View source for Mental health professional

A '''mental health professional''' is a person who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's [[mental health]] or to treat [[mental illness]].  This broad category includes [[psychiatrists]], [[clinical psychologists]], licensed professional counselors, [[social work|clinical social workers]], [[psychiatric nurses]], [[mental health counselor]]s as well as many other professionals. These professionals often deal with the same illnesses, disorders, conditions, and issues; however their [[scope of practice]] often differs. The most significant difference between mental health professionals are the laws regarding required education and training in the various groupings.<ref name="AboutPsychs">About:Psychology. (2007). ''Difference Between Pyschologists and Psychiatrists''.  Retrieved March 4, 2007, from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychotherapy/f/psychvspsych.htm</ref>

==Professional distinctions==
===Comparison of American mental health professionals===
{{Globalize/North America|date=December 2010}}
{|  border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" style="border:2px solid #999999;"
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | '''Occupation'''
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | '''Degree'''
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | '''Common Licenses'''
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" |  '''Prescription Privilege'''
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | '''Average Income''' ($US)
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Psychiatrist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]]/[[Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine|DO]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Psychiatrist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | Yes
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $200,000
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Clinical Psychology|Clinical Psychologist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]/[[Doctor of Psychology|PsyD]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Psychologist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | Varies
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $75,000
|-
|  style=";border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[School psychology|School Psychologist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | Doctoral Level [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]/[[Doctor of Education|EdD]]/[[Doctor of Psychology|PsyD]]
Post-Master's Terminal Degree (not doctoral level) [[Educational Specialist|EdS]]

Masters Level [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|MA]]/[[Master of Science|MS]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Certified School Psychology, National Certified School Psychologist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $78,000
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Counseling psychology|Counselor/Psychotherapist]] (Doctorate)
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]/[[Doctor of Education|EdD]]/DMFT
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Family therapy|MFT]]/[[Licensed Professional Counselor|LPC]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $65,000
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Counseling psychology|Counselor/Psychotherapist]] (Masters)
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|MA]]/[[Master's degree|MS]]/MC
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Family therapy|MFT]]/[[Licensed Professional Counselor|LPC]]/[[Licensed Psychological Associate|LPA]]/[[LMHC]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $49,000
|-
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Social work|Clinical Social Worker]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Master of Social Work|MSW]]/[[Doctor of Social Work|DSW]]/[[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] plus two to three years of post-master's supervised clinical experience
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[LCSW]]/[[LICSW]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $50,700
|-
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Social work|Social Worker]] (agency based master's level)
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Master of Social Work|MSW]]/[[Doctor of Social Work|DSW]]/[[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[LMSW]]/[[Graduate social worker|GSW]]/[[Social work|LSW]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $46,170
|-
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Social work|Social Worker]] (bachelor level)
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[BSW]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | RSW, SWA, Social Work Assistant
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $29,170
|-
|- |  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Licensed behavior analysts]] (Doctorate/Master level)
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Licensed behavior analysts|Behavior Analyst]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]/[[Doctor of Education|EdD]]/[[Master of Science|M.S.]]/[[Master of Education|M.Ed.]]/[[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|M.A.]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Licensed behavior analyst|LBA]]/[[Licensed behavior specialist|LBS]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $60,000
|-
|  style=";border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Psychiatric and mental health Nurse Practitioner]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" |  [[Master of Science in Nursing|MSN]]/[[Doctor of Nursing Science|DNP]]/[[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Psychiatric and mental health Nurse Practitioner|MHNP]]/[[Nurse Practitioner|NPP]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | Yes
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" |  $80,711
|-
|  style="border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Physician assistant]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | [[Master of Physician Assistant Studies|MPAS]]/[[Master of Health Science|MHS]]/MMS/DScPA
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | PA/PA-C/APA-C/RPA/RPA-C
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | Yes
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;border-bottom:1px solid #999999;" | $80,356<ref>[http://www.aapa.org/research/specialty-reports-2006/psychiatry.pdf  "2006 AAPA Physician Assistant Census Report"  (10/06/2006)- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)]</ref>
|-
| [[Expressive therapy|Expressive/Art Therapist]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;" | [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|MA]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;" | ATR/[[Music therapy|MT-BC]]
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;" | No
|  style="border-left:1px solid #999999;" | $45,000
|}
''Sources:''<ref name="aps">APA. (2003). [http://research.apa.org/03salary/homepage.html Salaries in Psychology 2003: Report of the 2003 APA Salary Survey]</ref><ref>NIH: Office of Science Education. (2006). [http://science.education.nih.gov/LifeWorks.nsf/Alphabetical+List/Psychiatrist Lifeworks: Psychiatrist]</ref><ref>U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2004). [http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers]</ref><ref>U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2004). [http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses]</ref><ref>NIH: Office of Science Education. (2006). [http://nurse-practitioners.advanceweb.com/resources/np010106_p34table4.pdf] Advance News Magazines.(2005).</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://science.education.nih.gov/LifeWorks.nsf/Alphabetical+List/Art+Therapist|title=Lifeworks: Art Therapist|accessdate=2007-02-17}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

