PHYSICIANS 
Physicians who have specific training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of medical illnesses.  Physicians attend medical school and receive a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy degree (D.O.).  After completing their medical training, they complete an additional four years of residency training in a specialty area like psychiatry, neurology, or even adult / geriatric medicine.  Some psychiatrists might receive additional, specialized training in a specific area of interest such as geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, or addictions, just to name a few.   Physicians are duly licensed and credentialed by each state to practice medicine and are able to prescribe an array of medications and order medical tests.

PSYCHOLOGISTS
Psychologists receive graduate level training in the field of Psychology and pursue either a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) in Psychology.  Doctorate graduate programs typically take five to seven years to complete and typically require a year-long internship of applied, supervised experience before the doctorate degree is awarded.  In addition, most states require an additional one to two year post-doctoral residency involving applied, supervised experience in order to gain licensure.  Some psychologists might receive additional, specialized training in a specific area of interest such as geriatric psychology, child and adolescent psychology, addictions specialist, or neuropsychology, just to name a few.  Psychologists are duly licensed and credentialed by each state and are expert in diagnosing and treating mental illness through psychological testing and psychotherapy.
The title of “Psychologist” may only be used by an individual who has met all criteria set forth by the state and has successfully passed the Psychology licensing examination.

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS
Clinical Social Workers receive graduate training in the field of Social Work and must possess a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree.  Masters level social work programs typically take from two to three years to complete.  In addition, most states require an additional two to three years of applied, supervised experience working in the capacity of a social worker before being eligible for state licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.).
Clinical Social Workers are duly licensed and credentialed by each state and are proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness as well as expert in case management and coordination of social services and programs.

LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is a professional who has been qualified to provide psychotherapy and other counselling services. They must obtain a minimum of a master’s degree in fields that are relevant to counselling. A certain amount of training under the supervision of a professional counselor is also required. LCPCs are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups to treat mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders. The main goal of LCPCs is to use counselling strategies to help people live a more satisfying life, which typically involves identifying a goal and finding potential solutions.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses (R.N.) who have completed advanced, graduate education (a minimum of a Master’s degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses.  Nurse Practitioners are able to provide a broad range of healthcare services and work closely with physicians to provide the best quality healthcare for their clients.  Nurse Practitioners are able to prescribe medications, order medical tests, and are often considered expert in preventative care – counseling and educating clients on the effects of lifestyle behaviors on health and well-being, self-care skills, and exploring treatment options.