This week, two of my psychology clients here in Wilkes-Barre, PA, had questions about Who is Who in the world of psychotherapy. One client thought that I could prescribe medications for him.  Another client wondered if she could continue to see me in psychotherapy if she also sees a psychiatrist.  So let’s take a look at the mental health professionals out there, and discuss their interactions with each other and with you, the client.

I am a Psychologist in Kingston PA.  Psychologists generally have a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., and are licensed by their state.  Psychologists do “talk therapy.”  That is, we sit with a client and discuss issues.  Some of us will do play therapy with small children, or art therapy.  We may also do psychological testing, which may include testing intelligence, inattention, personality, etc.  Psychologists may work in industry, research, sports, etc.

Counselors may serve in schools, agencies, or clinically.  They may have a Master’s degree or a doctoral degree.  They also do talk therapy and testing.

Social Workers or Licensed Social Workers may do clinical therapy.  They are often found in agencies, such as a children’s agency or an agency that serves abused women.

If you were being treated clinically by one of the above professionals, you would not see another at the same time for the same issue.  However, on some occasions, you could see two of these professionals for different issues.  If you were seeing me for depression or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, for example, and you also had a substance abuse disorder, I would refer you to another professional, even another psychologist, who specializes in substance abuse treatment because that is not one of my specialties.

A Psychiatrist has a medical degree, either an M.D. or a D.O. and prescribes psychotropic medications, such as an anti-depressant or an anti-anxiety medication.  He or she may also do talk therapy, but these days most psychiatrists in Northeastern Pennsylvania are so busy treating with medication, they rarely see clients for therapy sessions.

A Physician’s Assistant (PA) or a Certified Nurse Practitioner works with a Psychiatrist.  They also prescribe medications and work under the supervision of a Psychiatrist.

The Psychologists, Counselors and Social Workers will refer to and accept referrals from the medication-prescribing professionals and in that case, the client sees both.  The client will usually spend about 45 minutes with the Psychologist and they will meet often, every 1 to 3 weeks. You will spend lees time with a prescriber and meet less often for medication checks.

Research shows that the most efficient path to mental health is a combination of psychotherapy and medication, so we professionals are happy to refer to one another for the good of our patients.