To locate the best source for support, it helps to know what mental health services are available to you and what type of professional or organization can best serve your immediate need. They are licensed to practice medicine, and have completed three years of specialty training after graduating from medical school. A certified psychiatrist has, in addition, practiced for at least two years and passed the examinations of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists can evaluate and diagnose all types of mental disorders, carry out biomedical treatments and psychotherapy, and work with psychological problems associated with medical disorders. Of the mental health professionals, only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs and medical therapies.
Geriatric psychiatrists concentrate on helping the elderly.
Psychologists Practice psychotherapy and work with individuals, groups, or families to resolve problems. Psychiatric nurses Registered professional nurses who have advanced academic degrees at the master's degree level or above. They specialize in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health-related problems. These nurses conduct individual, family, and group therapy, and also work in mental health consultation, education, and administration. Social workers Trained to provide individual therapy, group therapy, diagnosis, referral, and consultation.