Who Can Best Help with my Child’s Needs?
As a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), I often find myself explaining what exactly an LSSP does, and then answering the inevitable follow-up questions about how to better understand what my fellow mental health professionals do.
There are a lot of nuances and services provided that are called by the same names across professions (i.e. therapy, counseling, psychotherapy). To add a fun caveat, these titles all vary by state. In most states, these terms are protected by law and require specific licensure.
Confused? No worries...in this post I’m going to break it all down for you because at the end of the day, we want you to feel well equipped to make the best decision for your child and your family. Knowing a bit more about these terms can be a great place to start.
First, the broad terms.
Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists are all mental health professionals. A therapist is a broader umbrella term for professionals who are trained and licensed, to provide a variety of treatments and rehabilitation for people.
Now into the details.
Counselor
A counselor is often used as an umbrella term for both licensed clinicians with advanced degrees (Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist) and those offering other forms of counseling (i.e. Life Coach, Clergy, even Financial Advisor) that are not certified or licensed. To learn more about the credentialing process for counselors in the state of Texas visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors website.
Counselors work with the client to determine the best way for the counseling sessions to provide preferred outcomes. They offer guidance to individuals, couples, families, and groups who are working with challenges that affect their mental health and well-being.
School Counselor
School Counselors work in the school setting and have a slightly different credentialing process which can be found on the Texas Education Agency School Guidance and Counseling website. They provide classroom guidance lessons and small group and individual counseling sessions, as well as share administrative duties with the principal and assistant principal.
Clinical Social Worker
A clinical social worker has at least a master’s degree in social work and also the training to be able to evaluate and treat mental illnesses. Social workers can provide case management and hospital discharge planning as well as work as an advocate for patients and their families. Clinical treatment methods may include but are not limited to, providing individual, marital, couple, family, and group therapy, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, and psychotherapy, as well as coordinating care with community agencies. To learn more about the credentialing process for social workers in the state of Texas visit the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners website.
Psychologist
A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, which is the study of the mind and behaviors. They are educated in evaluating and treating mental and emotional disorders. To learn more about the requirements to obtain licensure as a psychologist visit The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists website.
In most cases, the term “psychologist” refers only to those licensed by a state board to provide psychological therapy. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders. They are not, however, medical doctors. That means that, with the exception of a few states, psychologists cannot write prescriptions or perform medical procedures.
School Psychologist
A school psychologist (or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, as we are referred to in the state of Texas), typically has a master’s or specialist degree in school psychology. To learn more about the requirements to obtain licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, visit The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists website.
We are experts in learning, behavior, mental health, and school systems. A school psychologist provides academic, behavioral, and mental health support (i.e. counseling, recommendations for interventions within a given setting) in addition to psychoeducational evaluations and data analysis (i.e. functional behavior analyses). They consult with teachers and families as well as provide crisis prevention and response. School psychologists serve in schools and other educational and clinical settings.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training begins with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training. To learn more about the requirements to become a psychiatrist, visit the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology website.
A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. They also monitor the effects of mental illness on other physical conditions and the effects of medicines on the body's functioning. As a doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions. Psychiatrists may or may not provide therapy.
In addition to the above mental health specialists, you may run into some other specialists while seeking support: Occupational and Physical Therapists, as well as Speech-Language Pathologists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who use evidence-based practice, scientific evidence, and a holistic perspective to help people do the things they want and need to do. Common occupational therapy interventions include private and school-based occupational therapy support to help children participate fully in school and social situations, as well as helping people recover from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Occupational therapy services typically include an evaluation and then therapy to improve the client’s ability to perform daily activities, support sensory needs, and support social goals. More information about the licensure process for occupational therapists can be found on the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners website.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists (PTs) are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. Physical Therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. With children, they are often involved in creating adaptive seating and working with school staff and the child to promote mobility and independence. More information about the licensure process for physical therapists can be found on the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners website.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. In the school setting, they provide services to support the instructional program at a school. They determine how students' academic strengths and weaknesses relate to speech, language, and communication disorders. To do this, SLPs collect relevant student data in various contexts, develop intervention plans, and provide services in collaboration with others to meet students' educational needs.
SLPs' unique contributions complement and augment those made by other professionals who also have unique perspectives and skills. Working collaboratively with school staff and families in planning, designing, and implementing programs is crucial. More information about the licensure process for SLPs can be found on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) have a certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA). BCBAs receive this certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. ABA uses scientific and systematic processes to help influence an individual's behavior. ABA is most commonly utilized with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and works to elicit or diminish particular behaviors.
Prior to contacting a mental health professional, take stock of what you are seeking. Do you want therapy, diagnosis, or both? Once you determine the need, it is all about finding the right fit and determining if you feel comfortable with their personality and style. Sounds a bit like dating, right? Look through their website and social media postings (i.e. blogs--like this one) and take advantage of their free initial consult calls. If you don’t vibe with them, move on (but let them know--no ghosting allowed!). Need more help? Refer to our guide below.
Good luck with your mental health journey!
Interested in booking a session with us?
WRITTEN BY KATE CURRAN MIRE, SSP, LSSP, NCSP
Kate received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas-Austin in Applied Learning and Development. In August 2008, she became a certified Master Reading Teacher through the University of Texas-Austin. Kate went on to receive a Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Texas State University-San Marcos.
