Below are listed the main professions you may encounter if you seek therapy or counseling help for issues. First is listed their title. In parenthesis is the degree level required and the amount of supervised expereince required to obtain a license. After that is a brief description of the activities they usually engage in or services they provide.

Psychiatrist

(M.D. + 4 yr residency in mental health facility or hospital, passage of national board exam)

Diagnosis and Mental Health evaluations, Prescribe Medication and consultations (generally does not provide therapy or counseling)

Psychologist

(Ph. D. or Psy D. Psychology or Ed. D., 1500-3000 hour internship & licensing exam)

Research, Psychological Testing, Diagnosis and Mental Health evaluations, Therapy and counseling for life problems or mental health issues.

Social Worker (LCSW - MSW)

(Masters (M.S.) of Social Work, 3000 hour internship & licensing exam)

Provides social supports, Therapy and counseling for life problems or mental health issues, Administers Psychological tests if so trained.

Marriage Family Therapist (MFT)

(Masters (M.S. or M.A.) in Psychology, Counseling Psychology or Marriage & Family Therapy, 3000 hour internship and licensing exam)

Therapy and counseling for life problems or mental health issues - special emphasis on Relationships, Children and Family Issues, Administers Psychological tests if so trained.

Licensed Professional Counselors or Certified Counselors (LPC)

(Masters (M.S. or M.A.) in Psychology, Counseling Psychology or Counseling, 1500-3000 hour internship and licensing exam)

Therapy and counseling for life problems or mental health issues. Administers Psychological tests if so trained.

Drug and Alcohol Counselors, or Drug Alcohol and Gambling Counselors (CADC) (BADA) (NCGC)

(Dependent upon state requirements, can be bachelor's degree, or Masters, 1000-3000 hour Internship and Licensing exam)

Practice usually restricted to counseling directed at drug and alcohol treatment.

Psychoanalyst

(Minimum Master's Degree to be licensed Completion of Training Institute program and have undergone own analysis)

Performs "Analysis"

Psychiatric Nurse

(R.N. with additional residency training in mental health)

Staffs Psychiatric hospitals, triage, some states allow for private practice that provides Therapy and counseling for life problems or mental health issues.