b'Professionals and Their Roles in Mental HealthAssessment and Therapy Therapists can help someone better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings,and behaviors. They can also oer guidance and help improve a persons ability toachieve life goals. These mental health professionals may also help assess anddiagnose mental health conditions.Psychologists Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialtysuch as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a persons mentalhealth using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations, and testing. They canmake diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists These masters-level healthcare professionals are trained to evaluate a personsmental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specic training programs.They operate under a variety of job titlesincluding counselor, clinician, therapist,or something elsebased on the treatment setting. Clinical Social Workers Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a persons mental health and usetherapeutic techniques based on specic training programs. They are also trainedin case management and advocacy services.Prescribe and Monitor Medication The following healthcare professionals can prescribe medication. They may alsooer assessments, diagnoses, and therapy.Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training.They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications,and provide therapy. Some have completed additional training in child and adolescentmental health, substance use disorders, or geriatric psychiatry.Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis,and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states,they are also qualied to prescribe and monitor medications. Requirements also varyby state as to the degree of supervision necessary by a licensed psychiatrist.Primary Care Physicians Primary care physicians, pediatricians, and family nurse practitioners canprescribe medication, but you might consider visiting someone who specializes inmental health care. Primary care and mental health professionals should worktogether to determine an individuals best treatment plan.Adapted from the National Alliance on Mental Illness,www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Types-of-Mental-Health-Professionals).13'