In-depth information on types of mental health professionals and how to find a therapist who suits your needs.

Seeking mental health treatment can be a big decision. But acknowledging your need is only the first step. You then have to decide what type of mental health professional to consult, and the choices are many - and sometimes confusing. What type of practitioner should you choose? A psychiatrist? Psychologist? Social worker? Does it matter? And what about their schooling, training and experience?

Ultimately, your choice comes down to two key factors: competence and comfort level, says Keith Kramlinger, M.D., a psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

"You must feel a sense of comfort and have confidence in the person you're confiding in," Dr. Kramlinger says. "There are many good mental health professionals, but as in other fields, there are also some whose professional approaches are questionable. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured in any way, get a second opinion."

Types of mental health professionals

There are four major types of mental health professionals:

1. Psychiatrists
2. Psychologists
3. Social workers
4. Psychiatric nurses

Each state licenses these professionals - although criteria vary by state - and has certain requirements for maintaining and updating training and skills. In addition, each of these groups has a professional organization that establishes standards and ethics that its members must follow.

Here's a closer look at these major groups.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in psychiatry, a branch of medicine devoted to the study, treatment and prevention of mental disorders. After earning their medical degree (M.D.) or osteopathic degree (D.O.), they must complete 4 years of residency training at a teaching hospital. The first year of residency is an internship to sharpen skills in general medicine and neurology. The last 3 years focus on psychiatry.

A psychiatrist can be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology after passing oral and written exams. That certification process can occur 1 to 2 years after completion of training. Those who are then board certified are referred to as diplomats of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Some psychiatrists might have only a board eligible designation. That means they've completed the required psychiatry training at an accredited program but haven't yet completed the certification process.

Doctors don't have to be board certified in psychiatry to use the title of psychiatrist. However, certification is evidence of advanced training and experience.

Some psychiatrists seek additional specialty training after residency so they can specialize in certain areas, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatrics or addictions. In addition, some limit their practice to one area, such as mood disorders or schizophrenia.

Because they're medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of mental health treatment. They can also order laboratory tests, X-rays or other studies as part of your treatment. In addition, they're trained to provide psychotherapy of various kinds to individuals, couples, families and groups.

Psychologists

Psychologists are specialists in psychology, the branch of science that deals with the mind, mental processes and behaviors. They're trained to provide evaluation, assessment, testing and treatment of mental disorders. Psychologists often have training in abnormal psychology, statistics, psychological testing, psychological theory, research methods, psychotherapeutic techniques and psychosocial evaluation.

Education, training and state licensing criteria can vary widely. In some states, psychologists must hold a doctoral degree, for instance. That degree may be a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology, a doctor of education (Ed.D.) in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists aren't medical doctors.

Some states require that psychologists have a period of supervised training after earning a doctorate, such as a supervised clinical internship in a hospital or other facility. They may also have to complete a year or more of postdoctoral supervised practice before practicing independently.

In some states, a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) is sufficient to allow practice as a psychologist. But they may only be allowed to provide therapy under the supervision of a physician or a psychologist with a doctorate.

Traditionally, psychologists have been unable to prescribe medications because they're not medical doctors. However, in some cases, psychologists are now able to write prescriptions for certain medications.

There are different types of psychologists. Clinical psychologists, for instance, work with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Counseling psychologists focus mainly on adjustment issues or life challenges, such as choosing a career or coping with marital problems. And school psychologists work with the emotional or academic problems of students.