There are many different types of therapists and mental health care providers out there. What’s the difference between all of them? This article breaks it down so you can find a therapist that’s right for you.

This article talks about depression, self-harm, or suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are thinking about harming yourself or others, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call, text, or chat) for 24/7 confidential support, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are LGBTQ+ and experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can reach the Trevor Project at www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Key takeaways

  • Licensed therapist = trained, licensed professional – They hold a master’s or doctoral degree, complete 1,000–4,000 supervised hours, pass state exams, follow strict ethics, and provide assessment, diagnosis, and therapy
  • Two broad groups – Prescribers diagnose and manage meds (psychiatrists, MD/DO, PMHNPs). Non-prescribers provide psychotherapy (psychologists, PhD/PsyD, licensed counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists).
  • Support goes beyond therapy – Peer counselors, clergy, and community providers can also offer guidance, though they aren’t licensed mental health professionals.
  • Services offered – Individual, couples, family, and group therapy, plus online options and child or teen care. Therapists often coordinate with prescribers when medication is part of care.
  • How to choose – A strong therapeutic connection matters more than letters after a name; choose someone who feels safe, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

Trying to understand the different types of mental health professionals can feel overwhelming. What do all those letters mean? And how do you know if you should see a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist? You’re not alone in feeling unsure.

The important thing to know is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are clear differences in training, roles, and the kind of support each one offers, and we’re here to help you make sense of it.

What is a “licensed therapist”?

A licensed therapist is a mental health professional with advanced education and training. They hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. They’ve also met state licensing requirements. This usually means completing supervised clinical work and passing a licensing exam.

Licensed therapists are trained to assess mental health concerns and, when appropriate, make a diagnosis. They provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, or groups. They must also follow strict ethical and legal rules set by a state licensing board. These rules help ensure the care you receive is safe and effective.

Licensed mental health providers and what they do

When you’re looking for support, it helps to understand who does what. Some providers focus on psychotherapy, others help with medication, and some do both. Here’s a breakdown of the most common professionals you might work with and how they can support your care.

Medication providers (prescribers)

These providers are licensed to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Some may also offer therapy or collaborate with your therapist for ongoing care.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and sometimes offer therapy.

Their license titles can be:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training in psychiatry. Like psychiatrists, they can diagnose, prescribe, and help manage medications. Some also offer therapy or work with your therapist to support your overall care.

Their license title is typically:

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

It depends on what you’re dealing with. If you’re primarily looking to talk through emotions, process experiences, or build coping skills, a therapist — such as an LPC, LCSW, or psychologist — is usually the right starting point. If you think medication might be part of your care, or if you’ve already been in therapy and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can evaluate whether medication could help alongside therapy.

Many people work with both at the same time — a therapist for weekly sessions and a prescriber for medication management. On Grow, you can find both types of providers and filter by insurance.

Psychotherapy providers (non-prescribers)

These providers are trained in psychotherapy and emotional support. Psychotherapy includes many types of care, including talk therapy and other evidence-based approaches. They can help you process emotions, build coping skills, and work toward mental health goals. They do not prescribe medication.

Psychologists

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology. They can provide therapy, mental health evaluations, diagnoses, and conduct psychological testing. They help you look at patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They also provide evidence-based therapeutic treatments. Some psychologists focus on certain groups or problems. They may work with trauma, anxiety, or learning differences.

Their license titles can be:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Licensed professional counselors

These professionals hold a master’s degree in counseling. They help people facing many emotional and mental health issues. They use talk therapy to help you build skills, process your emotions, and work toward your goals.

Their license titles can be:

Social workers

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are trained to provide therapy and support for a wide range of mental health concerns. They are knowledgeable about both emotional well-being and the systems that affect daily life, like healthcare, family dynamics, and community support. LCSWs work in many settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community clinics.

Their license titles can be:

Marriage and family therapists

Marriage and family therapists are trained to support individuals, couples, and families. They can help if you’re working through relationship or communication struggles. They often use systems-based approaches that look at how relationships affect mental health.

Their license title is typically:

Many LMFTs also offer individual therapy. They focus on how your relationships and environment influence your well-being.

A note about associate licenses: If you see an “A” in the license, like AMFT, ASW, or APCC, it means the therapist is an associate. This means they’re still completing supervised hours before becoming fully licensed. Even so, associate therapists are trained and qualified to provide therapy services under the supervision of a licensed clinician.

