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This document gives brief descriptions of different types of counselors. For
more information on counseling services, please see other documents by the
following titles:
- Types of Counseling
- Counseling: Do I Need It?
- Someone I Care About Needs Counseling
Types of counselors
Counselors go by many different names. Counselors also come from many areas
of study. You cannot always know what illnesses a counselor can treat by his or
her job title. The following list will help you understand some basic job titles
of counselors. To learn more, ask your counselor what problems he or she is
trained to treat.
Therapist -- "Therapist" is another name for "counselor." Therapists
are people who use counseling to treat mental, emotional and nervous illnesses.
Counseling is also called "psychotherapy." Therapists can be psychiatrists,
psychologists, social workers or other professional counselors trained in mental
health.
Psychiatrist -- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who
treats mental illnesses. He or she has a medical degree. A psychiatrist has a
medical license to practice psychiatry. Psychiatry is the study
of how to identify, treat and prevent mental illnesses. A psychiatrist is
the only type of counselor who can order medications. Other counselors work with
psychiatrists to decide if a patient needs medications. Psychiatrists can treat
many mental illnesses if they have the right training. Often they treat people
with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Psychologist -- A psychologist has a doctorate or
master's degree and additional training to diagnose and treat a wide variety of
emotional and other psychological problems. A person must be certified and
licensed by the State of Ohio to call himself or herself a
"psychologist."
Social workers -- Social workers are trained to provide individual,
couple, family and group counseling services. In addition, some social workers
may be trained to help with crisis situations, neglect, emotional and physical
abuse, welfare needs, legal issues and other problems. Most social workers have
master's degrees.
Marriage and family therapists -- These counselors are trained to
treat couples or families. They can be psychologists, psychiatrists, social
workers and other trained mental health care providers. Treatments for drug and
alcohol addiction often include counseling for family members. A counselor who
treats families and couples may also treat individuals.
Psychotherapist -- "Psychotherapist" is often another word
for "counselor."
Drug and substance abuse counselors -- These counselors treat problems
with alcohol and drug abuse. Family members are often part of treatment.
Sex therapist -- Sex therapists treat people who have emotional
problems related to sex. They do not treat physical illnesses. Problems with sex
are more common than most people think. Losing a desire for sex, not being able
to keep an erection (impotence), having bad feelings about sex and other
problems can be helped through counseling.
Unlike some titles, the title "sex therapist" can be used by
anyone. For this reason, it's important to make sure that the sex therapist has
the right training and is licensed to treat your problem.
Biofeedback therapist -- These therapists use "biofeedback"
to help a person control stress. In biofeedback, a device is used to note
physical changes a person has during stress (such as a rapid heartbeat and high
blood pressure). The device helps the person become aware of these changes. Once
aware of these changes, you can learn to control your stress and to relax.
Biofeedback can be used to lessen anxiety and stress and to relax the body.
Career counselors -- Career counselors help people make good career
choices. They help people figure out what kind of work they want to do, what
skills they like to use, what talents they have, what skills and training they
need and where they can look for jobs.
Grief counselors -- Grief counselors help people deal with the death
of a loved one or other losses. These counselors also help people cope with
illnesses that may lead to death. Events other than death also can cause grief.
For example, a parent may feel grief when a child leaves home. A child may feel
grief when a parent enters a nursing home.
Other types of counselors -- There are other types of counselors,
including school and pastoral counselors, and counselors who specialize in
treating children. Make sure that your therapist is trained to treat your problem. Ask how
often he or she has treated patients with your problem. Ask about his or her
training and experience. Many counselors will refer you to another counselor if
needed.
Where can I learn more?
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: (800) 950-6264
National Mental Health Association: (800) 969-6642
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