Finding the Right Provider
When you’re ready to reach out for mental health support, knowing who to contact and what to expect can make the process less overwhelming.
How to find mental health care
There are many kinds of professionals trained to help people navigate depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Each one offers different expertise — some provide therapy, others prescribe medication, and many work together as part of a care team.
Understanding these roles can help you choose the right combination of support for your needs and take confident steps toward recovery and wellness.
Providers for medication
These professionals can prescribe medication and often work with others on your care team to monitor symptoms, side effects, and progress.
Primary care physicians (PCPs)
A good first step in getting mental health support is meeting with your primary care provider or pediatrician. They can prescribe medication and help you find additional care if needed.
Many PCPs are trained in basic mental health care and can refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other specialist. They may also schedule regular check-ins to monitor your progress.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health conditions. They can assess and diagnose conditions, provide therapy, order tests, and prescribe and manage medication. Some psychiatrists focus on specific areas like child psychiatry, addiction, or geriatric mental health.
Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners (NPs)
These nurses assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use conditions. They can prescribe medication in all 50 states, sometimes under the supervision of a psychiatrist (depending on the state). Many also provide therapy and education about treatment options.
Physician assistants (PAs)
PAs trained in psychiatry provide mental health services under the supervision of a psychiatrist. They can perform evaluations, offer therapy, and prescribe medication.
Providers for therapy & assessments
These professionals focus on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders with therapy. They may collaborate with your primary doctor or psychiatrist to support your care plan.
Clinical psychologists
Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and are trained to diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral issues. They offer individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (PDF) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
School psychologists
School psychologists work with students to help them learn and improve their emotional well-being. They can diagnose mental health conditions, administer psychological tests, and provide therapy. They also collaborate with teachers and parents to create safe and supportive school environments.
Licensed social workers
Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They offer therapy, case management, family support, and discharge planning. Clinical social workers often practice in hospitals, clinics, or private offices.
Providers for support & counseling
These providers help people manage life challenges and emotional stress. They focus on practical, everyday strategies for physical, social, and mental wellness.
School social workers
School social workers support students by addressing issues that impact their learning and emotional well-being. They provide counseling, coordinate with teachers and families, and connect students with community resources.
Peer support specialists
Peer specialists have lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery. They use that experience (along with formal training) to guide and encourage others. They help set recovery goals, share coping tools, and offer hope through examples and empathy.
Places to get care
You can receive mental health support in many settings, depending on your needs, preferences, and insurance coverage.
Primary care clinic
These clinics offer general medical care and can refer you to mental health specialists when needed.
Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)
CMHCs offer affordable outpatient services to adults and children, often serving individuals with low incomes or who are uninsured.
Hospital-based practice
Hospitals may offer outpatient programs, allowing you to access coordinated mental health and medical care without the need for an overnight stay.
Inpatient care
Psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation centers can provide more intensive inpatient treatment if your mental health or substance use symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
Group practice
Group practices are owned by several clinicians who share patient care duties. These settings allow for collaboration while maintaining continuity of care.
Private practice
Private practices are run by individual mental health professionals who manage their own schedules.
Faith-based organizations
Many religious organizations (such as Catholic Social Services or Jewish Family Services) provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
EAPs are workplace programs that offer confidential counseling, screenings, and referrals for personal or work-related challenges.
School counseling services
School counselors offer individual and group sessions, provide crisis response, and offer referrals for students who require additional support.
University counseling services
College counseling centers, such as University Health & Counseling (UHC), offer free or low-cost services, including counseling, support groups, crisis care, and workshops for enrolled students.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between therapy and counseling?
Both therapy and counseling are ways to get professional support for mental health challenges, but they often differ in focus and depth.
Counseling typically addresses specific issues or life situations, such as stress, relationship concerns, or academic challenges. Counselors, social workers, or peer specialists often provide this type of support. Sessions may focus on practical problem-solving, emotional support, or learning coping skills to manage day-to-day challenges.
Therapy (also called psychotherapy) often goes deeper. It helps people understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may contribute to ongoing distress. Licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, or psychiatrists may provide therapy. It can include structured approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to support long-term recovery.
Consult with your health care provider to determine which approach (or combination of approaches) best suits your goals and needs.