Who can provide psychotherapy?
Social workers are the largest professional group providing psychotherapy. Social workers are trained in understanding human experience and behavior, the relationship between the individual and the social environment. They use many methods to help people cope with and manage their lives better, and become more effective in achieving their goals. Social workers who practice psychotherapy typically have a Masters degree, and many of them have further specialized training. An increasing number of social workers also have doctorate degrees.
Psychologists are another major group of professionals providing psychotherapy. Psychologists who practice psychotherapy have received specialized training in clinical or counseling psychology. They are usually trained in psychopathology, psychotherapy and counseling. In North America they typically have a doctorate degree, although in other jurisdictions one can register as psychologist with a Masters degree. Many psychologists are also trained in psychological assessment or the administration of psychological tests.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained in the diagnosis of and treatment for mental and emotional illness. Psychiatrists have an MD degree, and have undergone a residency program. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication; and they may practice psychotherapy as well as other forms of medical treatment.
Nurses and Occupational Therapists who have received special training in mental health and psychotherapy can also be psychotherapists. Whereas many nurses are trained at the bachelor degree level, an increasing number of nurses who practice psychotherapy have graduate degrees.
Family physicians are often the first healthcare professionals approached for help to deal with mental health issues, but not all of them are trained to provide psychotherapy. Some of them have received special training to do so, and their patients would be informed. They can also refer patients to other professionals who may offer these services.
There are other healthcare professionals who provide different forms of therapy, which also aim at psychological and behavioral changes, including art therapists, music therapists, etc.