Types of Mental Health Providers: Which Is Right for You?

MDs, PsyDs, LCSWs, LPCs—navigating the alphabet soup of mental health credentials can feel overwhelming. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we often help patients understand which type of provider best fits their needs. Here's your guide to the different mental health professionals you might encounter in Gwinnett County and throughout metro Atlanta.

Psychiatrists (MD or DO)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. After completing medical school, they complete a 4-year psychiatry residency. This extensive training allows them to:

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Prescribe and manage medications
• Provide psychotherapy
• Order and interpret lab tests
• Treat complex conditions that may involve both physical and mental health

Best for: People who may benefit from medication, those with complex or severe conditions, anyone wanting comprehensive evaluation and treatment from a single provider.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners hold advanced nursing degrees with specialized psychiatric training. In Georgia, PMHNPs can:

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Prescribe medications
• Provide various therapies

Best for: Similar to psychiatrists, PMHNPs are excellent for medication management combined with therapy.

Physician Assistants (PA-C)

Physician assistants complete a master's degree program and work under physician supervision. In psychiatric settings, they can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.

At Next Step Psychiatry, Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C works alongside Medical Director Dr. Aneel Ursani to provide comprehensive psychiatric care to our Gwinnett County patients.

Best for: Patients seeking medication management and comprehensive psychiatric assessment.

Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)

Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and specialize in psychological testing and various forms of therapy. In most states including Georgia, psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

Best for: Those seeking intensive therapy, psychological testing, or who prefer treatment without medication.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

LCSWs hold master's degrees in social work and have completed supervised clinical hours. They provide therapy and can diagnose conditions but cannot prescribe medication.

Best for: Those seeking therapy, especially if you're also navigating social services or community resources.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

LPCs hold master's degrees in counseling and provide various forms of talk therapy. They cannot prescribe medication.

Best for: Those seeking therapy for life challenges, relationship issues, or mental health concerns that don't require medication.

Which Provider Should You See?

Consider these factors when choosing a mental health provider in metro Atlanta:

• Medication needs: If you think you might benefit from medication, start with a psychiatrist, PMHNP, or PA-C.
• Severity of symptoms: More severe or complex conditions often benefit from psychiatric care.
• Type of treatment desired: If you prefer therapy-only approaches, a psychologist, LCSW, or LPC may be ideal.
• Insurance coverage: Check which providers your plan covers.
• Availability: Some provider types have shorter wait times than others.

Working Together

Many people benefit from seeing multiple providers—for example, a psychiatrist for medication management and an LCSW for weekly therapy. These providers can collaborate to give you comprehensive care.