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Who Treats Mental Health Disorders?

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By Editorial Team

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: November 2024 | Last updated: March 2025

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. For people living with mental health disorders, finding care can be scary and isolating. But help and support are available, and you are not alone on your journey.1

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. These doctors have completed medical school and have earned a medical degree (MD or DO). During their medical training, they had special training in mental health (psychiatry).1

Psychiatrists diagnose various mental health disorders, including:1

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder

They also can prescribe treatments and tests, which may include therapy, prescription drugs, or a combination of both.1

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Psychologists

Psychologists are trained mental health experts who hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). They use therapeutic methods to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Some states allow psychologists to prescribe medicine, while others do not. These experts work in a variety of settings, such as:1

  • Clinics
  • Schools
  • Private practices

Counselors and therapists

Therapists and counselors help treat mental health disorders by talking with people to understand their feelings and thoughts. They offer support, teach coping skills, and help people find ways to improve their mental well-being. Some common therapists include:1

  • Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)
  • Substance use disorder counselors
  • Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)

Primary care doctors

Primary care doctors have completed medical school and hold a medical degree (MD or DO). They are often called family doctors or primary care providers (PCPs). They offer general healthcare services and serve as the first point of contact for many people seeking mental health care.1

While primary care doctors are not mental health specialists, they can diagnose many mental health concerns. They also can refer people to therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists.1

Nurse practitioners (NPs)

NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). They have a master’s or doctoral degree. NPs may specialize in one or several areas of medicine, including psychiatry. Some states permit NPs to practice without the direct oversight of a doctor, while others do not. NPs may:1

  • Assess
  • Diagnose
  • Treat mental health conditions
  • Manage medicines
  • Refer to specialists
  • Work with other mental health providers

Physician assistants (PAs)

PAs also have a master's or doctoral degree. PAs practice under doctor supervision. They can specialize in one or several areas of medicine. PAs may:1

  • Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders
  • Manage medicines
  • Refer people to specialists if needed
  • Work with other mental health providers

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are experts in preparing and dispensing prescription drugs. Psychiatric pharmacists have special training in drugs used to treat mental health disorders. These specialists may:1

  • Help guide medicine decisions
  • Suggest dosing changes
  • Teach people how to properly take medicines and what to expect during the treatment process

The level of expertise an expert has in specific mental health conditions may vary. Also, professionals without formal licenses, as well as peer specialists, often play an important role in mental health treatment.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.