Background: An LADC will have a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the mental health disciplines (Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology) and has additional post-graduate training focused on substance abuse counseling.

Distinguishing feature: LADCs are experts in helping people with substance abuse problems.

Background: A clinical psychologist will have a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) in the field of Clinical Psychology.

Worth noting: Clinical psychologists often have expertise in psychological testing.

Distinguishing feature: Unlike other mental health professionals, clinical psychologists usually append their degree initials (e.g. Ingrid Wheelock, PhD or Javier Mendez, PsyD) to their name rather than their license initials (which would be LCP).

Background: A clinical social worker will have a master’s degree (MSW or MS) or doctorate (PhD or DSW) in the field of Social Work.

Worth noting: An LCSW is licensed to work as an independent practitioner while an LMSW is required to practice under the supervision of an LCSW, MD, APRN, LPC, LMFT, or Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Distinguishing feature: Clinical social workers are trained to consider how the problems you are experiencing are connected to broad social and environmental factors.

Background: A marriage and family therapist will have a master’s degree (usually a MFT or MS) or doctorate (usually a PhD or DMFT) in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Worth noting: Don’t be fooled by the title – LMFTs are fully trained to provide individual psychotherapy, too.

Distinguishing Feature: Marriage and family therapists have special training in family systems and the assessment and treatment of family problems.

Background: A professional counselor will have a master’s degree in a mental health field (usually an MS in Counseling or Clinical Psychology) or a doctorate in a mental health field (usually a PhD in Counseling).

Background: A nurse practitioner who is a therapist will have a master’s (MSN) or doctoral (DPN or PHD) degree in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.

Worth noting: APRNs are licensed to prescribe medication in consultation with an MD.

Distinguishing feature: Nurse practitioners have special training in pharmacology, physiology, general medicine.

Background: Pastoral counselors have generally earned an advanced degree in theological study, are ordained or consecrated in the ministry, and have also received training in mental health counseling. Some have a graduate degree in Pastoral Counseling, a field that integrates ministerial and psychotherapeutic practice.

Worth noting: The state of Connecticut does not regulate or license pastoral counselors, so there are no legal restrictions on who may provide pastoral counseling. Some pastoral counselors have voluntarily completed accreditation requirements with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).

Distinguishing feature: Pastoral counselors have received considerable training in the spiritual dimensions of the human experience.

Background: A psychiatrist has earned a doctoral degree (MD) in Psychiatric Medicine.

Worth noting: Psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medication.

Distinguishing feature: Psychiatrists have special training in pharmacology, physiology, and general medicine.

Background: It varies. Anybody can call themselves a Life Coach. Some coaches have received some training, mentorship, and/or fulfilled credential standards established by either the International Coach Federation (ICF) or the International Association of Coaching (IAC).

Worth noting: Life coaching is not recognized as a mental health treatment. There is no regulation or licensure.

Distinguishing feature: Life coaches or personal coaches generally provide assistance with goal setting and finding strategies for goal achievement. They are not permitted to provide psychotherapy.