary care providers play an important role in youth mental health.
What they do:
- Screen for depression, anxiety, and other concerns
- Rule out medical causes of symptoms
- Sometimes prescribe medications for mental health conditions
- Refer families to mental health professionals
Important to know:
- They may be a good starting point if you are unsure where to begin.
- They often coordinate care with mental health professionals.
School-Based Mental Health Professionals
Schools may have mental health staff who support students.
Examples include:
- School mental health counselors (different than academic counselors)
- School psychologists
- School social workers
What they do:
- Support emotional and behavioral needs at school
- Help with academic, social, and behavioral concerns
- Provide short-term counseling or crisis support
- Connect families to outside resources
Important to know:
- School-based services usually focus on how students are functioning at school.
- They often partner with families and outside providers.
Case Managers and Care Coordinators
Some youth and families work with case managers or care coordinators.
What they do:
- Help families navigate available services
- Coordinate care between providers
- Connect families to community supports
- Assist with scheduling and follow-up
Important to know:
- They do not provide therapy or prescribe medication.
- Their role is to reduce stress for families and help them find the services they need.