5 types of therapists and if they’re right for you

Reviewed by Susan Radzilowski, MSW, LMSW, ACSW

Written by

therapist.com team

Last updated: 03/24/2025

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When you hear the term “therapist,” you might imagine someone sitting in a leather chair taking notes while you lie on a couch. But therapy today comes in many different forms—and not all therapists are the same.

While they all aim to support mental health and well-being, different types of therapists focus on specific areas or use distinct approaches. Understanding the different types of therapists can help you find the right fit for your needs.

Five of the most common types of therapists are:

• Psychologists
• Counselors
• Marriage and family therapists
• Clinical social workers
• Psychiatrists

General information about these professions, and the areas in which they tend to work, is listed below. However, it’s important to remember that the exact education and training a therapist completes will vary both state-to-state and therapist-to-therapist. Visit your state’s licensing board website to learn more about state-specific requirements.

Individual therapists may earn certifications or pursue specializations well beyond what is strictly required. They will likely make this information available on their personal website or directory profile, but you can also ask for more information during your initial consultation.

Licensed psychologists

Licensed psychologists have doctoral degrees and specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.¹ They have one of the highest education requirements of all mental health professionals. They spend an average of seven years in education and training after they receive their undergraduate degrees.

To become licensed, psychologists must pass a national examination and additional state-specific examinations. They must also earn continuing education credits every year to maintain their knowledge and licensure.

Psychologists help clients manage concerns like depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues. They are trained to conduct psychological testing and assessments, which can help diagnose specific mental health conditions and create targeted treatment plans.² While psychologists generally can’t prescribe medication, they often collaborate with psychiatrists when medication might benefit their clients.

Psychologists frequently work in private practice, hospitals, schools, or research settings.

A psychologist may be a good fit if you:

• Need formal testing, evaluations, or a diagnosis
• Are interested in evidence-based treatments for complex issues
• Prefer a scientific, structured approach to therapy
• Have insurance that covers psychological services

Consider other options if you:

• Are mainly looking for medication management
• Need immediate or frequent appointments (psychologists often have waitlists)³
• Are working with a limited budget
• Want more practical life advice rather than deep psychological work

Find licensed psychologists in your area.

Licensed counselors

Licensed counselors typically hold master’s degrees in counseling or a related field.⁴ They provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families dealing with everyday life challenges and mental health concerns.

The most common professional counselor titles in the United States are:⁵

• licensed professional counselor (LPC)
• licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
• licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)
• licensed professional clinical counselor of mental health (LPCC)
• licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC)
• licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP)

These professionals focus on practical problem-solving and emotional support. They help clients navigate relationships, career decisions, stress management, and personal growth. Their approach tends to be more solution-focused and present-oriented than psychologists.

Counselors work in various settings including private practice, community health centers, schools, and nonprofit organizations. They typically offer more affordable rates than psychologists and are more likely to accept insurance.⁶

A counselor may be a good fit if you:

• Want practical guidance for life transitions or relationship issues
• Need help with stress management and coping skills
• Prefer a more collaborative, solution-focused approach
• Are looking for more affordable therapy options

Consider other options if you:

• Are looking for help with medication management
• Need comprehensive psychological testing
• Want to focus primarily on past trauma or deep-rooted issues
• Require specialized treatment for complex disorders

Find licensed counselors in your area.

Licensed marriage and family therapists

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) hold master’s or doctoral degrees and specialize in relationship dynamics and family systems.⁷ They’re licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders and address how they impact marriages, couples, and families.

LMFTs help people address interpersonal challenges, communication problems, and relationship patterns. They may work with multiple family members at the same time, helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds.

These therapists commonly address issues like:

• Marital conflict
• Divorce
• Blended family challenges
• Parent-child relationships
• Family trauma

Some LMFTs specialize in specific areas like premarital counseling, LGBTQIA+ family dynamics, or cultural issues affecting families. LMFTs often practice short-term therapy, with an average of 12 sessions.

A marriage and family therapist may be a good fit if you:

• Want to improve family relationships or communication
• Are dealing with marriage or partnership issues
• Need help navigating family transitions like divorce or blending families
• Prefer therapy that involves multiple family members

Consider other options if you:

• Are focused on individual mental health concerns
• Want to work exclusively on personal growth
• Need specialized trauma treatment
• Prefer one-on-one therapy sessions without family involvement

Find licensed marriage and family therapists in your area.

Licensed clinical social workers

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide therapy and may also help clients access essential community resources. They typically hold master’s level degrees or higher in social work and go through at least two years of post-graduate training under supervision.⁸ Earning a clinical social work license requires more training, and sometimes more education, than a standard social work license.

LCSWs are trained to consider how environmental and social factors impact mental health. They provide therapy to clients and can diagnose and treat many forms of mental illness. As the nation’s largest group of mental health providers, with 250,000 practitioners serving millions of clients, they play a crucial role in the healthcare system.⁹ LCSWs are recognized with their own title and level of state licensure in every state, and their services are specifically included in several federal programs.

These professionals often work in hospitals, community agencies, and private practice settings. They’re particularly skilled at coordinating care between different care providers and social service agencies. They can help clients address mental health concerns while navigating practical challenges like housing, employment, or accessing social services.

Clinical social workers take a holistic approach, considering how factors like socioeconomic status, cultural background, and community support affect mental well-being. Throughout their careers, LCSWs may pursue advanced clinical practice or specialize in one or more areas.

A clinical social worker may be a good fit if you:

• Want therapy that considers your social life and environment
• Are dealing with both mental health and practical life challenges
• Need help accessing community resources
• Prefer a holistic treatment approach

Consider other options if you:

• Are seeking specialized psychological testing
• Want a more structured, traditional therapy approach
• Prefer working with a provider who focuses solely on therapy

Clinical social workers excel at connecting clients with resources and taking a community-oriented approach. But they may not be the best fit if you’re looking for highly specialized mental health treatment or formal psychological assessments.

Find licensed clinical social workers in your area. 

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health treatment.¹⁰ They complete medical school followed by a four-year psychiatric residency, giving them a deep understanding of both physical and mental health conditions. They can perform medical and psychological tests, make diagnoses, and prescribed medication.

Psychiatrists are one of the few mental health professionals that can prescribe medications and conduct medical evaluations. They often focus on treating severe mental illnesses, mood disorders, and conditions that respond well to medication. Psychiatrists commonly prescribe various types of medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives, and mood stabilizers.

Some psychiatrists specialize in specific areas, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or geriatric psychiatry. They work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, community agencies, and academic health centers. Psychiatrists can become board-certified by passing a voluntary examination given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

A psychiatrist may be a good fit if you:

• Need medication management for mental health conditions
• Have severe symptoms requiring medical intervention
• Want comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations
• Are dealing with complex mental health disorders

Consider other options if you:

• Are only interested in talk therapy without medication
• Are looking for a long-term counseling relationship
• Want to focus mostly on personal growth

Find licensed psychiatrists in your area.

Choosing a therapist

It’s important to find the right support for your mental health journey. You can always learn more about how to find a therapist and what types of therapy might be right for you. When you’re ready to begin, visit our directory to find a licensed mental health professional near you.