Title: Getting Help for Mental Illness
Headings: How to Get Help for Mental Health
Menu
How to Get Help for Mental Health
In this Article
Take Action
Where to Go for Mental Health Help
Who Treats Mental Illness?

Content: Physician assistant (PA): These caregivers are not doctors, but they are trained to identify symptoms of mental illness and to treat mental disorders under a doctor’s supervision. Nurse practitioner: These registered nurses (RNs) have extra training, including some background in treating psychiatric problems. Psychiatrist: These are medical doctors ( MDs) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists can prescribe drugs as part of their treatment plan. They are also trained in psychotherapy, a form of counseling or “talk therapy.” Continued
Psychologist: These experts aren’t MDs, but they have advanced degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD).