What Kind of Provider Do I Need?

When you need mental health care, you want the right person to provide it. How do you know which provider is best for you? There are many to choose from, and they have different expertise. The list below describes various types of providers. It can help you make the right choice.

Please call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card if you have questions about your behavioral health benefits.

Marital and Family Therapist

• A professional with a master’s degree
• Trained in marriage and family therapy
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group counseling

Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

• A counselor
• Trained in alcohol and drug abuse treatment
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group counseling

Mental Health Counselor

• A counselor with a master’s degree
• Experience in supervised clinical work
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group counseling

Clinical Social Worker

• A counselor with a master’s degree in social work
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group counseling

Psychologist

• A professional with a doctoral degree in psychology
• Two years of supervised professional experience, including a one-year internship
• Can make a diagnosis
• Can provide individual and group therapy

Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist

• A medical doctor
• Trained in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in children

Psychiatrist

• A medical doctor
• Trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses
• Qualified to prescribe medication