Mental illnesses require care from experts who have specialized in the field and are trained to determine and treat psychological disorders. These disorders may include anxiety, depression, addiction, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and others.
From diagnosing mild symptoms to treating severe psychological conditions, different mental healthcare providers can help treat patients differently. While there are various types of mental health specialists, each of these professionals plays a part in providing treatment to meet the needs of each individual living with some psychological illness.
Knowing about different types of mental healthcare professionals can help you understand how they can help boost your mental well-being. Whether you are suffering from a mild mental illness symptom or a severe condition, opting for a professional who is licensed to provide services is essential. Licensing usually depends on the professional’s specialty, training, and state law.
This blog explores different types of mental health professionals who can help you tackle various kinds of mental health conditions.
- Psychiatric Nurse
A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse with a specialization in mental well-being. These nurses must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or doctorate in nursing (DNP) focusing on mental health to prepare for advanced roles in the mental healthcare sector with the help of a healthcare staffing agency in Kentucky.
From registering in on-campus degree programs like MSN to signing up for online BSN DNP degrees, there are many options from where they can acquire advanced education to level up their career.
A registered psychiatrist nurse provides care and medical support to patients with mental health disorders. They cannot treat any condition specifically; however, they work with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists, social workers, or psychologists, to create and implement patient care plans.
Mental health nurses are responsible for administering and supervising medication, modifying patient care plans in keeping with the individual’s progress, and helping patients and their families cope with mental health problems. In addition, nurses might have to tackle the challenging behavior of patients due to unstable mental health.
These nurses can work in a variety of settings, including
- private clinics
- inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and general hospitals
- military hospitals or clinics
- assisted living facilities
- rehabilitation centres
- community centers for mental health
- nursing schools and colleges
- mental health agencies
- Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health professional specializing in human behavior and mental states. These professionals use scientific strategies to study the factors that affect an individual’s perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Typically, psychologists hold a Ph.D. degree in psychology. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating various mental health conditions using evidence-based interventions and counseling in one-on-one or group settings. A psychologist can also help individuals deal with life challenges, such as relationship problems, challenges in adolescence, parenting problems, and the impact of lifestyle on health through counseling. However, they cannot prescribe medication to patients unless licensed.
Some psychologists prefer to work alone, while others may work with other healthcare teams, such as in rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health centers, nursing homes, and community health centers.
- Psychiatrist
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that concentrates mainly on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of different mental health disorders. Besides recognizing the environmental and social factors that affect mental health, psychiatrists approach symptoms from a biological viewpoint.
A psychiatrist completes an MBBS degree and further specializes in psychiatric medicine. They study brain functioning and the complex association between the brain and body. Professionals qualified in psychiatry can identify differences between psychological and physical causes of mental distress.
They are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists can also perform lab tests and physical exams to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
You can find psychiatrists working in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, community agencies, rehabilitation centers, hospice programs, university medical centers, courts and prisons, and emergency rooms.
- Mental Health Social Worker
It is a profession in which trained individuals are committed to helping people and vulnerable populations deal with various life challenges.
No matter the type, a mental health illness can significantly impact a patient’s career, relationships, and overall quality of life, leading to challenging circumstances. Social work professionals help individuals with mental health conditions cope with these aspects. They play a vital part in facilitating people to have a steady transition back to the community. The typical duties of a mental health social worker include
- Assessing the social, economic, emotional, and mental health needs of the patient
- Evaluating the socioeconomic status of the patient and looking for resources that would be beneficial for them
- Educating the affected individual and their family members about the disorder and ensuring they understand the treatment plan of the patient
- Facilitating therapy sessions
- Helping boost communication between the patient, family, and healthcare providers
Mental health social workers can work in hospitals, community health organizations, mental health clinics, rehabilitation treatment centers, and primary care facilities.
- Mental Health Counsellor
Counseling focuses on helping individuals resolve behavioral, social, and emotional issues arising from many life situations. It could include problems at school, college, or the workplace and disputes among family members.
A counselor can have a diverse range of training. If you’re looking to become a school or child counselor, you can receive all the training necessary through a master’s degree in school counseling online. In general, counselors are specifically trained in listening skills and can help clients analyze their troubles and find suitable solutions. From job stress to substance abuse and marriage issues, mental health counselors deal with people suffering from different problems.
A marriage and family counselor has expertise in solving common issues that can come up in married couples and families, from arguments to conflicts. Their therapy sessions typically focus on particular problems and approaching quick resolutions.
On the other hand, an addiction counselor treats individuals with addiction, including drug abuse and gambling problems.
Counselors can choose to work in various settings, including outpatient mental health centers, family services, substance abuse centers, schools, hospitals, and private practice.
Conclusion
There are different kinds of mental health professionals, and each plays a significant role in identifying and treating various mental health issues. From psychiatrists and psychologists to mental health counselors and social workers, learning what each of these professionals offers can allow you to understand how they can help you attain your mental health goals.