===Treatment diversity===
Mental health professionals exist to improve the mental health of individuals, couples, and families.  Because mental health covers a wide range of elements, the scope of practice greatly varies between professionals.  Some professionals may enhance relationships while others treat specific mental disorders and illness.  Often, as with the case of psychiatrists and psychologists, the scope of practice may overlap.

Most qualified mental health professionals will refer a [[patient]] or [[wiktionary:Client|client]] to another professional if the specific type of [[Mental illness#Treatment|treatment]] needed is outside of their scope of practice. Additionally, many mental health professionals may sometimes work together using a variety of treatment options such as concurrent [[psychiatric medication]] and [[psychotherapy]].  Additionally, specific mental health professionals may be utilized based upon their cultural and religious background or experience.

==Psychiatrist==
{{Main|Psychiatrist|Psychiatry}}
Psychiatrists are [[physician]]s and one of the few professionals in the mental health industry who specialize and are certified in treating [[mental illness]] using the biomedical approach to mental disorders including the use of [[Psychiatric medications|medications]].

Psychiatrists may also go through significant training to conduct [[psychotherapy]] and [[Cognitive therapy|cognitive behavioral therapy]]; however psychologists and clinical psychologists specialize in the research and clinical application of these techniques.  The amount of training a psychiatrist holds in providing these types of therapies varies from program to program and also differs greatly based upon region.

===Specialties of psychiatrists===
As part of their evaluation of the patient, psychiatrists are one of only a few mental health professionals who may conduct physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests and [[EEG]]s, and may order brain imaging studies such as [[Computed tomography|CT]] or [[Computed tomography|CAT]], [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], and [[Positron emission tomography|PET]] scanning. A medical professional must evaluate the patient for any medical problems or diseases that may be the cause of the mental illness.

Historically psychiatrists have been the only mental health professional with the power to prescribe medication to treat specific types of mental illness. Currently, [[Physician Assistant]]s and [[nurse practitioner|advanced practice psychiatric nurses]] may prescribe medications, including [[psychiatric medication]]s. Clinical psychologists have gained the ability to prescribe psychiatric medications on a limited basis in a few U.S. states after completing additional training and passing an examination.

===Educational requirements for psychiatrists===
Typically the requirements to become a psychiatrist are substantial but differ from country to country.<ref name=UKReq>The Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2005). ''Careers info for School leavers''.  Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/training/careersinpsychiatry/careerbooklet.aspx</ref><ref name=USReq>Psychiatry.com (Unknown last update). ''Student Information''.  Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.psychiatry.com/student.php</ref> In general there is an initial period of several years of academic and clinical training and supervised work in different areas of medicine, in order to become a licensed medical doctor, followed by several years of supervised work and study in psychiatry, in order to become a liceensed psychiatrist.

In the United States and [[Canada]] one must first complete a [[Bachelor's degree]].<ref name=USReq /> Students may typically decide any major subject of their choice, however they must enroll in specific courses, usually outlined in a [[Pre-medical|pre-medical program]].<ref name=USReq /> One must then apply to and attend 4 years of [[medical school]] in order to earn their [[Doctor of Medicine|MD]] or [[Osteopathic medicine in the United States|DO]] and to complete their [[Medical education in the United States|medical education]].<ref name=USReq /> Psychiatrists must then pass three successive rigorous national board exams (United States Medical Licensing Exams "USMLE", Steps 1, 2, and 3), which draws questions from all fields of medicine and surgery, before gaining an unrestricted license to practice medicine. Following this, the individual must complete a four-year residency in Psychiatry [[Residency (medicine)|as a psychiatric resident]] and sit for annual national in-service exams. Psychiatry residents are required to complete at least four post-graduate months of internal medicine (pediatrics may be substituted for some or all of the internal medicine months for those planning to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry) and two months of neurology, usually during the first year,<ref name=USReq /> but some programs require more. Occasionally, some prospective psychiatry residents will choose to do a transitional year internship in medicine or general surgery, in which case they may complete the two months of neurology later in their residency. After completing their training, psychiatrists take written and then oral specialty board examinations.<ref name=USReq />  The total amount of time required to qualify in the field of psychiatry in the United States is typically 4 to 5 years after obtaining the MD or DO (or in total 8 to 9 years minimum). Many psychiatrists pursue an additional 1–2 years in subspecialty fellowships on top of this such as child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and psychosomatic medicine.

