SCAN Health

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe, and monitor medications and provide therapy. 

(Your Primary Care Physicians can also prescribe medication, but you might consider visiting someone who specializes in mental health care specifically so they can come up with the best treatment plan).

Please note: Our doctors are unable to write prescriptions for controlled substances such as codeine or oxycodone. Please see a doctor in person if you require medication classified as a controlled substance.

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some may have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other behavioral therapy interventions.

These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They operate under a variety of job titles—including counselor, clinician, therapist or something else—based on the treatment setting.

These are a great starting place for mental wellness.

Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.

(Source: NAMI, Types of Mental Health Professionals )