Mental health is something that we all have, yet many folks don’t notice their mental health until they are struggling.  

Right now, a lot of people are struggling. 

This post offers information on the various types of mental health providers, their typical education / training and services provided, as well as some suggestions about how to find the right type of therapy or support for you. As a note, some of these things may not apply outside of the USA, as laws and ethics can vary from country to country.

Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists

All of the above – Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists – may provide talk therapy and other services related to supporting mental health.  You may see credentials behind a provider’s name, such as LCMHC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT – that “L” at the beginning of all those means the individual holds a professional license to provide services related to mental healthcare.  These providers are referred to as licensed mental health professionals.  To receive that license, an individual must complete certain educational and training requirements, pass a licensing exam, and complete a certain number of supervised hours of providing therapy.  Licensed mental health providers have to engage in ongoing continuing education in order to maintain their professional license.  

Some of the work of licensed mental health professionals includes:

• Helping individuals unpack past events and better handle how those things are currently impacting their life.
• Providing education regarding mental health and general coping skills.
• Working with families, couples, or other groups to improve communication and functioning of the system.  
• Engaging in social justice activities to help ensure safety and availability of support to all people.  

Psychologists are also licensed mental health providers who may offer all the services previously mentioned.  Those who have a graduate degree in psychology also may offer testing to help folks understand their struggles and/or have access to accommodations at work or school.  Psychological testing may also assist with medication management, court cases, or pre-surgery requirements.  

Coaches

Coaching is a field that is not regulated by any type of regulatory boards. Some coaches have completed training and received a certification as a coach, which they will likely list on their website or promotional materials. Some coaches are also licensed mental health professionals or have some other type of credential that is specific to the area of their services. There are also folks who decided to begin a coaching business around a particular topic and, without any additional training, began promoting their services.

A coach may be just the support that you need, depending on your concerns and goals. But it’s important to be aware that there is no overarching regulatory body for coaching and to do your due diligence in learning about any coach you may be considering working with.

Coaches generally work on present issues and help their clients create a different future. This is true regardless of what area(s) they focus on in their coaching. Coaches do not diagnose mental health issues, do not delve into discussions of the past, and should not claim to treat symptoms.

For providers who are both licensed mental health professionals and coaches, their website(s) and promotional materials should make a clear delineation between the 2 types of service. It should be clearly discussed and agreed upon by both parties whether the client is receiving coaching or counseling, and that should remain clear throughout the working relationship.

Registered Dieticians (RD)

Registered Dieticians (RDs) are frequently overlooked as mental healthcare providers. Yet, they frequently work with some of the most high-risk mental health concerns as the support folks dealing with eating disorders. However, RDs don’t only work with folks who have a diagnosed eating disorder.

An RD can provide support around understanding your body’s needs for nourishment and figuring out practical ways to meet those needs.  The support of a dietitian can be helpful on its own, or in coordination with other providers of mental and physical healthcare.  I recommend working with a dietician who is weight-inclusive, or aligned with Health At Every Size,  to ensure that their approach allows for and celebrates the natural variation in body shapes and sizes.  

Medication Management for Mental Health

Those who provide psychiatric care, or medication management for mental health, include Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Physician Associates (PAs), and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (NPs). These folks have education and training in addressing mental health from a medical perspective. These are the providers who are able to prescribe medications, and who specialize in working with mental health concerns.

Next Steps…

Now that you know a bit about the various types of mental health supports available, how do you choose?

