Counselor

There are many types of professionals who are specifically trained to help people with depression. Their degrees, training and clinical approach may vary but each is qualified, trained and experienced in treating mental and behavioral health problems. The most common headings of mental health providers are:

Professional Counselor/Mental Health Counselor - Degree: Minimum of Master of Arts or Science in Counseling/Mental Health Counseling. Completes a practicum/internship in Professional Counseling prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication.

Clinical Social Worker - Degree: Minimum of Master of Social Work. Completes a practicum/internship in Cliniical Social Work prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication.

Marriage and Family Therapist - Minimum of a Master of Arts or Science in Family Therapy. Completes a practicum/internship in Marriage and Family Therapy prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication. Focus is often on couples and family counseling.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Requires Nursing License and Minimum of a Masters in Nursing Science (MSN) and completion of specific training in psychiatric nursing. Can provide both talk therapy and prescribe medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Psychologist - Generally reguires a Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology or clinincal psychology. Completes a practicum/internship in Clinical Psychology prior to graduation and a supervised clinical residency following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication. Also directs in depth psychological assessments for such things as cognitive functioning and learning disabilities.

Psychiatrist - Requires graduation from medical school (MD or DO) and a medical residency in Psychiatric Medicine. Can engage in talk therapy but the practice is dwindling. Does prescribe medication.

How you decide which professional is appropriate for you may rest on the level of severity of your distress, cost of treatemnt, insurance benefits and restrictions, availability of local professionals and the need for pharmological treatment.

Each of these providers has professional organizations and state licensing boards whose job it is to keep the consumer safe and regulate the provision of services. If you need help making a choice, try talking to your physician and ask for a referral. You may also look the websites for your state's boards for professional licensure and uncover information on complaints and outcomes of investigated claims against a provider.

Take the time to research your choice well before you commit to treatment and don't be afraid to talk to family, friends or even your clergy. You may be surprised to learn someone else close to you has sought out professional help as well.