{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions","path":"/library/mental-health-professions","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions","title":"Degrees and Jobs in Mental Health Care","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover mental health professions and psychotherapy providers like therapists, counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions","wordpressId":"5238","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma#person","name":"Imogen Sharma","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. George","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:43Z","dateModified":"2025-08-27T10:55:49Z"},"content":{"html":"

Degrees and Jobs in Mental Health Care

Written by \"\"Imogen SharmaMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on
\"Two

Key takeaways

  • Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers differ in training, scope, and therapeutic approaches.
  • Clinical social workers may combine psychotherapy with advocacy, case management, and practical support.
  • Choosing care involves considering professional credentials, relevant expertise, treatment orientation, and personal fit.

What Are Mental Health Professions?

Several types of trained mental health professionals provide psychotherapy, including psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists. Training and licensing requirements depend on the profession and location. Ask providers about their qualifications, relevant experience, fees, and whether they accept your insurance[1].

Types of Mental Health Professions

\nIf someone has a mental health concern, their first step might be to contact their family physician. The doctor can make a referral to the appropriate mental health professional for their needs. It's also possible for someone with a mental health issue to conduct research online and select a professional to help them independently.\nBelow is an exploration of some common mental health professions.\n

Therapists & Counselors

Mental health counselors typically hold a master’s degree and complete supervised clinical training. They assess clients’ needs and provide counseling; some specialize in particular conditions or populations. Requirements vary by counseling role and jurisdiction[2].

Elements of Psychotherapy

Depending on the person’s needs and the treatment approach, psychotherapy may include:[1]

    \n
  • Identifying long-standing automatic thought patterns and beliefs that limit a person's ability to reach their goals
    • \n
  • Learning to put space between self-defeating thoughts, question them, and understand how they influence behavior—then change them
    • \n
  • Exploring interpersonal relationships and learning skills to improve them
    • \n
  • Moving from getting stuck in how problems make the patient feel to problem-solving
    • \n
  • Learning how mindfulness and relaxation can help to regulate emotions
    • \n
  • Using exposure to increase tolerance to stress
    • \n
  • Linking behaviors to emotions
    • \n
  • Receiving emotional support within a collaborative, trustworthy therapeutic relationship
    • \n
  • Creating safety plans
    • \n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Carlos Protzel Psy.D.

Integrative mental health care

View experience

Psychologists

Clinical and counseling psychologists typically earn a doctoral degree. Psychologists study thought, emotion, and behavior and may work in healthcare, education, research, or private practice. Training requirements differ by specialty[3].

\n

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Clinical and counseling psychologists commonly provide assessment and psychotherapy. Some jurisdictions also allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications, subject to additional qualifications and local rules; prescribing authority is not limited to New Mexico and Louisiana[3][4].

Clinical Social Workers

Clinical social workers assess and treat mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy. They need a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure. Their work can also include advocacy, case management, and connecting people with resources such as housing and healthcare. Social workers work in settings including hospitals, schools, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private practice[5][5].

\nEvery mental health professional who practices psychotherapy uses established philosophies, known as theoretical orientations, to guide therapy sessions. Some specialize in one orientation, while others use a blended approach. Popular examples include:\n

    \n
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach helps people recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior[6].
    • \n
  • Psychoanalytic: This approach explores unconscious meanings, motivations, and experiences that may influence emotions, thoughts, and behavior[6].
    • \n
  • Psychodynamic: These approaches developed from psychoanalysis and explore emotional patterns, relationships, and the influence of past experiences on current difficulties[7].
    • \n
  • Person-centered: This humanistic approach emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and the client’s capacity for growth and self-understanding[6].
    • \n
  • Narrative: This approach separates people from problems and explores the meanings, skills, values, and alternative stories that can support change[8].
    • \n
  • Family systems: This approach considers difficulties within relationships and their wider context, rather than viewing the individual in isolation[9].
    • \n

\nCounselors, therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy and oversee group therapy sessions.\n

More Mental Health Care Jobs

\nTreating mental health requires a multidisciplinary team of experts. Below are more job roles associated with mental health professions:\n

    \n
  • Art therapist
    • \n
  • Child psychotherapist
    • \n
  • Dietician
    • \n
  • Music therapist
    • \n
  • Neurologist
    • \n
  • Neuropsychologist
    • \n
  • Mental health nurse
    • \n
  • Occupational therapist
    • \n
  • Psychiatrist
    • \n

\nTherapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers provide psychotherapy to people experiencing mental health disorders. Education and scope of practice vary by profession, specialization, and licensing requirements[2][3][5].

Check a provider’s credentials and ask about their experience, approach, and fees. An introductory conversation can help you decide whether you feel comfortable and confident working together[1].

