What's the difference between a therapist, counselor, psychologist & ...?

..psychiatrist? Who would you recommend a troubled teen go see? I think my sister might be depressed; she doesn't have a problem with substances or with boys though. She just have some issues with her self image and not enough motivation to do anything (my family is from another country so her parents are unsupportive & unresponsive to her). Our insurace website offers search for different types of mental health care professionals and it's confusing? There are Licensed Marriage/Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and then there are also Psychologists & Psychiatrists. I don't want to drag her through different sessions just to find someone to work with.

Thanks.

Psychiatrists have a medical degree and prescribes medicine along with all forms of verbal therapy.
Psychologists do NOT have medical degree therefore can't prescribe medicine but they can talk to her
A counselor can talk to her as well and their education varies.
A therapist is just like a psychologist

There are different forms of therapy and psychologists, psychiatrists, couselors, therapist specialize in different areas. And the higher the education the more expensive the doctor.

Either one is fine as long as they are compatible with your sister. Depression is a serious illness. She should get an assessment, preferably from a psychologist and then see whether she needs to see a pscyhicatrist for mental medicine.

about 35,000 dollars a year difference........

they are all the same, they take your money, you are the best person to talk to your sister because you know her. it doesnt take a medical degree to understand people's problems.

A phychiatrist will only prescribe medication. A psychologist will most likely be what you want her to see, they are about the same as a counselor and a therapist...but I believe they have had more education. Best wishes

Begin with a psychiatrist - this is a licensed MD who can treat her with both counseling & medication if necessary. If the pyschiatrist does not feel medication is necessary, he/she will most likely refer your sister to a therapist/counselor (this is because most insurance companies don't let MDs & PhDs do as much therapy as they were allowed to in the past).

By starting with the psychiatrist, you can ensure that the best diagnosis be made & that an appropriate therapist is selected.

I think the differences are the price of them and the latter two can prescribe drugs. Ask them (the councelors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists) questions and let them know of your sisters condition.

Shop around to find one you (and your sister) are most comfortable with and one that is within your budget.

it all depends on how serious her depression is.....i would start with a licensed therapist...they listen to your problems and give sound advice...then the therapist can recommend if they feel she needs to be put on medication...she would have to see a Medical Doctor for a diagnosis and a prescription though...a Psychiatrist is a therapist and a Medical Doctor...they can listen, give advice, diagnose and give a prescription...but some insurance companies require a referral from a MD before you are able to see a Psychiatrist or depending on her age, a Child Psychiatrist...so check with your insurance company first to see if she needs a referral, if not call your MD to see which they think she should see or ask a friend or coworker if they know anyone who is good.
Good Luck and take good care of your sister...you are a wonderful person to be helping her in a time of need!

WOW... it was pretty much summed up in the answers above. My concern is the reason she is depressed... also you need to keep in mind that if she is a minor, then she will definitely need parental consent to receive any type of counseling... Try talking to your parents,,, what is actually raising my red flag is that since your parents are unsupportive right now, what makes you think they will allow her to receive counseling...

A licensed marriage/family therapist is great if the person does not need any type of medication during their treatement... sessions are usually about 45 minutes once a week... a Psychiatrist can also counsel with the option of prescribing some type of anti-depressant pills...

What you need to find out is how you will get the counseling or medication since your sister needs parental consent.... I wish you lots of luck!

Check out (http://www.reducingstress.net ) there is a lot of great content, information articles, expert advice and links on the subject there.

Go to a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) that will have experience in Cultural Competency. You have the right to ask about their experience, expertise, and if they have sought clients who are in the same cultural background as your family. It is better to go to someone who knows more about your culture so you dont' have to educate them abou the difference of an individualistic/collectivistic culture that you may belong to. I recommend you talk to your sister that you are supportive of the decisions you are making with her. A LMFT has learned all the tactics in order to assess her depression and see what treatment plans are best for her, and they have been licensed by the state to ensure they are practicing proper ethics of her confidentiality, etc. And a LMFT will not break confidentiality and talk to your sister firsthand then sign a Consent form if she needs to seek a psychiatrist. The Consent form allows the LMFT to share information to the doctor only abou the possible diagnoses. Although your sister will be referred to your Family Doctor first before going to a Psychiatrist. It is best for her to see a LMFT so your sister does not endanger herself or others.