What kind of therapist do I need — a guide

You’ve made the right decision to prioritize your mental health. But are you now asking yourself, “what kind of therapist do I need?” Finding the answer can be overwhelming with all of your choices like LPC, LMHC, PsyD, LCSW, MSW, LCPC, and on the list goes. 

In this article, you learn about the types of mental health professionals, treatment approaches, the difference between seeing a provider online or in person, and better understand what kind of therapist you need. 

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Types of therapists

Mental health professionals (MHPs) are trained to treat psychological conditions. There are several types of MHPs, from psychologists to marriage and family therapists. While licensed MHPs can assess and diagnose mental health conditions, only psychiatrists can prescribe medications. 

Keep reading to understand the differences between each type of therapist. 

Psychologists (PysDs)

Psychologists have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. They have extensive clinical training and can assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of mental health conditions from anxiety to depression to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to trauma. Psychologists are skilled at using therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and more to help clients improve their mental well-being. 

Learn about CBT vs DBT. 

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in psychiatry. They’re trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Because of their medical background, psychiatrists have a unique understanding of the biological aspects of mental health. They can also prescribe medication. Though some psychiatrists may offer talk therapy, most focus on medication management. They often treat conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Many people who see a psychiatrist are also in therapy, and their psychiatrist might collaborate with their therapy provider. 

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) typically have a master’s degree in counseling. To become licensed, they complete a practicum (real-world professional training), or supervised clinical training. LPCs address mental health conditions and issues like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance use, and trauma. LPCs use therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, and person-centered counseling. An LPC also supports clients as they manage daily stressors and challenges. 

Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs)

Like LPCs, licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) also have a master’s degree in counseling and complete a practicum to get licensed. LMHCs use therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, and person-centered counseling, to address issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and life stressors and changes. LMHCs work to help clients learn coping skills, develop resilience, and feel better in their daily lives. 

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) have a master’s degree in social work. Similar to LPCs and LMHCs, they also complete supervised training to get their license. LCSWs take an approach that considers biological, social, and psychological factors that affect mental health. They use interventions like CBT, family therapy, and crisis intervention to address mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and family issues. 

Licensed social workers (LSWs)

Licensed social workers (LSWs) have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. They typically provide counseling and case management services and support people facing challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, and difficulty accessing health resources. The scope of an LSW’s work is narrower than an LCSW’s, and they often work under the supervision of an LCSW. 

Licensed marriage and family therapists

A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Like other master’s-level therapists, getting their license requires completing a practicum. LMFTs are trained to address relationship dynamics for couples, families, and individuals. They work with people on issues like marital conflict, separation and divorce, parenting issues, or changes families are facing. They use therapeutic approaches like systems therapy, couples, therapy, and family therapy to help families communicate better, resolve conflict, and deepen their bonds. 

While each type of therapist may differ in their level of education and training, they’re all trained to help clients, like you, better understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop tools to feel and cope better. 

Types of therapy

Now that you’re aware of the different types of mental health professionals, let’s look at the types of treatment or therapy they offer. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a type of treatment that involves working with a therapist to address mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. In talk therapy, you can learn to better understand yourself by looking at your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, recognizing patterns, and cultivating skills to improve your mental health. Psychotherapy is used to treat many mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. 

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT)

A core principle of psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is that our unconscious experiences affect our behavior. So, psychodynamic therapy helps uncover patterns and conflicts that influence how we show up with ourselves, our loved ones, and in the world. By exploring the connection between our past and current experiences, we can learn to be more self-aware. PDT is used to treat anxiety, depression, and personality disorders and improve relationships. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

The different types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) make CBT one of the most well-researched approaches to therapy and is effective for treating conditions like anxiety, phobias, depression, PTSD, and more. CBT focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and can influence each other. In CBT, a therapist helps you learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge them, develop more balanced thinking, build up coping strategies, and practice problem-solving. 