Here are some questions to consider:

• Am I seeking therapy, testing, or medication? — The answer to this question can help you narrow down what type of provider you may want to look into first. For therapy, you’ll likely look toward an LCMHC / LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or possibly a psychologist. For testing (particularly for school/work accommodations), a psychologist is most likely to be able to meet your needs. For medication, you will want to connect with a Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Physician Associate, or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Note that some general practitioners will prescribe certain mental health meds, but you may find it most helpful to work with a provider who specializes in mental health. If you have concerns related to eating and/or nutrition, you may seek out an RD first to discuss your concerns.
• Do I need / want to use my insurance to help cover the cost? — Health insurance is meant to help make covered services, such as therapy or medication management, more affordable.  For some folks, it is impossible to access services without the use of insurance benefits, and that will be a deciding factor in which providers are available to you.  However, it is also important to understand that the use of insurance requires that you are given a diagnosis, which becomes part of your permanent medical record.  Using insurance to cover therapy means that your insurance company has access to all your records and notes from every session, which can compromise your confidentiality.  Insurance companies can deny services, regardless of whether you and your provider feel those services are necessary and helpful.  Also, if your insurance is through an employer and that employer changes insurance companies, you may be forced to find a new provider – an often difficult transition with services as personal as therapy. 
• How do I feel about about AI (artificial intelligence) and other tech being a part of my support system? — AI is everywhere!  That includes in the realm of therapy and mental health supports.  Various AI technologies are being used by some therapists (or the programs they utilize) to help make tasks easier.  These AI technologies are also making use of what they learn to provide services in the mental health arena.  You may want to ask a potential provider if they utilize any AI technologies, and if so, how they use them?  You may also want to consider the risks and benefits associated with using tech companies such as BetterHelp, TalkSpace, or Amazon’s Mental Health services.  These companies are focused on technology first, which is clear in their consent information that few people read, and their concern with confidentiality, appropriate services, or sustainable working conditions for therapists may not align with what you’re looking for in mental health supports.
• What characteristics or specialties are most important to you? — Many individuals are looking for certain things when seeking support.  This may include a provider who shares certain identities (gender, ethnicity, etc.) or lived experiences with you.  You may be seeking out a particular specialty and prefer not to work with someone who provides a more general approach.  Alternatively, you may be unsure of exactly what type of therapy could be helpful and a more general approach is just what you need.  Think about what is important to you in a provider and feel free to seek out that information on their website or ask them about those things.

Finding a Provider

The following is a list a few resources to assist you in finding support:

• Inclusive Therapist Directory – Therapists who are committed to affirming various identities that clients may hold.
• Mental Health Match
• Reclamation Collective – Directory of therapists who work with deconstruction / religious trauma / spiritual abuse.
• Open Path Collective – Therapists who provide reduced cost services, ranging from $30-$70 at the time this blog was published.
• Therapy for Black Girls – Connecting Black women and girls with culturally sensitive providers.
• HAES Provider Directory – A variety of providers, including therapists, RDs, chiropractors, etc., who are committed to weight-inclusive care and believe ALL bodies deserve respect and access to mental and physical healthcare.
• Online search using key terms.  Using specific terms in an online search can help you find the right support.  Many folks find my services because they searched “religious trauma therapist in NC” and that led them to my website.  Think about a few key terms to describe what you’re looking for, add in location, and see what kind of results you get.  

What’s Most Important?

This can all feel like a lot to think about; made even more difficult if you’re already having a hard time due to mental health struggles.  So, what’s the most important thing when seeking support? 

Multiple studies have shown that the relationship between you and your provider is the most important factor in determining the effectiveness of mental health therapy. Look for a provider that you connect with. You should feel heard and supported (also possibly challenged, but in a supportive way) in a beneficial therapeutic relationship.

You can get a feel for the provider via their website or their bio in a directory. But it’s also important to notice how you feel when interacting with them. Some providers offer free consultations prior to scheduling, which can be a great time to get a feel for what it might be like to work with them. 

If you’re located in North Carolina and curious if I might be a good fit for supporting you, fill out this contact form to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation chat.  

Remember, while education, training, and credentials are important, the connection you feel with your healthcare provider is also an integral part of feeling supported and moving forward in your journey.  

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Michelle F. Moseley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC. She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma, and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. She also frequently supports late-identified neurodivergent individuals as they navigate the grief and relief of a new understanding of self.  You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle 

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