Professional Training and Qualifications
Psychologists are doctoral-level mental health professionals (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) who spend an average of seven years in education and training after receiving their undergraduate degree. They obtain one of the following:
- Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Graduate training emphasizing research or a combination of research and clinical training
- Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.): Graduate training focusing predominantly on clinical practice
- Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.): Graduate training within a university’s college of education, typically focused on development and learning
Specializations in Psychology
Various specializations exist within the field of psychology:
- Clinical
- Counseling
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- School
- Developmental
- Forensic
- Industrial/Organizational (I/O)
- Experimental Psychology
The state of Louisiana typically licenses psychologists in the first four specialties for clinical practice. Once licensed in Louisiana (and a few other states), psychologists can pursue additional training to obtain a degree in Medical Psychology (MP), allowing them to prescribe psychotropic medication (e.g., antidepressants).
Work Settings
Psychologists can be found in diverse settings including:
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Community clinics
- Primary & secondary education
- Colleges/universities
- Private industry
- Prisons
Clinical Services
People may seek evaluations from psychologists to help diagnose conditions or clarify how they think, feel, and behave. These evaluations may assess:
- Intellectual skills
- Vocational aptitude
- Personality characteristics
- Neuropsychological functioning
Individuals also seek assistance from psychologists for various concerns, including:
- Depression or anxiety
- Addiction
- Problems with memory/concentration
- Managing chronic medical conditions
- Coping with stressful life circumstances
Distinguishing Between Mental Health Professionals
These terms refer to different types of mental health providers, distinguished by their degrees, training, and licenses. The best way to tell the difference is by their credentials or the letters following their names.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) with specialized training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. As physicians, they can prescribe medications for mental health concerns. Some psychiatrists receive training in psychotherapy and may offer these services alongside medication management.
Social Workers (LMSWs and LCSWs)
- Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) education program followed by 2-3 years of supervised practice.
- LCSWs can practice independently after passing the Association of Clinical Social Work examination.
- LMSWs perform similar tasks but cannot practice independently without supervision.
- Some obtain a Doctorate in Social Work.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
- Typically clinicians with master’s level degrees (M.A., M.S., or M.Ed.), though some have doctoral degrees.
- Complete 2-3 years of supervised practice and pass the National Counseling Examination (NCE).
- Offer psychotherapy for various challenges but may not have sufficient training to treat major mental health disorders or provide formal testing/assessments.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
LMFTs are usually LPCs or LCSWs with specialized training in marriage and family therapy.
Psychotherapists
“Psychotherapist” typically refers to therapists providing specific types of therapy such as psychoanalytic or psychodynamic approaches. These tend to be long-term and focus on the origins of mental health challenges. However, this term is often used interchangeably with “therapist.”
Therapists
“Therapist” is a general term for any mental health professional who provides therapy and does not reflect a specific type of licensure.
How Psychology Differs from Other Mental Health Fields
All licensed mental health professionals study and treat both normal and abnormal functioning, work with patients experiencing mental and emotional problems, and encourage behaviors that build wellness and emotional resilience. The differences often emerge from the extent and specialization of education, training, and populations served.
