What is the difference between a mental health counselor, a pastoral counselor, a clinical social worker, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
In Tennessee, as in most states, all of these health professionals are licensed by the state, and are held accountable to its laws. They are also bound by the ethical guidelines of their profession. Psychiatrists are the only ones with a medical degree, and thus the only they can prescribe medications. Training in talk therapy is limited, and n this area of the country, they usually do not provide talk therapy. Other professionals often collaborate with the client’s M.D. to provide medications asneeded. Pastoral Counselor – In Tennessee, to be a licensed pastoral counselor, the therapist must have the equivalent of a Masters in Divinity and a Masters in Pastoral Counseling, with training in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Licensed Clinical Social Worker – The training of these therapists is especially strong in linking clients to community and institutional resources necessary to meet their needs. This is usually a masters level therapist. Licensed Professional Counselor – Usual
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