Art Therapist

Art therapists have a master's level degree in art therapy or a related field. They are trained to use the creative process to help clients understand and better cope with emotional issues. Art therapists may work with groups or individuals and may use a wide variety of art materials to encourage clients to create visual representations of their thoughts and feelings.

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Clinical social workers commonly hold a master's degree in social work (or the equivalent) and have completed two years of supervised practice to obtain a clinical license. They may use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including psychodynamic therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Counselor

Licensed Counselors have a master's or a doctoral degree in counseling or a related area and complete two years of supervised practice. In most States, they are licensed as independent providers of mental health services, including the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional issues, and use a variety of therapeutic techniques.

Drug & Alcohol Counselor

Drug and alcohol counselors have received specialized training in substance abuse and recovery from addiction. They help patients discover the roots of their addictions, manage withdrawal, and repair their lives and relationships.

Licensed Psychoanalyst

A Licensed Psychoanalyst has completed a state-approved, post-graduate level psychoanalytic training program, which requires supervised experience while attending classes and undergoing the trainee's own analysis. Psychoanalysis is an in-depth form of therapy. The client learns what conscious and unconscious wishes drive their patterns of thinking and behavior on the theory that, by making the unconscious conscious, they will make more educated choices over how they think and act.

Life Coach

Anyone can call himself a life coach, though some associations are in the process of establishing professional guidelines for this fast-growing field. A life coach may have mental health training, or may draw upon personal experiences to offer clients help with setting and reaching personal and professional goals.

Marriage & Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists have either a master's or doctorate degree specializing in family and interpersonal dynamics. They treat individuals in the context of family relationships, addressing issues from anger and resentment to intimacy and communication skills.

Music Therapist

Music therapists often have a master's level degree in therapy or a related field. They are trained to use the creative process to help clients understand and better cope with emotional issues. Music therapists work with groups or individuals to encourage clients to create musical representations of their thoughts and feelings.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists have at least a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. They work with children and adults who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. Occupational therapy improves a patient's ability to perform tasks in their living and working environments. They also help patients develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills by improving basic motor functions and reasoning abilities.

Pastoral Counselor/Therapist

Pastoral counselors are trained in both psychology and theology, and provide psychological as well as spiritual guidance to clients and their families. They perform a variety of tasks such as conducting religious services, delivering religious rites, and providing counseling and companionship to patients and family members. In many cases they have a master's degree in divinity and are members of the clergy.

Pre-Licensed Professional

A pre-licensed professional is in the process of meeting the requirements to become a licensed practitioner. They may treat patients under the supervision and guidance of licensed therapists.

Psychiatric Nurse

Psychiatric or mental-health nurses have received additional training in dealing with behavioral issues, psychiatric drugs, and a variety of different therapies. They may administer medication to patients as well as provide psychotherapy and counseling.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, who, after completing medical school, receive an additional four years of specialized mental-health training. Psychiatrists treat the full range of emotional and mental disorders, and are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists sometimes use psychotropic medication in conjunction with therapy to treat patients.

Psychologist

Psychologists have earned a doctorate degree in psychology. Their training may have been focused on theory and research methods, or they may have concentrated in clinical therapy and counseling. Psychologists are required to complete several years of supervised practice before becoming licensed.

Some Canadian provinces require a Masters Degree.