Quick Links: Troubled Teens
The process of finding the right professional to help your teen can be confusing. There are numerous initials to decipher and differences in training and approach that are important to understand. Here's a road map to help you navigate this journey to finding the best mental health professional to work with your troubled teen.
Clinical Social Workers
Identified with initials such as LCSW or LICSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), Social Workers have earned a minimum of a master's degree in social work (MSW) and are required to participate in additional supervised training and experience before taking the required exam to become licensed.
The unique perspective of social workers is to consider teens within the broader context of their family and community. They are trained to provide individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy, and have a broad understanding of the available mental health resources for teens. Social Workers can't prescribe medication but will refer to a psychiatrist when needed. Teens in complicated situations who need a variety of clinical services may benefit from being treated by a social worker.
Licensed Therapists
Each state varies widely as to the specific training and licensing process for a professional to be considered a licensed therapist, but in most cases the minimum of a masters degree (MA or MS) is required, usually in counseling or psychology, as well as additional supervised clinical experience prior to becoming licensed. These professionals also specialize in providing individual, group and family therapy. They can't prescribe medication but refer to psychiatrists when medication is needed. This category includes Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), school counselors, and others.
Clinical Psychologists
Are addressed as Doctor since they hold a doctoral degree, either a PhD or PsyD, in counseling or clinical psychology. They are required to have supervised clinical experience and pass a licensing exam prior to being credentialed. In addition to providing psychotherapy, certain psychologists have expertise in psychological testing, so this is the best choice when psychological testing for a teen is indicated, such as when a learning disability or mental health disorder is suspected. In most cases psychologists can't prescribe medication but will refer to a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists
Are board-certified Medical Doctors with additional extensive training in mental health involving a 4 year residency in psychiatry. In addition to training in providing psychotherapy, they have knowledge of the medical and brain pathology that may be involved in mental illness.
Psychiatrists prescribe and monitor medication as well as provide individual therapy. If there is a family history of mental illness such as depression, suggesting a physical cause for your teen's problems, working with a psychiatrist may be the best choice.
It may be important to work with a psychiatrist in situations in which medications or a more integrated approach may be warranted.
Drug and Alcohol Counselors
In the treatment of addictions, there are often other types of professionals involved. Credentials you may encounter include CADC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Some of the professionals working in this field are recovering addicts who use their own recovery to educate and support teens recovering from substance abuse.
Note: In searching for the right mental health professional to help your teen, credentials and approach are important but often it's even more important that they are comfortable or specialize in treating teens, can establish rapport with your child and are able to communicate effectively ways in which they will try to help your teen.
Quick Links: Troubled Teens