In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Republic of Ireland]], and most Commonwealth countries, the initial degree is the combined [[Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery|Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery]],<ref name=UKReq /> usually a single period of academic and clinical study lasting around five years. This degree is most often abbreviated 'MBChB', 'MB BS' or other variations, and is the equivalent of the American 'MD'. Following this the individual must complete a two-year foundation programme<ref name=UKReq /> that mainly consists of supervised paid work as a [[Foundation House Officer]] within different specialties of medicine.<ref>[http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/specialtytraining/students/trainingpathways/foundationtraining.aspx RCP - Foundation Training]</ref> Upon completion the individual can apply for "core specialist training" in psychiatry, which mainly involves supervised paid work as a [[Specialty Registrar]] in different subspecialities of psychiatry.<ref>[http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/specialtytraining/students/trainingpathways/coretraining.aspx RCP - Core Training]</ref> After three years there is an examination for Membership of the [[Royal College of Psychiatrists]] (abbreviated [[MRCPsych]]), with which an individual may then work as a "[[Staff grade]]" or "[[Associate Specialist]]" psychiatrist, or pursue an academic psychiatry route via a [[PhD]].<ref>[http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/specialtytraining/careersinpsychiatry/careersinfoforugs.aspx RCP - Careers Info]</ref> If, after the MRCPsych, an additional 3 years of specialization known as "advanced specialist training" are taken (again mainly paid work), and a [[Certificate of Completion of Training]] is awarded, the individual can apply for a post taking independent clinical responsibility as a "[[Consultant (medicine)|consultant]]" psychiatrist.<ref>[http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/specialtytraining/students/trainingpathways/highertraining.aspx RCP - Higher Training]</ref>

==Clinical psychologist==
{{Main|Clinical psychology}}
A clinical psychologist studies and applies [[psychology]] for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development. In many countries it is a regulated profession that addresses moderate to more severe or chronic psychological problems, including diagnosable [[mental illness|mental disorders]]. Clinical psychology includes a wide range of practices, such as research, psychological assessment, teaching, consultation, forensic testimony, and program development and administration. Central to clinical psychology is the practice of [[psychotherapy]], which uses a wide range of techniques to change thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in service to enhancing subjective well-being, mental health, and life functioning. Unlike other mental health professionals, psychologists are trained to conduct [[psychological assessment]]. Clinical psychologists can work with individuals, couples, children, older adults, families, small groups, and communities.

===Specialties of clinical psychologists===
Clinical psychologists who focus on treating mental health specialize in evaluating patients and providing psychotherapy. There are a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and perspectives that guide practitioners, although most fall into the major categories of [[Psychodynamic psychotherapy|Psychodynamic]], [[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy|Cognitive Behavioral]], [[existential psychotherapy|Existential]]-[[Humanistic psychology|Humanistic]], and [[Systemic Therapy|Systems Therapy]] (e.g. [[Family therapy|family]] or couples therapy).

In addition to therapy, clinical psychologists are also trained to administer and interpret psychological personality tests such as the [[Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory|MMPI]] and the [[Rorschach inkblot test]], and various standardized tests of intelligence, memory, and [[Neuropsychology|neuropsychological]] functioning. Common areas of specialization include: [[Mental illness|specific disorders]] (e.g. [[Psychological trauma|trauma]] or  [[Clinical depression|depression]]), [[Clinical neuropsychology|neuropsychological disorders]], [[Child psychopathology|child and adolescent]], [[Family therapy|family]] and [[relationship counseling]], [[Health psychology|health]], [[Sport psychology|sport]], [[Forensic psychology|forensic]], [[Industrial and organizational psychology|organization and business]], and [[Educational psychology|school]] psychology.

===Educational requirements for clinical psychologists===
Clinical psychologists, having completed an [[undergraduate degree]] usually in psychology or other [[social science]], generally undergo specialist postgraduate training lasting at least two years (e.g. Australia), three years (e.g. UK), or four to six years depending how much research activity is included in the course (e.g. US). In countries where the course is of shorter duration, there may be an informal requirement for applicants to have undertaken prior work experience supervised by a clinical psychologist, and a proportion of applicants may also undertake a separate [[PhD]] research degree.

