More and more people discover the need to consult with a mental health professional (MHP) at some point in their lives. The stigma that kept so many people away from the “shrink’s” office continues to break down as the general public realizes that counseling and psychotherapy are not only for mental illness. As folks see friends and family consult MHPs for a variety of concerns, including relationships, stress, parenting, and mood changes, the mystery and anxiety are lessened. Gone are the days when this form of help was associated with images of the psychoanalyst’s couch, where one was committed to several sessions a week for several years. Brief counseling and psychotherapy is very popular and suits the needs of many. Approaches that focus on action are contrasted with approaches that emphasize self-discovery. A variety of professional MHP's that conduct psychotherapy can be considered.

So how does one go about picking a mental health professional? Importantly, one should consider the credentials, training and years of experience. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that are trained in the treatment of mental illness. While psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy, many have chosen to focus more on evaluation of emotional disorders and medication management. The sheer demand on a psychiatrist’s time causes many to rely on other MHPs to provide ongoing psychotherapy.

Psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychological science (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D.) and are trained in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological concerns. While psychologists cannot prescribe medications for emotional concerns (except in Louisiana and New Mexico), they use psychological testing to identify the nature of a person’s concerns and the treatment and recommendations that can help. Psychologists are more likely to work with individual, couples, families and groups and such concerns may also fall within the normal range of human behavior. For example, marriage counseling may be offered where neither partner has a psychological problem, but the marriage is struggling and in need of assistance.

Licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists all have at least a master’s degree, the equivalent of two years of education beyond a bachelor’s degree. These individuals can provide counseling and psychotherapy services, usually without supervision in many states, but cannot prescribe medications or conduct in-depth psychological testing.

Aside from the credential and experience of the MHP, some professionals offer specialty services (such as work with eating disorders and substance abuse). While such experience is useful, one should realize that specialties are generally not recognized by state mental health boards. Alcohol and drug counseling does tend to be recognized, although some credentialed alcohol and drug counselors are not qualified to provide other types of counseling services.

When meeting for the first time with your MHP, you should receive information on what you’re getting into. The MHP should not make guarantees and extravagant claims. Counseling is not like a used car lot. The person should be courteous and respectful, and clearly answer your questions with straight and clear answers. Pay attention if the person makes you uncomfortable. Even though it is often uncomfortable to start therapy, the goal early on is to feel a sense of safety with the person to whom you’re speaking.

The relationship between the MHP and the client seeking service is one of the most powerful indicators for success in therapy. If this relationship does not feel right to you and is not improving, it is probably time to end it. A good MHP will not take this personally, but will help you with a referral.

All MHPs are required to behave ethically. Organizations exist that set these ethical standards and can be a recourse for unethical conduct. Sexual contact between a client and an MHP is always unethical. You can find these organizations on websites if you wish to familiarize yourself with these ethics more closely. The American Psychological Association, The National Association of Social Workers, and the American Counseling Association all provide ethics codes.

It is not easy to know who to see when one is in emotional pain. You deserve to have as much information as you can in making your decision. No MHP can work with everyone, no matter how skilled. Trust yourself as you make your decisions.