Psychologist, Therapist, or Psychiatrist? Finding the right type of help in Santa Rosa
I previously worked for a department of Psychiatry at a large outpatient medical clinic in Santa Rosa, CA, and often had patients come in confused about my role in helping them.
They wondered if I was going to prescribe them medication for their mental health symptoms, give them a psychological assessment and diagnose them, or provide supportive talk therapy. I get it! It’s super confusing who does what in the field of mental health.
This guide will help you differentiate between these professionals so you can find the one best suited to your needs in Sonoma County.
Quick Guide: Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional in Santa Rosa
When deciding which type of professional to see, consider your specific needs:
For therapy or counseling, seek an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or psychologist.
If you need medication, consult a psychiatrist.
For goal-setting and personal growth, a life coach may be suitable.
Ensure that any professional you choose is licensed (if applicable) and has the qualifications to address your concerns.
Types of Mental Health Professionals in Santa Rosa:
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology and have:
Completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work
Passed rigorous licensing exams
In addition to providing psychotherapy, psychologists specialize in psychological evaluation and research. They do not prescribe medications for mental health.
Suppose you're seeking detailed psychological assessments or testing, for instance wanting your child to be screened for ADHD or need a court-appointed child custody assessment. In that case, a psychologist may be the right choice.
The Board of Psychology regulates psychologists in California, and you can check their licensure online.
Licensed Mental Health Therapists
Licensed mental health therapists in Santa Rosa, CA include:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)
These professionals are equipped to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Their training typically includes:
A master’s degree
3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
Passing multiple licensure exams
Most people seek these licensed mental health professionals for psychotherapy or talk therapy.
Though MFTs have the specialization of marriage and family therapy, lots of MFTs like myself, decide just to work with individuals in therapy. We utilize our expertise in relationships to help our clients, even when we aren’t directly providing couples or family counseling. Fun fact- California has about 30,890 licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapists) so you’ll likely find lots of MFTs, like myself, when searching for therapy.
Therapists in California are regulated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. You can verify their licenses on the California Department of Consumer Affairs website.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They are trained to:
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders
Prescribe and manage medications
If you are looking to get medical intervention for your mental health- such as psychotropic medications (like an antidepressant), then you will likely see a psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists may collaborate with therapists or psychologists to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Licensure can be verified through the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
School Psychologist/ Licensed Educational Psychologist
School psychologists in Sonoma County have specialized training and education to evaluate children and adolescents in school settings for mental health and educational concerns. They are qualified to conduct psychoeducational assessments, which help identify learning disabilities or other conditions that may interfere with a student’s ability to succeed academically.
These professionals hold at least a master’s degree and have completed rigorous licensing exams, similar to other licensed mental health professionals. Their expertise supports students, families, and educators in addressing barriers to learning and fostering academic and emotional success.
Associates, Interns, and Post-Doctoral Residents
These professionals are in the process of earning full licensure, such as:
Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT)
Psychological Associates
They work under supervision and often charge lower fees, making them a cost-effective option. However, therapy with unlicensed professionals may not be covered by insurance, so confirm your health benefits before proceeding.
Life Coaches
Life coaches focus on helping individuals achieve personal goals and improve life satisfaction. Unlike licensed therapists or psychologists, life coaches are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Training: Some obtain certifications, but there are no formal or regulated standards.
Scope: Ideal for setting and achieving goals rather than addressing clinical mental health concerns.
Therapy in Santa Rosa from a Licensed MFT
Angela Sitka, LMFT, has a private practice in Santa Rosa, CA specializing in helping adults with relational problems, including relationship anxiety, men’s relationship issues, divorce recovery and young adults.
I am a Santa Rosa therapist who specializes in adults who feel stuck with anxiety, anger, self-doubt, and negative thinking that gets in the way of fulfilling relationships.
I offer online counseling to anyone residing in California and in-person counseling for Sonoma County.
Skip the phone tag and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation into my online calendar here: