Types of therapists

Addressing anxiety is no small feat, and it sounds like you?re headed in a great direction by considering therapy. As you?ve gleaned, a ?therapist? can mean any number of specialists. With all the choices out there ? Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), psychiatrist, psychologist, etc. ? how do you narrow the options to find the right fit? As you?ve correctly described, psychologists and psychiatrists go through different educational paths. Psychologists receive graduate training in psychology, usually obtaining a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, first go through medical school and obtain an MD, then complete an additional four-year residency training in mental health. As medical doctors, they may prescribe medications to assist in treating patients. Beyond these two types, there are therapists who are licensed counselors, social workers, and specialists (such as drug and alcohol counselors), just to name a few. While a number of these professionals are equipped to help you with your anxiety, you may consider the types of therapies that fit your situation, instead of the types of therapists. Asking a few questions about a therapist's approach to treatment may help you find one that?s a fit for you and your needs.