A Field Guide to Mental Health Professionals in New York
As individuals and families seek mental and behavioral health services, they might run into a broad range of providers, all with different degrees, titles, and specialties. Unless you come from this field, these different titles may be confusing, particularly as these providers may all provide similar services.
However, although these professionals may be able to provide similar services, such as therapy, their areas of training and expertise may differ. New York, in particular, is home to countless providers with countless different specialties. Below is an inexhaustive list of some of the different providers in New York, along with some information about their training, specialties, and general settings where they may work.
Psychologist: In New York, a psychologist is a provider who has obtained a Doctorate degree in Psychology (PhD or PsyD), which usually takes 5-6 years of graduate school. Additionally, psychologists receive clinical training in various sites with a wide variety of populations and conditions. Psychologists usually receive degrees in one of three fields: Clinical, Counseling, or School psychology.
Clinical psychology specializes in the assessment, research, and treatment of mental illness and behavioral issues. This training tends to take place in hospitals and community clinics.
Counseling psychology specializes in treating, researching, and assessing social, emotional, and lifespan-related issues. Training tends to take place in community clinics, schools, and universities.
School psychology specializes in treating, researching, and assessing issues related to childhood development, family health, and academic achievement. This training tends to take place in schools, community clinics, and developmental service agencies. (It is important to note that in New York, there is also a provider called a school psychologist, which is mentioned below. Although both work with children, families, and schools, a psychologist who studied school psychology generally receives more training and can provide a broader range of services than the school psychologist).
Despite these different emphases, all psychologists receive training in working with people from a bio-psycho-social model (how the biological, psychological, and social factors influence a person in their life) and can provide the same services as one another. For example, all psychologists are trained in providing diagnosis and psychotherapy. Additionally, psychologists are the only providers on this list who can provide psychological or neuropsychological testing to assess specific learning, developmental, or psychiatric conditions. In addition to the settings mentioned above, you can also find psychologists of all types in private practice.
Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical professional who has obtained a Medical Doctorate (MD or DO) after attending a 4-year medical school and then completing a 4-year residency program. Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral health issues using a variety of approaches. Due to their medical background, psychiatrists often focus on the biological aspects of health and offer uniquely biological and medical interventions, such as medications. In New York, only psychiatrists can prescribe medications. None of the other providers listed can provide medication services. Some psychiatrists also offer psychotherapy; however, this is less common. You can find psychiatrists in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Social Worker: Social workers are providers who have received a graduate degree in Social Work at the Master’s (MSW) or doctorate (PhD) level. Social workers receive training in how to help individuals and families from a systemic perspective, looking at how social, economic, political, and cultural factors influence wellness and success and how services and programs can help individuals overcome obstacles associated with these issues. Many social workers train after graduation to diagnose and provide therapy to various individuals and families. Social workers who can provide therapy are called Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Social workers can work in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice, and social service agencies.
Mental Health Counselor: In New York, most Mental Health Counselors are providers that have completed a Master’s degree in a counseling program (M.A., M.S., or M.Ed.). Mental Health Counseling programs usually consist of 2 years of graduate education centered around foundational training in diagnostic and counseling services. This training integrates a ‘lifespan’ approach to their therapeutic work, exploring how the presenting issues fit into a person’s developmental stages and social contexts. Mental Health Counselors work in many different settings, including community clinics and private practices.
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): MFTs are providers that have received at least a Masters’ degree (MA) in Marriage and Family therapy, which usually takes 2 years to complete. Although they specialize in working with families and couples, MFTs can work with individuals as well. MFTs can diagnose and provide psychotherapeutic services and are trained to approach the work by looking at the family systems and how relationships and the social context (such as the family context or the romantic relationship) influence a person’s behavioral and mental well-being. MFTs are often found working in community clinics and private practice.
School Psychologist: School psychologists provide various services and programs for children and adolescents in school settings. In New York, school psychologists have a Master’s degree (M.A. or M.Ed.) that usually takes 3 years to complete (including training). They provide short-term counseling in school but are not licensed to diagnose and usually do not provide long-term therapy or services. School psychologists are trained to conduct psychological and educational assessments as part of school evaluations. They often lead Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and assist students in receiving accommodations in school. They can also provide psycho-education to students, families, and teachers, and develop programs that foster mental wellbeing, academic success, and resiliency. School psychologists often consult within school systems on various topics related to children’s well-being, crisis intervention, special education, and mental health among others.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor: In New York, an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor is an individual who has a Master’s degree (M.A.) or a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) with additional graduate training in treating addiction, substance abuse, and related issues, usually taking 1-2 years. As their title suggests, this profession is licensed to treat issues related to addiction and substance use using psychotherapy and other interventions. These clinicians can work in hospitals, clinics, and occasionally in private practice.
Other New York professionals that may be of help to individuals and families, in New York:
• School Counselor: In NYS, there are certified school counselors who work in school systems. They have to complete a 60-credit (usually 2-year) graduate program with fieldwork experience. School counselors develop and implement programs that address students’ progress, effective study skills, and college preparation.
• Behavior Analyst: An individual trained in a form of treatment called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This professional works with individuals using current theories about learning and behavior to help them learn effective social, interpersonal, and self-care skills by manipulating the person’s environment and lifestyle. There are various levels of training and expertise for ABA providers (i.e., RBT/Registered Behavior Technician, BCBA/Board Certified Behavior Analyst).
• Psychoanalyst: A professional trained in a specific form of therapy called psychoanalysis, that tries to create change by better understanding how one’s unconscious memories, wishes, and feelings influence our life presently, and how developmental experiences shape our personality and sense of self. NYS provides a license for professionals trained in psychoanalysis.
• Creative Arts Therapist: A professional that makes use of art, music, dance, and other creative outlets to help cultivate wellness, foster self-expression, and overcome life difficulties. Creative Arts Therapist usually attend a graduate training program from an accredited institution and then can apply for NYS license.
• Peer Specialist: A provider who uses their own life experiences to help connect with, advocate for, mentor, and support the recovery of individuals who share similar identities, such as being neurodiverse or identifying as LGBTQ, or have gone through similar life experiences, such as trauma, loss, mental illness, or addiction. NYS provides certification for professionals in this field.
If you have any questions regarding your mental health provider’s training and expertise, we would be more than willing to discuss this in more detail.
