If you are looking for help for mental health or substance abuse issues, it can be a confusing process to know where to start. Knowing the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists and other mental health providers can help. Listed below are the different types of mental health providers in the greater Houston area.
- Psychiatrist (MD) – A Psychiatrist is a licensed Medical Doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medications for their clients. While psychiatrists can provide therapy services to their clients, most focus primarily on medication management and prefer to refer their clients to other professionals for therapy.
- Psychologist (Ph.D.) – A Psychologist is licensed by the State of Texas to provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They have a Doctor of Psychology. In addition to providing therapy services to people with mental health and substance abuse issues, many psychologists also provide a variety of psychological testing services.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – A Licensed Professional Counselor is licensed by the State of Texas to provide therapy services to both individuals and families. These therapists typically have a minimum of a Master’s Degree and receive a variety of training in the treatment of mental health issues. They work with a variety of problems including mental health, substance abuse, couples, and family problems.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) – A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is licensed by the State of Texas to provide marriage and family therapy. These therapists typically have a minimum of a Master’s Degree and receive specialized training in working with couples, families, and systems. These therapists work with individuals who struggle with a variety of problems, including mental health, substance abuse, couples, and family problems.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is licensed by the State of Texas to provide therapy for individuals and families with mental health problems. (Some clinicians with this license are listed as LMSW or LCSW.) They typically have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Social Work. These therapists work with a variety of problems, including mental health, substance abuse, couples, and family problems.
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) – A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor is licensed by the State of Texas to provide chemical dependency counseling. These counselors receive specialized training in the treatment of individuals and families that are trying to overcome problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. Counselors with only the LCDC are limited to providing treatment for substance abuse and are not able to provide mental health therapy.
In general, if you are looking for someone to provide counseling, then the place to start is with a psychologist, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, or licensed social worker. If, on the other hand, you are wanting an evaluation for medications, then a psychiatrist is the appropriate place to start.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.