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February). Psychotherapies. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Psychologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. American Psychological Association. (2026, July 15). APA applauds new state laws allowing psychologists with advanced training to prescribe certain medications in Hawaii and Vermont. APA press release. American Psychological Association. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Social Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. American Psychological Association. (2009). Different approaches to psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. Accessed October 10 2026.
  7. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychoanalytic psychotherapy. APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association.
  8. Morgan, Alice. (2000). What is narrative therapy? Dulwich Centre Publications. dulwichcentre.com.au. Accessed October 10 2026.
  9. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (n.d.). Marriage and Family Therapist: The Family-Friendly Mental Health Professionals. aamft.org. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Imogen Sharma

Writer

Imogen Sharma is a writer and contributor, covering addiction, borderline personality disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and therapy.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Psychiatry

Explore psychiatric care, treatment experiences, and questions about the profession.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Social Determinants Degrees and Jobs in Mental Health Care Degrees and Jobs in Mental Health Care Written by Imogen SharmaMedically reviewed by Erin L. George Published on May 31, 2024 · Updated on August 27, 2025 Key takeaways Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers differ in training, scope, and therapeutic approaches. Clinical social workers may combine psychotherapy with advocacy, case management, and practical support. Choosing care involves considering professional credentials, relevant expertise, treatment orientation, and personal fit. What Are Mental Health Professions? Several types of trained mental health professionals provide psychotherapy, including psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists. Training and licensing requirements depend on the profession and location. Ask providers about their qualifications, relevant experience, fees, and whether they accept your insurance[1]. Types of Mental Health Professions If someone has a mental health concern, their first step might be to contact their family physician. The doctor can make a referral to the appropriate mental health professional for their needs. It's also possible for someone with a mental health issue to conduct research online and select a professional to help them independently. Below is an exploration of some common mental health professions. Therapists & Counselors Mental health counselors typically hold a master’s degree and complete supervised clinical training. They assess clients’ needs and provide counseling; some specialize in particular conditions or populations. Requirements vary by counseling role and jurisdiction[2]. Elements of Psychotherapy Depending on the person’s needs and the treatment approach, psychotherapy may include:[1] Identifying long-standing automatic thought patterns and beliefs that limit a person's ability to reach their goals Learning to put space between self-defeating thoughts, question them, and understand how they influence behavior—then change them Exploring interpersonal relationships and learning skills to improve them Moving from getting stuck in how problems make the patient feel to problem-solving Learning how mindfulness and relaxation can help to regulate emotions Using exposure to increase tolerance to stress Linking behaviors to emotions Receiving emotional support within a collaborative, trustworthy therapeutic relationship Creating safety plans Subject matter expert Carlos Protzel Psy.D. Integrative mental health care View experience Psychologists Clinical and counseling psychologists typically earn a doctoral degree. Psychologists study thought, emotion, and behavior and may work in healthcare, education, research, or private practice. Training requirements differ by specialty[3]. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Clinical and counseling psychologists commonly provide assessment and psychotherapy. Some jurisdictions also allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications, subject to additional qualifications and local rules; prescribing authority is not limited to New Mexico and Louisiana[3][4]. Clinical Social Workers Clinical social workers assess and treat mental health conditions and provide psychotherapy. They need a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure. Their work can also include advocacy, case management, and connecting people with resources such as housing and healthcare. Social workers work in settings including hospitals, schools, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private practice[5][5]. Theoretical Orientations Every mental health professional who practices psychotherapy uses established philosophies, known as theoretical orientations, to guide therapy sessions. Some specialize in one orientation, while others use a blended approach. Popular examples include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach helps people recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior[6]. Psychoanalytic: This approach explores unconscious meanings, motivations, and experiences that may influence emotions, thoughts, and behavior[6]. Psychodynamic: These approaches developed from psychoanalysis and explore emotional patterns, relationships, and the influence of past experiences on current difficulties[7]. Person-centered: This humanistic approach emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and the client’s capacity for growth and self-understanding[6]. Narrative: This approach separates people from problems and explores the meanings, skills, values, and alternative stories that can support change[8]. Family systems: This approach considers difficulties within relationships and their wider context, rather than viewing the individual in isolation[9]. Counselors, therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy and oversee group therapy sessions. More Mental Health Care Jobs Treating mental health requires a multidisciplinary team of experts. Below are more job roles associated with mental health professions: Art therapist Child psychotherapist Dietician Music therapist Neurologist Neuropsychologist Mental health nurse Occupational therapist Psychiatrist Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers provide psychotherapy to people experiencing mental health disorders. Education and scope of practice vary by profession, specialization, and licensing requirements[2][3][5]. Check a provider’s credentials and ask about their experience, approach, and fees. An introductory conversation can help you decide whether you feel comfortable and confident working together[1]. References National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February). Psychotherapies. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed October 10 2026. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Psychologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. American Psychological Association. (2026, July 15). APA applauds new state laws allowing psychologists with advanced training to prescribe certain medications in Hawaii and Vermont. APA press release. American Psychological Association. Accessed October 10 2026. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, August 27). Social Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. American Psychological Association. (2009). Different approaches to psychotherapy. American Psychological Association. Accessed October 10 2026. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychoanalytic psychotherapy. APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Morgan, Alice. (2000). What is narrative therapy? Dulwich Centre Publications. dulwichcentre.com.au. Accessed October 10 2026. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (n.d.). Marriage and Family Therapist: The Family-Friendly Mental Health Professionals. aamft.org. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Imogen Sharma Writer Imogen Sharma is a writer and contributor, covering addiction, borderline personality disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and therapy. Published May 31, 2024 Updated August 27, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health. Related community Psychiatry Explore psychiatric care, treatment experiences, and questions about the profession. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section What Are Mental Health Professions? Types of Mental Health Professions Theoretical Orientations More Mental Health Care Jobs View more","wordCount":1117},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Social Determinants","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/social-determinants"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Degrees and Jobs in Mental Health Care","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-professions#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2f9e9d1a0710aab4fb0058aa.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2f9e9d1a0710aab4fb0058aa.webp","width":1024,"height":1536,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Two adults talking in a bright, comfortable counseling office."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma#person","name":"Imogen Sharma","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/5c80785cb26e87719a408f6c.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogensharma/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. 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