Learn about available providers and what each one is qualified to do. Plus, how they can help you take care of your mental health care concerns.

It’s common to feel stressed out, anxious, sad or empty every so often. But if those feelings last for 2 weeks or even longer, and affect your daily life, it may be a sign of something more serious.

Let’s get this out of the way up front: Mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, aren’t some rarity — more than 12% of American adults experience feelings of worry, nervousness or anxiety.

And while you can certainly do things such as meditation or yoga to help find calm or boost your mood, sometimes you may feel like you can’t do it all yourself.

“The mental health system can be confusing,” says Julie Radico, Psy.D., A.B.P.P. She’s a psychologist in Southampton, Pennsylvania.

But knowing what to look for can help you get the care you need. Below, learn about the types of mental health professionals that are out there, and which one might be able to help you best.

Did you know that you can talk to a mental health professional virtually? Explore your telehealth options now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.

What is mental health care?

Mental health care is simply care for your emotional well-being. The goal is to help you manage stress. It can also help you relate better with others.

There are many different mental health care providers. All can help you in different ways. As you’re searching for the right one, you may have questions. For example, what’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Or can I see a licensed clinical social worker as my therapist? Read on for answers to these questions and more.

Choosing the best mental health provider for you

How do you take care of your mental health? Here’s a closer look at the different kinds of mental health providers and how they can help you:

Licensed clinical social worker. This provider has a degree in social work. They can help you change your behavior. And they can help you cope better with difficult situations. They can also refer you to resources such as support groups.

Licensed marriage and family therapist. This provider has a degree in marriage and family therapy. They focus on family relationships and how to improve them.

Licensed professional counselor. This provider has an undergraduate degree in psychology, public policy, or social services or sciences. They can evaluate you, set up a treatment plan and provide therapy. Some providers may also work as addiction counselors.

They can work with you alone, with you and your partner or spouse, or with you and your entire family.

They help you understand how thoughts and behaviors impact your relationships. And they can help you replace those thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones.

Have questions about telehealth? Explore your options now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.  

Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. “We understand how the body works. We understand how things happening in the body can impact mental health,” says Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, M.D. She’s a psychiatrist in New York City.

Psychiatrists can do a physical exam and order blood work. And they can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They can also provide talk therapy.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This provider is trained in nursing and psychiatry. “In some states, these providers can manage patients on their own,” explains Radico. That means they can diagnose and prescribe medications. But in some states, they must work under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

These providers are becoming more popular. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 45% from 2022 to 2032.

Psychologist. “A psychologist has, with a few exceptions, a doctoral degree in a specialty area of psychology,” says Radico. There are several different types. These include:

• Clinical psychologist. They diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral issues.
• Neuropsychologist. They assess how a disease or injury affects emotions and behavior.

Most psychologists can’t prescribe medication, but some can. Psychologists can prescribe medications in 7 states. These include Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Iowa, Illinois, Utah and Louisiana.

How do I make a decision?

It may seem tricky to find the best provider for you. But at the end of the day, it comes down to experience, says Dr. Smalls-Mantey. A social worker who has years of experience will likely know more about certain things their training focuses on than a medical doctor who is just out of residency, she explains.

Dr. Smalls-Mantey adds, however, that any of these different providers can be helpful on one’s mental health journey. What’s most important: getting the care that’s right for you.

Have further questions about how to connect with a mental health care provider via telehealth? Explore your telehealth options now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.  

This article contains information that is compiled by UnitedHealthcare or its subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare does not represent all the information provided are statements of fact. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. “Prescriptive authority gains new momentum.” June 1, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/prescriptive-authority-psychologists

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About mental health.” April 25, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Mental health.” November 6, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mental-health.htm.

Columbia University School of Medicine. “Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.” Retrieved from https://www.nursing.columbia.edu/academics/academic-programs/doctor-nursing-practice/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner Accessed April 3, 2024

Northwestern University. “What is an LMFT” Retrieved from https://www.ollusa.edu/blog/mft-vs-lmft.html. Accessed April 3, 2024

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. “What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?” May 22, 2023. Retrieved from https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist-what-is-the-difference.

Utah State Legislature. “S.B. 26 Behavioral Health Licensing Amendments.” March 19, 2024. Retrieved from https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/SB0026.html

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “A look at nurse practitioners for National Nurse Practitioner Week.” November 14, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/a-look-at-nurse-practitioners-for-national-nurse-practitioner-week.htm

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “What marriage and family therapists do.” December 18, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm#tab-2.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “What psychologists do.” February 16, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-2

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “What social workers do.” September 6, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-2.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “What substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors do.” September 6, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-2

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