Identify and differentiate the types of health professionals who provide therapeutic treatment of mental disorders

Answer 1

• Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (M.D.) who complete medical school; a year-long internship; and a three-year residency that provides training in various forms of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and both outpatient and inpatient treatment of mental disorders. They can prescribe medications and make medical decisions. Board-certified psychiatrists have passed oral and written examinations following completion of residency training.
• Psychologists complete a graduate program (including clinical training and internships) in human psychology but do not study medicine and cannot prescribe medication. They must be licensed in most states in order to practice independently.
• Certified social workers or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) usually complete a two-year graduate program and have specialized training in helping people with mental problems in addition to conventional social work.
• Psychiatric nurses have nursing degrees and have passed a state examination. They usually have special training and experience in mental health care, although no specialty licensing or certification is required.
• Marriage and family therapists, licensed in some but not all states, usually have a graduate degree, often in psychology, and at least two years of supervised clinical training in dealing with relationship problems.