What Type of Mental Health Professional is the Right Fit?

When exploring a potential therapist or psychiatrist, inquiring about their approach to treatment can be helpful in determining if they are a good fit. For some, a medication-based treatment through a psychiatrist or other qualified medical professional might be best, whereas a combination of medication and therapy or just therapy on its own might be more appropriate for others.

If seeking traditional talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, or counseling, there are a number of possibilities, including clinical or counseling psychologists, social workers, counselors, or family therapists. The terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably and sometimes highlight the level of education or credentialing.

Psychotherapy might not work for everyone and alternative methods including animal-assisted psychotherapy or somatic therapy might be healing options to consider. Another alternative is e-therapy via video conferencing or through services on an app—such as Talkspace which essentially puts a licensed therapist in your pocket.

Psychotherapy versus Psychological Counseling Counseling is often more short-term than therapy and focuses on specific issues—it’s designed to help a person address a particular problem, such as stress management. The focus may be on problem solving or on learning specific techniques for coping. Psychotherapy is more long-term and focuses on a broader range of issues.

Be sure to: • Inquire as to the experience level in treating individuals with similar problems • Make sure they are licensed to practice in your state