Today, in the U.S., about half of licensed psychologists are trained in the [[Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychology]] (PhD)—a model that emphasizes both research and clinical practice and is usually housed in universities. The other half are being trained within a [[Psy.D.|Practitioner-Scholar Model of Clinical Psychology]] (PsyD), which focuses on practice (similar to professional degrees for medicine and law).<ref name="norcrosspsyd">Norcross, J. & Castle, P. (2002). [http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_171.asp Appreciating the PsyD: The Facts.] ''Eye on Psi Chi, 7(1),'' 22-26.</ref> A third training model called the Clinical Scientist Model emphasizes training in clinical psychology research. Outside of coursework, graduates of both programs generally are required to have had 2 to 3 years of supervised clinical experience, a certain amount of personal psychotherapy, and the completion of a dissertation (PhD programs usually require original quantitative empirical research, whereas the PsyD equivalent of dissertation research often consists of literature review and qualitative research, theoretical scholarship, program evaluation or development, critical literature analysis, or clinical application and analysis).

==Counseling psychologist or psychotherapist==
{{Main|Psychotherapy|Counseling Psychology|Counseling}}

[[Counseling]] generally involves helping people with what might be considered "normal" or "moderate" psychological problems, such as the feelings of anxiety or sadness resulting from major life changes or events.<ref name="brain">Brain, Christine. (2002). ''Advanced psychology : applications, issues and perspectives.'' Cheltenham : Nelson Thornes. ISBN 0-17-490058-9></ref><ref name="compass">Compass, B. & Gotlib, I. (2002). ''Introduction to Clinical Psychology.'' New York, NY : McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-07-012491-4</ref> As such, counseling psychologists often help people adjust to or cope with their environment or major events, although many also work with more serious problems as well.

One may practice as a counseling psychologist with a PhD or EdD, and as a counseling psychotherapist with a [[Masters degree]]. Compared with clinical psychology, there are fewer counseling psychology graduate programs (which are commonly housed in departments of education), counselors tend to conduct more vocational assessment and less projective or objective assessment, and they are more likely to work in public service or university clinics (rather than hospitals or private practice).<ref>Norcross, John. (2000). [http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_73.asp Clinical versus counseling psychology: What's the diff?] ''Eye on Psi Chi, 5(1),'' 20-22.</ref> Despite these differences, there is considerable overlap between the two fields and distinctions between them continue to fade.

==Behavior Analyst==
{{Main|Professional practice of behavior analysis}}

Behavior analysts are licensed in five states to provide services for clients with [[substance abuse]], [[developmental disabilities]], and [[mental illness]]. This profession draws on the evidence base of [[applied behavior analysis]], [[behavior therapy]], and the philosophy of [[behaviorism]]. Behavior analysts have at least a master's degree in [[behavior analysis]] or in a mental health related discipline as well as at least five core courses in applied behavior analysis. Many behavior analysts have a doctorate. Most programs have a formalized internship program and several programs are offered online. Most pracitioners have passed the examnination offered by the behavior analysis certification board [http://www.bacb.com] or the examination in clinical behavior therapy by the World Association for Behavior Analysis[http://www.baojournal.com/WCBA/WCBA.html] . The model licensing act for behavior analysts can be found at the [[Association for Behavior Analysis International]]'s website.

==Certified Mental Health Professional==
The Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) certification is designed to measure an individual’s competency in performing the following job tasks. The job tasks are not presented in any particular order of importance.

#Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
#Encourage clients to express their feelings, discuss what is happening in their lives, and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
#Guide clients in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with their problems.
#Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
#Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
#Collect information about clients through interviews, observations, and tests.
#Act as the client’s advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
#Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
#Collaborate with other staff members to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans.
#Evaluate client’s physical or mental condition based on review of client information.

==School psychologist==
{{Main|School psychology}}
School psychologists' primary concern is with the academic, social, and emotional well-being of children within a scholastic environment. Unlike clinical psychologists, they receive much more training in education, child development and behavior, and the psychology of learning, often graduating with a post-Masters [[Educational Specialist|Educational Specialist Degree]] (EdS), EdD or [[Doctor of Philosophy]] (Ph D) degree. Besides offering individual and group therapy with children and their families, school psychologists also evaluate school programs, provide cognitive assessment, help design prevention programs (e.g. reducing drops outs), and work with teachers and administrators to help maximize teaching efficacy, both in the classroom and systemically.<ref>Silva, Arlene. (2003). ''[http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/whatis.aspx Who Are School Psychologists?]''. National Association of School Psychologists.</ref>

==Social worker==
{{Main|Social work}}
Social workers in the area of mental health may assess, treat, develop treatment plans, provide case management and/or rights advocacy to individuals with mental health problems.  They can work independently or within clinics/service agencies, usually in collaboration with other health care professionals.