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MCBT)is a combination of mindfulness and CBT. Therapists who use MBCT teach their clients tools to increase awareness and help them be in the present moment. It’s a nonjudgmental approach that helps people start to notice and accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to change them. This type of therapy is effective for treating anxiety and depression. 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

DBT also combines CBT with mindfulness practices. This form of therapy though was created to help people who experience intense emotional states learn to regulate those emotions, cope in healthier ways, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. DBT teaches distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills. It’s effective for people who have chronic suicidal thoughts, trauma, mood disorders, and personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD). 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

EMDR is an approach that helps people reprocess memories from distressing and traumatic events and develop relaxation strategies, which can lead to healing. In EMDR, a person engages in bilateral stimulation (BLS) through eye movements or tapping, reducing the physiological arousal they might feel when thinking about a traumatic event. Used to treat PTSD, phobias, anxiety, and depression, EMDR helps us look at traumatic events in new ways. 

Learn about EMDR and doing EMDR therapy online.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

ACT lets you accept your thoughts and emotions without judgment and behave in ways that feel authentic and true to your values. Like other approaches, ACT also incorporates mindfulness techniques. While exploring personal values and learning to be in the present without judgment, ACT helps increase your psychological flexibility. ACT can help you deal with anxiety, depression, and chronic health issues and live a more fulfilling life. 

Exposure therapy 

Exposure therapy is an approach that helps people identify and gradually begin to face their fears. In exposure therapy, a therapist will help you name the things you fear, create a hierarchy, and slowly expose yourself to those things or situations while coping with feelings of distress. Exposure therapy is effective for treating conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PTSD, and anxiety disorders like phobias and panic disorder. 

Humanistic therapy 

Humanistic therapists believe that people are inherently whole and have the potential for growth. They help clients increase self-awareness by exploring their thoughts, feelings, goals, and what matters to them. Humanistic therapists cultivate a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy and unconditional positive regard for their clients while helping them address anxiety, depression, and issues related to self-worth. 

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

IPT is a short-term therapy focused on improving interpersonal relationships. IPT also considers a person’s environment and how it can trigger symptoms. In IPT, a therapist and client work together to identify interpersonal and environmental triggers, improve communication, increase social support, and develop conflict resolution skills. Often used to treat people with depression, IPT can also benefit people living with anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use issues, and trauma.

Couples therapy 

Sometimes referred to as marriage counseling, couples therapy is aimed at helping partners communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and renew or strengthen their bond. Couples seek therapy for a lot of reasons, including financial stress, differences in parenting styles, opposing values, infidelity, and communication issues. In couples therapy, a therapist works with you and your partner to uncover issues contributing to conflict, while helping you build coping and problem-solving skills. 

Family therapy 

Whether they realize it or not, family members are interconnected and their behaviors influence each other. LMFTs and other family therapists use therapeutic approaches like systems therapy to help families improve their communication and strengthen their relationships. By exploring dynamics and patterns, a therapist can help families start to problem-solve, make positive changes, and function more healthfully as their relationships with each other improve. This type of therapy may benefit families dealing with substance use, marital conflict, and mental health or behavioral issues within the family. 

Group therapy 

Group therapy is effective for addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and substance use issues. This type of therapy can be effective for psychoeducation (educating people about mental health conditions), skills development, support, and processing. Group therapy can be a great place to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and receive feedback and support from others facing similar challenges. A group therapist is skilled at developing and managing the dynamics of a group while facilitating conversations about growth and healing. 

The best therapists for different conditions and needs

Based on their education, training, and specializations, some therapists are better suited to treat certain mental health conditions than others. 

Here’s a breakdown of the types of providers qualified to treat some of the most common mental health conditions:

• Depression. Psychologists, LMHCs, LPCs, or LCSWs have the education and training that lets them assess, diagnose, and treat depression using evidence-based approaches like CBT. While LMFTs and LSWs can support people living with depression, psychologists, LMHCs, LPCs, and LCSWs often have the clinical background that’s needed. 
• Anxiety. Similar to depression, psychologists, LMHCs, LPCs, or LCSWs have the clinical training to diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. These types of therapists are skilled at using interventions like CBT, a well-supported approach to treating anxiety. LMFTs and LSWs may offer support here, but again, the clinical expertise typically lies with psychologists, LMHCs, LPCs, and LCSWs. 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For OCD treatment, you may see 2 different types of providers. A psychologist, LCSW, or LMHC is best qualified to treat OCD using exposure and response prevention, a form of CBT that;s the gold standard for addressing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. If your symptoms are causing significant distress, you may see a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms. 
• ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective treatment for ADHD. To find out if a stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD med is the best option for you and get a prescription, you need to see a psychiatrist. Psychologists, LMHCs, and LPCs are trained to provide cognitive and behavioral interventions that can help people with ADHD feel more in control of their day-to-day lives. 
• Substance use. LCSWs, LMHCs, and LPCs are ideally qualified to address substance use. They’re skilled at providing individual and group therapy using approaches like CBT and motivational interviewing (MI) to help clients set and achieve personal goals. Some psychologists may also treat substance use issues. If a person wants to take medications that minimize cravings and withdrawals to help manage substance use issues, they also need to see an addiction medicine doctor who may be a psychiatrist or medical doctor who specializes in addictions. 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychologists, LMHCs, or LCSWs can diagnose and treat trauma-related conditions like PTSD. They’re trained to use trauma-informed evidence-based approaches like EMDR, prolonged exposure (a type of CBT that gradually exposes someone to traumatic memories and helps them decrease PTSD symptoms), and cognitive processing therapy (also a form of CBT, it teaches clients how to change unhelpful thoughts about traumatic events). LPCs and LMFTs may provide support, but psychologists, LMHCs, and LCSWs are more likely to have specialized knowledge and training. 

What kind of therapist do I need at a glance

Are you overwhelmed by everything you’ve just read? See the table below to get a quick overview of the types of therapists, therapies offered, and conditions treated to figure out what might feel like a good place to start for you: 

The most effective treatment for many mental health conditions is a combination of therapy and medication. So, it’s possible your care team will include a therapist and psychiatrist. 

Seeing a therapist online vs in person

The main difference between seeing a therapist online vs in person is that you use a video conferencing solution for teletherapy sessions. Both online and in-person sessions have benefits and drawbacks. 

The benefits of teletherapy include maximum accessibility and flexibility. Being able to attend sessions in your own home can make it easier to get the help you need, even if you have a busy schedule. You may have access to a wider network of therapists than you would locally and have the ability to select specific preferences (like race, gender identity, religion, and more) you might value in a provider. However, with online therapy, you miss the ability to experience the dynamics that can occur when you’re in the same room as your therapist. 

A significant benefit of working with a therapist in person is having a safe, neutral, and private space to engage in therapeutic work. When you’re in the same room with a therapist, you can cultivate a deeper sense of trust and connection, which is critical in therapy. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of positive therapy outcomes. In-person therapy can be an immersive and engaging experience, yet commuting and tighter schedules may be a challenge. 

“What kind of therapist do I need?” — the answer

The short answer is that the type of therapist you need depends on your symptoms, needs, goals, therapist credentials, and the ability to develop a trusting working relationship. 

As complicated and overwhelming as that sounds, know that you have a lot of say. Therapy is a personal process that can be tailored to your individual needs. It’s also a collaborative process. Know that your preferences and experiences are valued and that it’s okay to take time making a decision before moving forward with a therapist. It’s important to understand the signs of a bad therapist so who you end up with feels like the right fit for you. 

If trying to decide which type of therapist to see is holding you back, know that most licensed therapists can assess, diagnose, and provide treatment. For example, if you’re dealing with symptoms of depression, a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker would both be qualified to help. In your search for the right therapist, you can reach out to those with different credentials, ask for a brief consultation where you share your needs and goals, and make a decision about how to move forward. Ultimately, you’re likely to benefit from seeing any type of therapist as long as they have relevant experience and you can establish a trusting relationship. 

Key takeaway

• There are several types of therapists from psychologists and psychiatrists, to counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. 
• Therapists use different types of therapeutic approaches to treat mental health issues. Based on your needs and goals, your therapist will work with you to determine the best approach. This may include evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, or EMDR. Your therapist may also suggest interventions beyond individual therapy that may benefit you, such as family or group therapy. 
• Choosing the right type of therapist involves reflecting on your symptoms, needs, goals, and what kind of interventions may work best. Finding the right therapist is about considering those things in addition to a therapist’s training and area of expertise, and whether they feel like someone with whom you can develop a trusting working relationship. 

Find the kind of therapist you need on Klarity Health

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FAQs about the kind of therapist you need

How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?

Selecting the right type of therapy for you is a personal choice. You can start by considering the issues you’re dealing with and what you want to change. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety and want to have more balanced thoughts, CBT might be a good option. If you’ve gone through a stressful or traumatic event, talking to a provider about EMDR might make more sense to you. Thinking about whether you want to manage symptoms or delve deeper and develop tools can help. Medication management can be a good start for symptom management. To cope with daily stressors, you might see a talk therapist. To alleviate symptoms of a mental health disorder, you might see a psychiatrist and a therapist who provides evidence-based treatment. 

Doing some preliminary research on your own, talking to a mental health provider about your individual needs and options, and trusting your gut will support you in making the best decision. 

How do I decide on a therapist?

Choosing the right therapist is important. There are a few things you want to consider. Think about your symptoms or challenges, goals, and what you want to change. Consider the type of therapy (for instance, CBT or DBT) that may best address your concerns. Finding a knowledgeable and trained therapist in the areas you need is essential. 

Don’t be afraid to interview therapists and ask about their education, experience, and training. Reflect on what you think might be important to you in a therapist. For instance, you may feel more comfortable talking to someone who shares your race, religion, or gender identity. 

Finally, look for someone with whom you can develop a genuine and trusting relationship. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of therapy outcomes. 

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and extensive training. Psychologists can assess, diagnose, and conduct therapy. Therapists typically have a master’s degree in a field like counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. They provide counseling and therapy to help people navigate life stressors, improve relationships, and treat mental health conditions. “Therapist" is also a broad term used to describe mental health professionals. It’s important to note that psychologists can be therapists, but all therapists aren’t psychologists. 

Do I need counseling or therapy?

Many people use “counseling" and “therapy" interchangeably, but they are different. And to decide what you need, you want to know how they differ.

The benefits of counseling are that it focuses primarily on life stressors and challenges and is a great place to learn coping and problem-solving skills. 

Therapy is worth it if you want to work with a provider to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and address underlying issues contributing to your distress or dysfunction. 

Ultimately, counseling is typically short-term and goal-focused, while therapy is longer-term, addresses psychological disorders, and can help improve your mental well-being. 

Should I see a therapist or a psychiatrist?

It depends on your needs. If you’re experiencing emotional distress and negative thoughts, a therapist might be the best option to help you learn tools to challenge your thoughts and cope with your feelings. If your symptoms are severe and causing serious issues with your daily functioning, you may want to see a psychiatrist to talk about the potential benefits of medication to help reduce your symptoms. Many people find value in seeing both types of providers, and research supports that a combination of medication and therapy is an effective way to manage symptoms. 

Which is better, therapy or medication?

Every person is different, and so are their needs. Medication can relieve symptoms and help make life more manageable. Therapy can be a safe and supportive place to understand your thoughts and behaviors and learn coping skills. On their own, both can provide benefits. But research shows that combining the 2 is often most effective. 

Sources

American Psychological Association, Cognitive Processing Therapy, 2017, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-processing-therapy

American Psychological Association, Exposure Therapy, 2017, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy 

American Psychological Association, Prolonged Exposure, Last updated: June 2020, https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/prolonged-exposure

BJPsych International, Psychodynamic psychotherapies for borderline personality disorders. Current developments and challenges ahead, Gonzalez-Torres, M.A., February 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6020925/ 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Treatment of ADHD, Updated May 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/index.html 

Frontiers in psychiatry, The Strength of Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy and Patient’s Wellbeing: The Relationships of the Therapeutic Alliance to Psychological Wellbeing, Satisfaction With Life, and Flourishing in Adult Patients Attending Individual Psychotherapy, Prusiński, T., January 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8842997/ 

Frontiers in Psychology, EMDR as Treatment Option for Conditions Other Than PTSD: A Systematic Review, Scelles, C., et. al., September 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8488430/ 

Indian Journal of Psychiatry, Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Patients with Mental Disorders, Rajhans, P., et. al., January 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7001362/ 

Mindfulness, The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in Real-World Healthcare Services, Ticketll, A.B., et. al., 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6995449/  

National Institute of Health, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Chand, S.P., May 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/  

National Institute of Health, Common Mental Health Disorders, 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92254/ 

National Institute of Mental Health, Psychotherapies, Last updated February 2024, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies 

Psychological medicine, The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: a meta-analysis, Kamenov, K., et. al., February 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5244449/. 

StatPearls, Group Therapy, Malhotra, A., et. al., December 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812/. 

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD, PTSD Treatment Basics, Last updated July 2023, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp. 

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  

Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.