If you're looking for a therapist in Brooklyn, NY, there are many different types to choose from. You may be wondering which type of therapy is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the different types of therapists and what they do.

What is a Therapist?

A psychotherapist (which is commonly just shortened to “therapist”) is a general term for a mental health provider who offers treatment to people with challenges related to mood, relationships, behavior, stress, life transition, grief, and trauma. Therapists may work with individuals, couples or do group therapy and may treat children, adolescents and/or adults. Therapists are comprised of mental health providers who come from a variety of educational backgrounds, credentialing processes and professional fields, as well as have a range of specialties and expertise. The licensing requirements for therapists vary by state and depend on the degree and type. Therapists can have master's or doctoral degrees and are required to have a specific amount of supervised experience and training, as well as have passed a written exam. 

What Types of Therapists Are There and What Do the Abbreviations Mean?

Psychiatrist (MD):

A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Psychiatrists are trained to understand the complex relationship between mental health and physical health. They use this knowledge to treat conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. While many psychiatrists choose to specialize in a particular area of mental health, they all receive extensive training in both medical and psychological care. After completing medical school, psychiatrists must complete a residency program that lasts four years. During their residency, psychiatrists gain experience in treating mental illness through a combination of clinical work and research. Upon completing their residency, psychiatrists are eligible to take the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Not all psychiatrists are training in providing psychotherapy, many in private practice, hospital and clinic settings provide medication managment only. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are the only kinds of therapists who can prescribe medication.

Psychologist (PsyD/PhD):

Psychologists most frequently work in universities/colleges, hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They are educated and trained in providing psychotherapy, consultative services, as well as assessments and evaluations. One must earn a doctorate degree in either counseling or clinical psychology to be called a psychologist. In addition to completing the degree, psychologists have to have accrued a few thousand supervised hours providing clinical services and pass a national licensing exam in order to obtain their license. Of all licensed therapists, psychologists have the most rigorous and focused training on providing direct psychotherapy services. 

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with advanced education (a master's degree) that allows them to prescribe medication and practice independently. Psychiatric nurse practitioners have specialized experience, education and training related to mental health. These professionals provide both psychotherapy and medication management and often work in hospitals, clinics and private practice. 

Social Workers (LMSW and LCSW)

Licensed master social workers (LMSW) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) have earned a master's degree in social work and have passed a preliminary exam. Licensed master social workers must conduct therapy under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed psychologist (Phd/PsyD) until they receive their clinical license. Supervision is the regular meeting of the two therapists to discuss the LMSW’s clinical cases and ensures that the LMSW is providing ethical and competent care to clients. Once the required number of supervised hours are achieved and the clinical exam is passed a LMSW becomes an LCSW and is able to practice independently. LMSW’s education and training is broad and varies greatly, including coursework on policy, therapy, and societal/systemic dynamics impacting mental health and wellbeing; there is less focus on mental health diagnosis and treatment.

LCSWs are able to provide a wide range of services to their clients, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, crisis intervention, and case management. LCSWs are found in a variety of settings, such as private practices, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT) are mental health professionals with master's degrees with focused education and training on therapeutic intervention. LMFTs can be trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy. Like LCSWs, LMFTs had to have completed a few thousand supervised clinical hours before they can be licensed and practiced indepedently. Most states also require LMFTs to pass a licensure exam.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A Licensed Professional Counselor has completed a master's degree in counseling, passed a national exam, and completed a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience. LPCs can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community mental health centers.

Find the Right Therapist in Brooklyn, NY

Searching for the right therapist in Brooklyn, NY? Groundwork Therapy can help. Groundwork Therapy is a team of licensed clinical psychologists and therapists who provide therapy to adolescents, adults, and couples at our office in Brooklyn, NY. If you are searching for a therapist, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists are here to help you heal and grow.