Different Treaters

What is a licensed professional counselor?

The Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia states "In Georgia, a Licensed Professional Counselor is a highly trained mental health professional who has met educational and training requirements including at least a master's degree, four years of supervised professional clinical experience and successful completion of a state examination for licensure as LPC by the State of Georgia. LPC's are accountable to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapist and Social Workers." For more information go to www.lpca.org/index.php

What is an advanced practice psychiatric registered nurse?

The American Nurses Association Nursing World states "Advanced practice registered nurse is an umbrella term given to a registered nurse who has met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements, at a minimum of a Master's level, beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all RN's and who provides at least some level of direct care to patient populations. Under this umbrella are clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners." For more information go to www.nursingworld.org. You may also go to the MAAAPPNG website to get more information about advanced practice psychiatric nursing in Georgia. The American Psychiatric Nurse Association also has a website. Under certain physician supervised settings advanced practice registered nurses can prescribe psychiatric medications.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is different from all of the other mental health providers in one respect. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. A psychiatrist first completes four years of college taking certain required basic science courses, then goes four more years to medical school to become a regular physician. After getting a M.D. (or D.O.), a psychiatrist completes a psychiatric residency program of at least three more years. This residency program involves extensive supervised clinical psychiatric treatment experience in a number of settings, as well as training in mental and neurological illness. A psychiatrist is trained to diagnose neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions as well major mental illness and character disorders. The medical training allows the psychiatrist to view the emotional and mental problems of the patient from a broad biological, psychological, sociological, developmental perspective that includes both the body and the mind. A psychiatrist is trained to think about all the physical illnesses that may show up as mental symptoms. Psychiatrists can make diagnoses and prescribe medication.

What is a psychologist?

Although some psychologists in private practice have their training in educational psychology, most are clinical psychologists.

According to the American Psychological Association, Division 12, Society of Clinical psychology:

"An earned doctorate from a clinical psychology program represents the basic entry level for the provision of clinical psychology services. Unique to Clinical Psychology training is the requirement of substantial course work in the areas of personality and psychopathology, resulting in comprehensive understanding of normal and abnormal adjustment and maladjustment across the life span."
For more information go to: www.apa.org/divisions/div12

What is a social worker?

Most of the social workers in private practice are clinical social workers.

According to the mental health channel (www.mentalhealthchannel.net):

"Clinical social workers provide mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain their patient's physical, psychological, and social function"
"Clinical social workers must have a master's or doctorate degree in social work, with an emphasis on clinical experience. They must undergo a supervised clinical field internship and have at least 2 years of post-graduate supervised clinical social work employment."
To find additional information about social workers go to www.helpstartshere.org or the National Association of Social Workers at www.socialworkers.org.