Other types of mental health support

Licensed therapists aren’t the only ones who can support your mental health. The following are a few other types of providers you might come across.

Peer counselors

Sometimes called peer support specialists or recovery coaches, are trained to offer non-clinical support based on their own lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or recovery. They don’t provide therapy or diagnoses, but they do offer connection, encouragement, and insight from someone who’s been through something similar. Many complete certification programs through state or local organizations, and they often work in community settings like clinics, support centers, or recovery programs.

Religious clergy

Clergy members, such as chaplains, priests, rabbis, pastors, or imams, can offer emotional and spiritual guidance. They may be especially helpful if you’re looking for someone who shares or understands your faith background. While they can provide meaningful support, most are not licensed mental health professionals.

How therapists are trained and licensed

Therapists do a lot of work before they ever sit across from you in a session. All licensed therapists complete years of graduate education in mental health care. After finishing school, they also spend time working under supervision, gaining hands-on experience while being guided by a licensed professional. They also take state licensure exams to show they’re prepared to support you safely, ethically, and with clinical skill.

This training matters. It’s what helps create a space that’s not only caring but grounded in knowledge and professionalism.

Education

Most therapists start by getting a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field like counseling, psychology, or social work.

  • A master’s degree usually takes 2 to 3 years, plus 2 to 3 more years of supervised practice.
  • A doctoral degree (like a PhD or PsyD) often takes 4 to 6 years or more, and often includes extra clinical training.

Clinical practice hours

Therapists don’t just learn from textbooks; they spend thousands of hours working directly with clients before becoming licensed. This begins during graduate school, where they complete supervised clinical hours through internships and practicum placements. After graduating, they continue gaining hands-on experience under supervision in real-world settings.

Most licensed therapists complete between 1,000 and 4,000 hours of supervised clinical work before practicing independently. By the time you meet them, they’ve already supported many clients and have gone through years of guided, in-depth training.

License exam

After completing their education and supervised hours, therapists must pass a state-approved licensing exam. Each state has its own rules and testing process, and the exam depends on the type of license, such as social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or psychology.

These exams cover topics like ethics, treatment methods, and how to handle real-life situations in therapy. Once they pass, therapists can practice independently and provide psychotherapy without supervision.

Ongoing learning

Even after earning their license, therapists don’t just stop studying and learning, they keep building their skills throughout their careers. Most states require therapists to take continuing education classes every few years to stay up to date with new research, tools, and best practices. This might mean attending workshops, completing online courses, or joining professional conferences. It’s one way they make sure the support they offer is grounded in the most current knowledge and approaches.

Why this matters

You’re not just talking to someone who’s just good at listening. You’re working with someone who’s trained to understand what you’re going through and how to help you move forward.

With all the advice online, including from AI, it’s crucial to have a qualified expert. You need someone with real-world experience who is dedicated to your care. Therapy is about trust, connection, and real change, and that can’t be replaced by a chatbot or search engine.

This kind of training isn’t just a checklist. It’s what prepares therapists to do deep, meaningful work. You’re not just talking to someone who’s a good listener. You’re working with a trained professional who understands how to recognize patterns, navigate complex emotions, and support you using proven, evidence-based approaches.

With all the advice out there, from social media to AI, it’s easy to feel like help is everywhere. But human therapists offer something those tools can’t: ethical care, real-world experience, and a safe, confidential space built on trust. They’re trained to hold your story with care and to guide you through healing, not with general tips, but with skilled, personalized support.

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What services do therapists provide?

The kind of support you need might look different from someone else’s. Therapists can help you in many different ways, from personal care, help for your child, or a flexible option like online therapy.

Some therapists provide extra services. These can include group therapy, workshops, or help with your treatment plan. This is useful if you’re also seeing a psychiatrist or another provider.

Online therapy

Online therapy lets you talk to a licensed therapist without leaving your home. You can connect by video, phone, or sometimes even through secure messaging. It’s a great choice if you have a busy schedule, live in a rural area, or prefer talking from home.

Online therapy saves time, and can make it easier to stay consistent with appointments. Some therapists only provide video sessions. Others may also offer phone calls or text check-ins between sessions.

Children and teen therapy services

Some therapists are specially trained to work with kids, teens, and families. Therapy for young people often looks different from what it does for adults. It may involve play, art, or movement to help them express how they feel. Sessions are usually once a week. They may include parents or caregivers, depending on the situation.

