Mental Health Terms You Should Know
One in five Americans will experience a mental health issue this year1.
Here's a list of common terms, therapy types and providers that can help you and your family live a healthy, happier life.
If you or someone you know is considering therapy, you can view types of therapists, types of therapy, or video chat live with a therapist for an introductory consultation today.
Benzodiazepines – The most common class of anti-anxiety medication. This type of medication typically works very quickly—usually within 30-60 minutes—and can be taken effectively during an anxiety attack.
Certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor – Certified addiction counselors maintain a voluntary national certification intended for professionals working within addiction-related disciplines. The level of the certification is dependent on education and experience.
Cognitive behavioral therapy – Cognitive therapy focuses on helping the patient become more aware of inaccurate or negative thinking. With the underlying philosophy of thought influencing mood, cognitive therapy seeks to help the patient redirect their thinking in a more positive manner.
Counselor or therapist – Counselors or therapists require a master's degree, Psy.D., or Ph.D. In addition, numerous hours of supervised training and specific national exams are frequently required to become a counselor or therapist and remain certified.
Creative arts therapists – These therapists and counselors rely on creative self-expression techniques, such as music, drama, movement and art, and are certified with advanced degrees.
Crisis Workers and Non-licensed volunteers – These peer therapists offer mental health support in certain instances, including large-scale disasters, help lines and at specialized locations or situations. Although these positions are commonly philanthropic and may not require professional certification or advanced degrees, many do require volunteers to submit references, go through an application and interview process, and complete a training regimen.
Experiential therapy – In experiential therapy, the therapist uses role-play, guided imagery or other activities similar to the patient's experiences to help them understand their emotions and the meaning of these events.
Generalized anxiety disorder – Generalized anxiety disorder is lasting worry with anxiety-related symptoms, including irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling overly tired or restless and muscle tension.
Group therapy – Group therapy allows individuals to work through problems by sharing common issues with others who are experiencing the same thing. Types of groups include general, specialized and support groups. Group members usually receive less individualized attention than those going through individual therapy.
Interpersonal therapy – During interpersonal therapy, the therapist reviews the patient's relationship patterns. The focus for treatment emerges from current relationship issues, such as a loved one's death, a struggle with a significant other or some other important life event.
Licensed clinical social worker – A licensed clinical social worker must have a master's degree in social work and maintain proper clinical licenses. These specialized social workers can diagnose mental illness and typically handle more sensitive cases with varying levels of support, medical assistance and long-term treatment plans; however, they can't prescribe medication.
Licensed social workers – Licensed social workers have a bachelor's or a master's degree in social work. They are able to provide or facilitate therapy but cannot prescribe medication. These social workers typically have fewer education requirements than licensed clinical social workers.
Marital and family therapist – Marital and family therapists have a master's degree and specialized training with couples and families in individual and group settings. Marriage and family therapists are able to diagnose mental health issues, but can't administer medication.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – MAOIs generally have the most side effects and safety guidelines. Special care must be taken when prescribed this type of antidepressant, as certain foods, drinks and other medication could be very dangerous or fatal while taking an MAOI.
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) – NDRI antidepressant users are not likely to experience sexual side effects.
Online therapy – Online therapy is a widely used telemedicine application, incorporating electronic technology to provide therapy between a provider in one location and an individual in another. Providers who deliver care online are held to the same standards of care, licensure and privacy expectations as those providing care in an office setting.
Panic disorder – Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, unexpected bouts of panic, often paired with a racing heart, shortness of breath, debilitating worry and intense fear.
Pastoral counselor – Many people choose to seek mental health therapy from clergy who are trained to provide clinical pastoral therapy. These professionals can diagnose mental health issues without prescribing medication.
Psychiatric mental health nurse – Psychiatric mental health nurses are specialist nurses, but they cannot prescribe medications and can only administer therapy under the direction of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner – Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses with advanced degrees, additional education and specialized training, which allow them to diagnose, treat and prevent mental health disorders. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medication and administer psychotherapy.
Psychiatric physicians' assistant – Physicians' assistants (PAs) practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs perform psychiatric evaluations and assessments, order and interpret diagnostic studies, establish and manage treatment plans and refer as needed.
Psychiatric social workers – Psychiatric social workers have a master's degree or a Ph.D., diagnose mental illness and perform psychotherapy. Some social workers pursue additional voluntary certification, such as a Qualified Clinical Social Worker, to demonstrate their mental health expertise. They are able to provide or facilitate therapy but can't prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist is a physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has completed medical school and residency, and focuses specifically on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists can assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems, conduct psychotherapy, prescribe medications and order medical tests and treatments.
Psychoanalysis – Psychoanalysis is an intensive treatment approach that aims to change or modify a person's personality. Psychoanalysis promotes awareness of unconscious, maladaptive patterns of emotion and behavior and promotes optimal function.
Psychodynamic therapy – Psychodynamic therapy focuses on self-reflection, self-examination and the use of the relationship between therapist and patient to evaluate problematic relationship patterns in the patient's life.
Psychologist – A psychologist has an advanced degree, usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D., in clinical psychology, and has completed an internship with exposure to methods of treatment, analytical testing, problem-solving techniques and behavioral therapy. Psychologists treat mental health problems with psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions; however, they generally can't prescribe medications.
School psychologist – School psychologists are certified psychologists who have gone through a specialized school psychology program and practice in a school setting.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – SSRIs are a common starting point for people starting an antidepressant for the first time. This type of antidepressant typically has fewer side effects and is generally considered a safer option than others.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – SNRIs are commonly prescribed, and people who take them may experience nausea, dizziness and sweating.
Social anxiety disorder – People with social anxiety disorder may be triggered by situations in which other people are present. This anxiety is based upon the fear of being rejected, embarrassed or judged. People with social anxiety disorder may have a difficult time making or keeping friends and feel nervous or ill around other people.
Tranquilizers – Anti-anxiety drugs that relieve anxiety symptoms by slowing down the central nervous system. Tranquilizers are commonly prescribed as sleeping pills and muscle relaxants.
Tricyclic antidepressants – These medicines are usually only prescribed when an SSRI is not successful and generally are accompanied by more side effects.
Sources:
1. "Mental Illness Facts and Numbers." The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mar. 2013. https://www2.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf (accessed 4/24/2016).