Mental Health Care Provider Types Explained
Understanding Mental Health Care Providers
Are you looking to better understand the different types of mental health care providers and what services they offer? Have you found it confusing to know which type of provider to seek based on your specific needs?
You’re not alone — and we’re here to help.
Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to figure out which provider to see and what each one actually does. From primary care doctors to specialized mental health professionals, understanding the roles of various healthcare providers empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for your well-being.
As an experienced cognitive behavioral therapist, I know how crucial it is to be well-informed about your options. In this guide, I’ll break down the major types of healthcare providers, explain what they do, and help you decide when to seek each one.
Let’s get started.
Healthcare providers function as part of a team, each with a unique role in supporting your physical and mental health. Knowing who does what enables you to confidently navigate the system, ask the right questions, and get the care you need. Health care professional job titles can vary by state. The NAMI HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources that you may need to navigate your care.
1. Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Your Primary Care Provider is often the first healthcare professional you see. They manage your overall health and coordinate care with specialists as necessary. Typically, you’ll visit your PCP at least once a year for routine check-ups.
Common types of PCPs:
Family Physicians
Internal Medicine Doctors
Pediatricians (for children)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Physician Assistants (PAs)
What they do:
Provide preventive care (e.g., annual physicals, routine checkups, blood work, screenings—often covered by insurance)
Diagnose and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
Order lab tests and prescribe medications
Make referrals to specialists (e.g., cardiologists, physical therapists)
Offer health education and counseling to support lifestyle changes and overall wellness
Screen for mental health issues through surveys or questionnaires during visits
When to see a PCP:
For annual physical exams
New or ongoing symptoms
Management of chronic illnesses
Medication reviews or adjustments
Preventive screenings and vaccines
2. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), who specialize in mental health. They diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications, and may provide certain types of therapy. They are licensed and may also be designated as a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.
What they do:
Diagnose and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
Order specialized tests or assessments
Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
May offer therapy or refer you to therapists for ongoing counseling
Collaborate closely with other mental health professionals for coordinated care
When to see a psychiatrist:
When referred by your PCP or therapist
Experiencing symptoms of complex or severe mental health conditions
Needing medication evaluation, management, or a second opinion
3. Psychologist
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a field of psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)) and specialize in understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They provide therapy and psychological assessments using clinical interviews, but typically do not prescribe medications. They are licensed and regulated by the American Psychological Association (APA).
What they do:
Conduct psychological evaluations and testing
Provide therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care
Specialize in areas like child psychology, forensic psychology, school counseling, or organizational psychology
Work in private practices, hospitals, schools, or research settings
When to see a psychologist:
For therapy and counseling
Managing anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, PTSD, or other psychological concerns
Specialized assessments, such as ADHD or learning disabilities
4. Psychotherapist, Counselor, Therapist
These terms often overlap and refer to trained professionals who use talk therapy to help individuals address emotional, mental health, and life challenges. This group includes psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed counselors (LCSW, LPC, LMFT), and other mental health providers regulated by state licensing boards. They provide psychotherapy, talk therapy that helps identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Services can be individual, group, couples, or family therapy, often using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. They can be licensed and regulated by the state and the American Counseling Association.
What they do:
Provide psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
Offer individual, group, couples, or family therapy sessions
Help clients develop coping skills, resilience, and problem-solving strategies
Use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing
Promote mental and emotional well-being
Provide short-term or long-term therapy depending on client needs
Address issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth
When to see them:
For ongoing therapy or emotional support
Managing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or relationship challenges
Navigating life transitions or chronic stress
Seeking support for short-term issues or personal development
When you want to improve mental health and emotional well-being through talk therapy
5. Social Worker
Clinical social workers (CSWs or LCSWs) provide emotional and psychological support and often work in healthcare, school, or community settings. They focus on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and behavioral issues. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.
What they do:
Provide therapy and counseling for individuals, families, and groups
Use evidence-based practices to treat mental health conditions
Help clients navigate social systems and access community resources
Advocate for clients in healthcare, education, or legal systems
When to see a social worker:
For therapy or mental health support
Managing trauma, family issues, or life challenges
Assistance accessing community resources, housing, financial aid, or legal advocacy
Choosing the Right Provider for You
Selecting the right mental or physical health provider depends on your specific needs. Your Primary Care Provider is your healthcare hub, coordinating general care and referrals. Mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists, and clinical social workers offer specialized support for emotional and psychological wellness.
Curious to learn about the different types of therapy techniques? See below for a short list of common therapy approaches that providers specialize in.
Common Types of Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of difficult emotions while committing to personal values and behavioral change.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences to understand current behaviors and emotions.
Motivational Interviewing: Helps increase motivation to change by resolving ambivalence and encouraging commitment to change.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness, focusing on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Focuses on healing from trauma by creating a safe therapeutic environment and addressing trauma-related symptoms.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the therapist-client relationship.
Family and Couples Therapy: Addresses relational dynamics and communication issues within families or couples.
Play Therapy: Used primarily with children, using play to help express feelings and resolve psychological challenges.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Specialized therapy for trauma and PTSD, using guided eye movements to process distressing memories.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
How can I find a provider?
Many types of professionals offer psychotherapy. Examples include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. Information on providers’ credentials is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NIMH has information on ways to get help, find a health care provider, and access treatment.
Here is a list of various therapy directories to find a provider in your area.