If your child is going through a tough time, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A therapist can help your child navigate their challenges with greater confidence and teach you ways to support them, too.

Group therapy

Group therapy brings people together who share similar experiences, like anxiety, grief, trauma, or relationship struggles. These sessions offer a supportive, structured space where members can share their experiences, listen to others, and learn new coping strategies.

Unlike a support group, group therapy is guided by clinical principles and often follows a specific theme or goal. The therapist ensures emotional safety and may introduce skills or exercises based on the group’s focus.

Group therapy can help you:

  • Feel less alone in what you’re going through
  • Gain insight from others who truly understand
  • Practice social or communication skills in a safe setting
  • Build confidence in expressing your thoughts and emotions
  • Learn new tools for coping, healing, and growth

You’re never required to share more than you’re comfortable with, and many people find that simply listening at first can be powerful, too. Whether you attend group sessions on your own or alongside individual therapy, it can be a meaningful part of your healing process.

How to figure out what services you need

Not sure what kind of support you’re looking for? You’re not alone. Many people start therapy without knowing exactly what they need. A good therapist will help guide you, but thinking through your goals ahead of time can give you a helpful starting point.

Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • What feels most important right now?
  • Are you hoping to feel less anxious or sad?
  • Do you want to build better coping skills or understand how your past affects your present?
  • Are you looking for help with relationships or a possible diagnosis?

Knowing what matters to you can help you and your therapist choose the best type of therapy. This is especially helpful if you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you.

What specialties can therapists have?

Therapists often focus on certain issues, groups of people, or ways of doing therapy. For example, some work mostly with kids or teens. Others may focus on couples, families, or people dealing with addiction.

Some therapists also have extra training. This can help them support LGBTQ+ clients or people from different cultural backgrounds. It’s also common for therapists to specialize in certain mental health concerns. If you have a specific issue, ask a therapist if they’ve helped others like you.

Therapists can also be trained in different therapy styles, such as:

Each approach works a little differently. If one stands out, you can ask your therapist about it or look for someone who offers it. It’s okay to try different therapists until you find one you feel comfortable with.

Now that you know the difference, finding the right fit is the next step.

Browse licensed therapists on Grow — filter by credential, specialty, insurance, and availability to find someone who matches what you’re looking for.

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Frequently asked questions

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions. “Therapist” is a broad term for any licensed professional who provides psychotherapy. “Counselor” can refer to licensed counselors like LPCs or LMHCs — who are fully qualified to provide therapy — or to non-clinical roles like school counselors, who are not. When in doubt, look at the license: if it includes “licensed” and “clinical,” the person is trained to provide therapy.

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and are trained to provide therapy and psychological testing, but in most states cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health, can diagnose conditions, and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists also provide therapy, but many focus primarily on medication management.

Most licensed therapists — including LPCs, LCSWs, LMHCs, and LMFTs — are trained to assess mental health concerns and make a clinical diagnosis. Psychologists can also diagnose and conduct psychological testing. Psychiatrists diagnose and manage medication. If you’re seeking a formal diagnosis for a specific condition, any of these providers can typically help — though the process may look different depending on the provider type.

Most licensed therapists are trained to work with anxiety and depression, and many use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is well-supported for both conditions. You don’t need to see a psychiatrist specifically for anxiety or depression unless you’re also exploring medication. An LPC, LCSW, psychologist, or LMFT can all be a strong starting point — what matters most is finding someone whose approach and availability fit your needs.

An associate license — such as AMFT, ASW, or APCC — means the therapist has completed their graduate education and is currently accumulating the supervised clinical hours required for full licensure. They are qualified to provide therapy but are still working under the oversight of a licensed supervisor. Many clients work successfully with associate therapists, who are often highly motivated and working toward a specific professional milestone.

You can verify any therapist’s license through your state’s licensing board website. Most therapists also list their credentials on their profile pages. On Grow Therapy, all providers are vetted and credentialed before appearing in the directory, so you can search with confidence.

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About Wendy Wisner

Wendy Wisner is a writer and lactation consultant (IBCLC) who covers maternal/child health, women’s health, general health and wellness, mental health, parenting, and education. Her work has appeared on The Washington Post, Family Circle, ABC News, Parents Magazine, Verywell, Fit Pregnancy, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and elsewhere.
This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.