Comparing Depression Care Providers

October 12, 2018

exulthealthcare General, Therapy, TMS

Mental health treatment can be found from a variety of professionals, especially for depression. Knowing your own symptoms and needs can help you determine what type of care provider is needed to best treat your depression. You may even see more than one of these professionals at a time to get the best care possible. Let’s break down some differences between these mental health care professionals.

Primary Care Doctors

Your general doctor may be the first person you see to access care. They can:

  • Recommend a behavioral health provider such as a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, etc.
  • Prescribe and monitor medication
  • Monitor your progress and follow up over time

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists have medical degrees (MD) and specific training in mental health conditions. They can:

  • Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
  • Assess the need for medication
  • Prescribe and monitor medication
  • Provide psychotherapy

Licensed Counselors, Therapist, and Social Workers

All three of these providers have a master’s degree (MS), a doctorate (Ph.D.), or another type of graduate-level certification. They have completed an internship and one (or more) years of supervised practice. They can:

  • Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
  • Provide talk therapy (also known as counseling)
  • Offer specialized counseling, such as family or marriage therapy

Psychologists

Psychologists have a master’s degree (MS) or a doctorate (Ph.D./PsyD) in psychology. They are not medical doctors nor can they prescribe medication (in most cases). However, they can:

  • Assess your symptoms to make an informed diagnosis
  • Provide talk therapy (also known as counseling)
  • Conduct psychological testing
  • Refer you to a psychiatrist for medication

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatric nurses are register nurses (RN) that also have graduate-level education in mental health. They can:

  • Assess psychiatric conditions
  • Prescribe and monitor medication
  • Follow up with medication management and coordination of care

Exult Healthcare has licensed therapists and counselors that have a variety of specialties. We also offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment if therapy and medications are not working for you. Check our Depression Treatment page for more information.

If you feel like medication may be part of your mental health treatment, we also work closely with Dr. Bhargava, our on-site psychiatrist. Please visit her site for more information about medication-based treatments.

 

Source: https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/mental-emotional-health/depression-care-providers.html

Gabby Lundy, Exult Healthcare