Please note that not all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama plans cover mental health services. To learn what your specific plan covers, log in or register for myBlueCross to view your benefit booklet.

In the United States, one in five adults experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Fortunately, help is available. Mental health professionals can assist in a whole host of areas, including: 

  • Helping you work through feelings of sadness or feeling helpless
  • Treating addictions
  • Working through past trauma
  • Improving family communication or addressing relationship issues
  • Coping with grief and loss
  • Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
  • Grappling with a serious or chronic health diagnosis
  • Sharing tips and tools to manage stress and anxiety
  • Serving as an outlet to listen to your problems and concerns
  • Designing a plan to help you improve your overall mental health 

Accepting that you need help is an important first step. But then comes the challenging part: how do you choose the right mental health professional for your needs? Should you opt for a psychiatrist or psychologist? Or would you be better off with a social worker or pastoral counselor? Could you benefit from the expertise of a substance abuse counselor? If you’re wondering how to choose a mental health professional, you’re not alone; it can be a daunting decision. 

That’s why we created the following guide: to help you understand the different types of mental health professionals that are available, and to share tips on how to choose one that’s right for you.

You already know that prioritizing your mental health is important. Further, the quest for counseling shouldn’t add to your anxiety.  

Main Takeaways 

  • There are many types of mental health professionals, each with varying qualifications and areas of interest and expertise.
  • Depending on their focus, providers serve different needs. Some focus on prescribing and managing medications, while others offer individual therapy, family counseling, grief support, substance use disorder, faith-based counseling and more.
  • Mental health is as important as physical health, and finding the right professional for your treatment is well worth the time and research it takes to build a trusting relationship. 

Types of Mental Health Professionals

 

Provider  

 

Description

 

Psychiatrists

 

Licensed medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can diagnose mental health conditions, administer therapy and prescribe and monitor medications.

 

Psychologists

 

Mental health professionals with advanced education and training to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using a variety of methods. Most psychologists cannot prescribe medication, unless they live in a state that allows it.

 

Counselors and therapists

 

 

Professionals trained to offer psychotherapy aimed at improving the way an individual feels and how they frame their thoughts; counselors and therapists could specialize in different areas, such as family counseling and substance abuse.

 

 

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

 

Trained professionals who diagnose and treat mental and behavioral health conditions.  

 

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

 

Nurses trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and can also prescribe and monitor medication.

 

Pastoral counselor

 

Clergy members with the education and training to provide therapy, often with a spiritual connection.

Psychiatrists

These licensed medical doctors (either MDs or DOs) specialize in treating people with mental health conditions, including substance use disorders. Still, while psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and provide therapy, they often focus more on medication management and collaborate with other mental health providers who conduct the psychotherapy sessions. Because they are physicians, they can order lab work and physical tests to help in diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to universities, hospitals, medical centers, psychiatric hospitals, military and veterans hospitals, hospices and independent practices.

Psychologists

Psychologists have earned an advanced degree in the subject of psychology (a PhD or a PsyD) and are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using a variety of different methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and exposure therapy, to name a few. Psychologists often serve patients in hospitals and clinics, counseling centers, community organizations, schools and in private practice, along with other types of workplaces. Generally speaking, psychologists cannot prescribe medication unless they live in a state that allows it.

Counselors and therapists

These professionals have earned their master’s degree (or beyond) in a field related to mental health and have been trained to offer counseling aimed at improving the way an individual feels and how they frame their thoughts. Specializations and certifications vary, and can include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), who provide counseling and therapy services for individuals, families and groups; Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (LCADAC), who focus on substance use disorders; and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, who are trained to treat a range of challenges that can arise within marriage and family relationships, such as substance use disorders, depression, parenting issues, aging and associated health conditions, resolving conflicts and more. Generally, counselors and therapists work in hospitals, clinics and private practice as well as in academic institutions.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Social workers are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent mental and behavioral disorders. These professionals have generally earned a master’s degree in social work (called an MSW) and then completed supervised clinical hours and obtained a state license to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). They may work in different settings, such as hospitals, schools, community centers or independently.    

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a nurse with graduate-level training in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, serve as case managers, and act as educators for patients and their families. Notably, PMHNPs can also prescribe and manage medications. PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, correctional facilities, home health agencies, general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, residential substance abuse facilities and other workplaces, including private practice.

Pastoral counselor

A pastoral counselor is generally a clergy member, such as a minister or pastor, who has earned a master’s degree (or beyond) in mental health counseling, pastoral counseling or marriage and family therapy. Depending on where they live, pastoral counselors may need a state license in order to practice. In their work, pastoral counselors integrate faith-based perspectives into therapy, focusing on the spiritual connection to mental health. They may offer individual and group sessions, offer support in times of grief and crisis, provide pre-marital and marital counseling, and also offer guidance in different emotional and spiritual areas. They may work in churches and faith-based organizations, as well as in hospitals or prisons. 

Top Considerations When Choosing a Mental Health Provider

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a mental health professional, including your health plan coverage. When you have an idea of what benefits are available to you, here are some questions to ask and factors to consider:  

  • What am I looking for? If prescription medication and medication monitoring is a top priority, then you should seek out a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. If you’re more interested in therapy, consider your specific concerns (such as family counseling, substance abuse, grief support or other areas) so that you can match those to the focus of the provider.
  • Does my insurance cover this mental health professional? If your insurance does cover mental health services, do a search to see who’s in-network and narrow down your options. If your insurance doesn’t cover mental health services, find out what’s available in your community by contacting a trusted mental health nonprofit organization, such as NAMI. Either way, you’ll want to make sure the professional fits your budget before making an appointment.
  • What does my primary care provider say? Talk to your family doctor about your mental health concerns. They may be able to refer you to a trusted professional, or they might be able to help you themselves.  
  • Do your research. After you’ve narrowed your mental health professionals list down to a few providers, spend some time reading up on each of them and get a feel for their style. Some things to look for include: 
    • What education and certifications do they have?
    • Do they have experience working with your specific concerns?
    • Do they offer a certain type of therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) that feels suited to you?
    • What are their fees?
    • What are their policies around missed appointments?
    • When reading their background, do you feel that they’re someone that will respect and perhaps relate to you in terms of culture, religion, sexuality and gender identity? Will you feel safe opening up to them?
    • Are there reviews from other patients that give insights into their manner and style?
    • Are they convenient to reach, in terms of hours and location? Do they offer telehealth sessions?
    • Are they accepting new patients?   

Learn More About the Importance of Mental Health and How You Can Receive Care

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You already know that being physically healthy depends on healthy habits. The same is true for being mentally healthy.

As you begin your journey to find the right mental health professional, keep in mind that it can take time. This is a highly personal decision, and it’s important to find someone you are comfortable with. Be patient and don’t hesitate to make initial appointments with more than one provider. Finding someone you trust is essential, and well worth the extra effort.    

Want to learn more about the importance of mental health? The Mental Health and Wellness Resource is a great place to start. You can also read the articles and explore the tools below.