Psychologists are licensed by the Board of Registration of Psychologists. Professional conduct is monitored at both the state and national level. Psychoanalysts already have a professional degree in psychology or psychiatry, which they have supplemented with at least two years of training at a psychoanalytic institute. Licensing may vary depending on the psychoanalyst's professional degree, and professional conduct is monitored by local institutes such as the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, as well as by the board that issued the license. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have chosen psychiatry as their residency, or specialization.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and often practice some form of psychotherapy.
Licensing is provided by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and professional conduct is monitored by the American Psychiatric Association, as well as by the state Board of Medicine. Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Clinical Specialists are Registered Nurses with additional special education in mental health care. These advanced practice nurses may offer mental health care which includes evaluative, diagnostic, consultative, and therapeutic procedures as well as prescribing medications. Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Clinical Specialists must hold a master's degree in mental health nursing, meet the Board of Registration in Nursing criteria for advanced practice, and receive its authorization. These advanced practice nurses are also certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.