The term “mental health specialist” has several definitions. It usually refers to people who have received advanced training to work with people who are suffering from mental illnesses or psychological problems. Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists such as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and psychiatric nurses are among these professionals. In some military branches, the profession is also a defined career, though it does not require as much training and work is typically supportive of the goals of the professionals listed above.
In this last definition, a mental health specialist in the army works at any military health facility dedicated to treating people with mental illnesses, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (PTSD). Specialists are given some training for their jobs and may be responsible for tasks such as patient intake and interviews. Their mission is to sensitively support the work of other mental health professionals in order to help people who are being treated receive the best and safest care possible. Parts of their job may require secretarial or administrative work in addition to patient care.
The term psychiatrist is more commonly used to refer to a mental health specialist, and these professionals may have a wide range of responsibilities. They are licensed doctors, and as such, they can diagnose mental illnesses and recommend a variety of treatments, including medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). They may follow up with patients after suggesting medical intervention in private practice or in hospitals. Some psychiatrists also provide talk therapy or collaborate with people’s therapists to provide the best possible care.
A psychologist who specializes in mental health is likely to be committed to patient care as well. Psychologists, like psychiatrists, can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and other places where mental health treatment is needed. As a specialist in mental health, the psychologist is most likely to work with people who need treatment for mental health issues, so the psychologist’s focus is likely to be on diagnosis and therapy treatment for mental illness or issues that cause mental distress. The most common form of such treatment is therapy with patients.
Similarly, the LCSW and MFT are most likely to provide clients with therapy, as well as possible initial diagnostics. Therapy could last a year or longer, or it could be done on a temporary basis. Individual or group therapy could be used. Some of these counselors work for themselves, while others work for community mental health agencies, hospitals, or programs that treat the mentally ill.
A psychiatric nurse is a mental health specialist who is usually a registered nurse with additional specialization in the field of psychiatric care. They are commonly employed by mental hospitals, but some are also employed by private practice psychiatrists. They look after the patient’s physical needs, keep an eye on their safety, assess their health, and dispense medication in hospital settings. They may answer basic patient questions, educate patients on required medications, and determine when the psychiatrist should be contacted about a patient’s medical status if they work privately.