Types of Mental Health Providers Explained… Who Should You See?
A clear and patient-friendly guide from Dr. Caroline Graham, DO at Cogniva Psychiatry:
Choosing a mental health provider can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a long list of professionals whose titles look like alphabet soup: MD, DO, NP, DNP, PA-C, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD, PhD, and more. It’s completely normal to feel confused about who does what and who you should see. The truth is that training, scope of practice, and types of treatment vary significantly between providers, and choosing the right fit can have a meaningful impact on your care.
This guide clearly breaks down the most common types of mental health providers, what each is trained to do, and how to choose the right one for your needs and goals of care.
1. Psychiatrists (MD / DO)
Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with both medication and therapy, though many focus primarily on medication management in modern practice.
Training path:
Bachelor’s degree (4 years of college)
Medical school: MD or DO (4 year degree)
A 4-year psychiatry residency
Optional fellowships ranging from 1-2 years total (e.g., child/adolescent, addiction, geriatrics, forensics)
What psychiatrists can offer:
Full medical evaluation (ruling out medical causes of symptoms)
Medication management
Order and interpret labs
Expertise in complex conditions & treatment-resistant cases
Comprehensive understanding of how physical health and medications interact
Provide therapy (CBT, psychodynamic, interpersonal, trauma-focused therapy, etc.)
2. Physician Assistants (PA-C)
PAs are trained in the medical model, similar to physicians but with shorter total training time.
Training:
Bachelor’s degree (4 years of college)
PA program (master’s level, ~2–3 years)
On-the-job specialty training or optional post-graduate psychiatry fellowship (not required)
Scope:
Diagnose
Prescribe medications under physician supervision (state-dependent, in some states they have a collaborative physician agreement)
Training is shorter than physician training, but many provide excellent, accessible care
Provide supportive psychotherapy in some settings
Often work in outpatient psychiatry, hospitals, or consult-liaison teams.
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP, APRN, DNP)
Psychiatric NPs are nurses with additional training and education in mental health diagnosis and medication management.
Training path:
Nursing degree → RN license
Master’s or Doctorate (DNP) specializing in psychiatry
Clinical rotations in psychiatric care
Scope of practice:
Diagnose
Prescribe medications under physician supervision (state-dependent, in some states they operate autonomously)
Training is shorter than physician training, but many provide excellent, accessible care
Provide supportive psychotherapy in some settings
Often work in outpatient psychiatry, hospitals, or consult-liaison teams.
4. Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
Psychologists focus strongly on therapy, psychological testing, and behavioral interventions.
Training path:
Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)
5–7 years of doctoral training
1-year internship
Optional postdoctoral fellowship
Key distinctions:
PhD: research-focused as well as clinical
PsyD: clinical care-focused
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication in most states (exceptions exist but are limited)
What they’re best at:
Formal psychological testing (IQ testing, ADHD assessments, personality testing)
Evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT)
Long-term psychotherapy
5. Licensed Therapists / Counselors
These are mental health professionals trained primarily in therapy.
LPC — Licensed Professional Counselor
Bachelor’s degree (4 years of college)
Master’s-level clinician
Provides therapy (CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapy, etc.)
Often one of the most accessible types of therapists
Does not prescribe medication
LMFT — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Bachelor’s degree (4 years of college)
Master’s-level clinician specializing in relationships
Provides therapy with a focus on couples counseling, family systems, communication patterns
Does not prescribe medication
LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Bachelor’s degree (4 years of college)
Master’s degree in social work
Trained in therapy and connecting clients to community resources
Excellent for individuals navigating complex social or family circumstances
Does not prescribe medication
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Needs
A simple guide:
If you’re seeking medication management → Psychiatrist (DO/MD), PMHNP, or PA-C
If you’re seeking therapy only → LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist
If you need psychological testing or formal diagnostic evaluations → Psychologist (PhD)
If your case is complex or unclear → Consider starting with a Psychiatrist
Every provider type serves an important purpose — the key is choosing the one that matches your goals.
Why Cogniva Psychiatry Created This Guide
At Cogniva Psychiatry, clarity is part of my mission. Many patients come to me unsure whether they should see a psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, or another professional altogether. Understanding the mental health landscape helps you take the first step with confidence and know what to expect.
My approach blends medical expertise, evidence-based psychiatric care, therapy, and an integrative perspective. Clarity for the mind and care for the whole self begins with understanding your options.
If you’re unsure where to start, I’m happy to help guide that decision.
Legal + Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding your specific mental health needs.