Directory of Mental Health Professionals - Mental Health Association ...

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Social Workers
Psychiatric (or clinical) social workers have masters or doctoral
degrees in social work, have completed a field supervision
program, and are licensed/certified. In addition to individual,
family and group counseling and psychotherapy, they are
trained in client-centered advocacy. This includes information,
referral, direct intervention with governmental and civic
agencies, and expansion of community resources.
Case Managers and Outreach Workers
These individuals assist persons with severe mental illness,
including some who may be homeless, to obtain the services
they need to live in the community. Most persons with severe
mental illness need Medicare, social services, and assistance
from a variety of agencies, including those dealing with
housing, Social Security, vocational rehabilitation, and mental
health. Because such services are uncoordinated in many areas,
case managers provide a critical function to monitor a person’s
needs and assure that appropriate agencies get involved. In
many instances they also act as advocates for the client. Case
managers can be nurses or social workers, and work at mental
health centers, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, or other
agencies.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and Family Therapists are licensed by the State Board
of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. The individual
must possess an approved masters degree in a mental health
field, and have completed a post graduate training program in
marriage and family therapy. Marriage and family therapists
may see individuals, couples, and families. They address
problems in pre-marital and marital relationships, as well as
issues of parenting, step-parenting and divorce.
Pastoral Counselors
Pastoral Counselors are clergy who provide emotional,
psychological, and spiritual support and counseling. Faith is
used as a healing resource and sense of comfort and guidance.
Some Pastoral Counselors may be certified by the American
Association of Pastoral Counselors. Certified Pastoral
Counselors have earned at least a masters degree and have
been clinically supervised for 2-3 years by a Certified Pastoral
Counselor.