In the US, they are often referred to as clinical social workers; each state specifies the responsibilities and limitations of this profession.  State licensing boards and national certification boards require clinical social workers to have a masters or doctoral degree (MSW or DSW/PhD) from a university. The doctorate in social work requires submission of a major original contribution to the field in order to be awarded the degree.

In the UK there is a now a standardized three-year undergraduate social work degree, or two-year postgraduate Masters for those who already have an undergraduate social sciences degree and relevant work experience. These courses include mandatory supervised work experience in social work, which may include mental health services. Successful completion allows an individual to register and work as a qualified social worker. There are various additional optional courses for gaining qualifications specific to mental health, for example training in psychotherapy or, in England and Wales, for the role of [[Approved Mental Health Professional]] (two years' training for a legal role in the assessment and detention of eligible mentally disordered people under the [[Mental Health Act 1983|Mental Health Act (1983)]] as amended in 2007).

In general, it is the social model rather than, or in addition to, the dominant medical model, that is the underlying rationale for mental health social work. This may include a focus on social causation, labeling, critical theory and social constructivism. Many argue social workers need to work with medical and health colleagues to provide an effective service but they also need to be at the forefront of processes that include and empower services users.<ref>Golightley, M. (2004) ''Social work and Mental Health'' Learning Matters, UK</ref>

== Psychiatric and mental health nurse==
{{Main|Psychiatric and mental health Nurse Practitioner}}
{{See also|Psychiatric and mental health nursing}}

Psychiatric Nurses or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners work with people with a large variety of mental health problems, often at the time of highest distress, and usually within hospital settings.  These professionals work in primary care facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, as well as in hospitals and community health centers. MHNPs evaluate and provide care for patients who have anything from psychiatric disorders, medical mental conditions, to substance abuse problems.  They are licensed to provide emergency psychiatric services, assess the psychosocial and physical state of their patients, create treatment plans, and continually manage their care.  They may also serve as consultants or as educators for families and staff; however, the MHNP has a greater focus on psychiatric diagnosis, including the differential diagnosis of medical disorders with psychiatric symptoms and on medication treatment for psychiatric disorders.

=== Educational requirements for psychiatric and mental health nurses ===
Psychiatric and mental health nurses receive specialist education to work in this area. In some countries it is required that a full general [[nurse]] training be completed prior to specializing as  a psychiatric nurse.  In other countries, such as the [[United Kingdom|U.K.]], an individual completes a specific nurse training course that determines their area of work.  As with other areas of nursing, it is becoming usual for psychiatric nurses to be educated to degree level and beyond.

In order to become a nurse practitioner in the [[United States|U.S.]], at least six years of college education must be obtained.  After earning the Bachelor's degree (usually in nursing, although there are Masters Entry Level Nursing graduate programs intended for individuals with a Bachelors degree outside of nursing) the test for licensure as a registered nurse (the NCLEX-RN) must be passed.  Next, the candidate must complete a state-approved Masters Degree advanced nursing education program which includes at least 600 clinical hours.  Several schools are now also offering further education and awarding a DNP( Doctorate of Nurse Practice).

Individuals who choose a Masters Entry Level pathway will spend an extra year at the start of the program taking classes necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN.  Some schools will issue a BSN, others will issue a certificate.  The student then continues with the normal MSN program.<ref>[http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/spec-psy.htm. MS Specialty: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing - UCSF School of Nursing - - nurseweb.ucsf.edu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.acnpweb.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3479. Home - American College of Nurse Practitioners<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/nps.htm.</ref><ref>[http://nurse-practitioners.advanceweb.com/common/editorial/editorial.aspx?CC=65135&CP=3. ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioners | Editorial<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Mental health]]
* [[Mental illness]]
* [[Psychiatry]]
** [[Anti-psychiatry]]
* [[Psychology]]
** [[Clinical Psychology]]
** [[List of credentials in psychology]]
** [[Psychologist]]
** [[Psychotherapy]]
** [[Clinical Associate (Psychology)]]
* [[List of counseling topics]]

== References ==
<!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref> and </ref> tags and the tag below -->
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading==

* Atkinson, J. (2006) '''Private and Public Protection: Civil Mental Health Legislation''', Edinburgh, Dunedin Academic Press
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/headroom/mental_health/mental_health_professionals.shtml BBC Headroom:] What job do Mental Health Professionals perform?

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mental Health Professional}}
[[Category:Mental health]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]
[[Category:Clinical psychology]]
[[Category:Mental health professionals]]