When you go looking for help with anxiety, depression, grief or a relationship that’s falling apart, the first obstacle is often the alphabet soup: PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, MD. They’re all qualified to help — in different ways. Here’s what each one means in New York State, and how to choose.
Psychiatrists (MD or DO)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. The key difference from everyone else on this list: they can prescribe medication. Many psychiatrists today focus mainly on diagnosis and medication management, with shorter follow-up visits, and work alongside therapists who provide talk therapy. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can also prescribe.
Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
Licensed psychologists in New York hold a doctoral degree and have completed supervised clinical experience and a licensing exam. They provide therapy and are the professionals who do formal psychological testing — for ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive concerns or diagnostic questions. They don’t prescribe medication in New York.
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
LCSWs have a master’s degree in social work, years of supervised clinical practice and a clinical license. They make up a large share of the therapists in community clinics, group practices and private offices in Erie County, and they’re often well versed in connecting clients with practical resources too.
Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC) and marriage and family therapists (LMFT)
LMHCs and LMFTs hold master’s degrees and their own New York licenses, with supervised experience requirements. Counselors work with individuals on a wide range of concerns; marriage and family therapists focus on couples, families and relationships. You’ll find both among our therapists and counselors.
So which one?
- If you think you might need medication, or you’ve been on medication that isn’t working, start with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner — or ask your primary care doctor, who can prescribe many common medications and refer you.
- If you want to talk things through and learn ways to cope, any licensed therapist — psychologist, LCSW, LMHC or LMFT — can help. Their approach and how well you connect matter more than which letters they have.
- If you need testing or a formal evaluation, see a psychologist.
- For couples or family issues, look for an LMFT or a therapist who specifically works with couples.
Practical questions to ask when you call
- Are you taking new clients, and how soon could I be seen?
- Do you take my insurance, or what is your self-pay rate?
- Do you offer telehealth?
- Do you have experience with what I’m dealing with?
You can confirm any of these licenses yourself through the New York State Office of the Professions — we walk through it in how to check a license in New York.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
