When it's not getting any better. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, trained professional. There are many types of mental health providers you can choose from. What's important is that you select a provider with appropriate training and qualifications. They possess a unique combination of scientific methods, along with substantial skills and experience in working with people who have real life problems.
Psychologists study the science of human behavior, and then apply it, in a professional setting.
Psychologists are licensed by the state in which they practice. APA's membership includes more than 132,000 practitioners, researchers, educators, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 49 sub fields of psychology and affiliations with 58 state and territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare .