{"id":12972,"date":"2021-05-27T17:25:59","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T17:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devnamhs.com\/?page_id=12972"},"modified":"2026-05-21T21:56:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:56:01","slug":"which-type-of-provider-is-right-for-me","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/namhs.com\/which-type-of-provider-is-right-for-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Type of Provider is Right for Me?"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761013336182{background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-2.jpg?id=18954) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”50″ el_class=”mast-head home-main-call-desk” divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1698274709188{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 25vh !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Which Type of Provider
\nis Right for Me?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761014009339{background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-3.jpg?id=18956) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”40″ el_class=”home-main-call-desk-3″ divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1760995243142{padding-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1761072917181{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 25vh !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Which Type of
\nProvider is Right
\nfor Me?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761014453715{padding-top: 25px !important;background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-3.jpg?id=18956) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”30″ el_class=”home-main-call-desk-2″ divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1761014531664{padding-top: 150px !important;padding-bottom: 150px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Which Type of Provider
\nis Right for Me?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761014394917{padding-top: 90px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-3.jpg?id=18956) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”30″ el_class=”home-main-call-mobile-1″ divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1761014426744{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Which Type
\nof Provider is
\nRight for Me?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761014386303{padding-top: 40px !important;background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-3.jpg?id=18956) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”10″ el_class=”home-main-call-mobile-2″ divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1760939053883{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Which Type
\nof Provider is
\nRight for Me?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Therapists, Counselors, and Physician Associates at NAMHS<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]What are the differences between working with a therapist, a counselor, or a physician associate? This is a question that people who are new to seeking mental health services often think about.<\/p>\n

Although they are all mental health professionals, the professional certifications of therapists, counselors, and physician associates and scope of work they do are different.<\/p>\n

At North American Mental Health Services, the majority of our practitioners are PA-Cs (Certified Physician Associates), LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), and LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors).[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#3a3838″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-hide”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”13241″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LMFT?<\/h3>\n

An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFT\u2019s work with families and individuals whose problems are relationship-based. Issues may include depression, the effects of a family member\u2019s substance use, divorce, and parent-child conflict. LMFT\u2019s use counseling and varied\u00a0therapeutic techniques<\/a>\u00a0to help create lasting changes in thoughts and behaviors.<\/p>\n

LMFT\u2019s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

AMFT’s are Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. AMFT’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-show”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13241″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LMFT?<\/h3>\n

An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFT\u2019s work with families and individuals whose problems are relationship-based. Issues may include depression, the effects of a family member\u2019s substance use, divorce, and parent-child conflict. LMFT\u2019s use counseling and varied\u00a0therapeutic techniques<\/a>\u00a0to help create lasting changes in thoughts and behaviors.<\/p>\n

LMFT\u2019s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

AMFT’s are Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. AMFT’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-hide”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LPCC?<\/h3>\n

An LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They provide professional clinical counseling to improve mental health. They diagnose problems and use therapy and counseling to help patients cope with mental health challenges including emotional issues, substance abuse, personal trauma, disability, and changes to one\u2019s work or environment.<\/p>\n

Like LMFT\u2019s, LPCC\u2019s cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

An APCC is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. APPC’s have years of experience and training and are working towards licensure.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”13244″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-show”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13244″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LPCC?<\/h3>\n

An LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They provide professional clinical counseling to improve mental health. They diagnose problems and use therapy and counseling to help patients cope with mental health challenges including emotional issues, substance abuse, personal trauma, disability, and changes to one\u2019s work or environment.<\/p>\n

Like LMFT\u2019s, LPCC\u2019s cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

An APCC is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. APPC’s have years of experience and training and are working towards licensure.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-hide”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”13245″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LCSW?<\/h3>\n

An LCSW is a Licensed Counselor Social Worker. They provide psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals and groups. They assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems.<\/p>\n

LCSW\u2019s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

An ASW is an Associate Social Worker. ASW’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-show”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13245″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]\n

What is an LCSW?<\/h3>\n

An LCSW is a Licensed Counselor Social Worker. They provide psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals and groups. They assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems.<\/p>\n

LCSW\u2019s are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

An ASW is an Associate Social Worker. ASW’s have years of training and experience and are working towards licensure.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-hide”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]\n

What is a PA or NP?<\/h3>\n

PAs are Physician Associates (which also includes PA-Cs or Certified Physician Associates). Physician Associates diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. PAs have thousands of hours of medical training and work under the supervision of a doctor.<\/p>\n

NPs are Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners are nurses with advanced training in a clinical setting. They can diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and collaborate with patient care. They work under the supervision of a doctor.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”13248″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-show”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13248″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

What is a PA or NP?<\/h3>\n

PAs are Physician Associates. Physician Associates diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. PAs have thousands of hours of medical training and work under the supervision of a doctor.<\/p>\n

NPs are Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners are nurses with advanced training in a clinical setting. They can diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and collaborate with patient care. They work under the supervision of a doctor.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-hide”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”13250″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

What is a Psychiatrist?<\/h3>\n

Psychiatrists<\/a>\u00a0are licensed as medical doctors and they can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They often work with people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists will monitor patients\u2019 improvements or watch for medication side effects.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”icon-boxes-mobile-show”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13250″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]\n

What is a Psychiatrist?<\/h3>\n

Psychiatrists<\/a>\u00a0are licensed as medical doctors and they can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They often work with people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists will monitor patients\u2019 improvements or watch for medication side effects.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#3a3838″][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Is it better to work with a therapist, a counselor, or a physician associate?<\/h2>\n

Physician Associates are able to diagnose conditions like ADHD and depression, and Physician Associates can prescribe medication.<\/p>\n

People seeking therapy for depression, grief, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, a life challenge, or relationship difficulties should work with a LMFT or a counselor. Some patients who benefit from both medication and therapy may work with a physician associate and therapist at the same time.<\/p>\n

At North American Mental Health Services, our mental health providers work with adults, teens, and children. Our mental health professionals work with patients in-office and online through\u00a0telehealth services<\/a>, including\u00a0online therapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Contact<\/a> our therapy and psychiatric provider offices in Redding<\/a>, Eureka<\/a>, Fairfield<\/a>, Monterey<\/a>, Salinas<\/a>, Red Bluff<\/a> and Hollister<\/a>, Monterey<\/a> and Salinas<\/a> to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” el_width=”10″ accent_color=”#3a3838″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”How can we help?” txt_align=”center” shape=”square” color=”white” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Request an Appointment” btn_shape=”round” btn_color=”white” btn_align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1622657624191{background-color: #2f3068 !important;}” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fnamhs.com%2Fappointment-requests%2F|title:Request%20an%20Appointment”]Anxiety? Depression? Stress? Racing Thoughts? PTSD? We can help.<\/a>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761013336182{background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-2.jpg?id=18954) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”50″ el_class=”mast-head home-main-call-desk” divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1698274709188{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 25vh !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””] Which Type of Provider is Right for Me? [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=”true” thb_shape_divider=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1761014009339{background-image: url(http:\/\/namhs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/header-which-type-3.jpg?id=18956) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” thb_divider_color=”#ffffff” thb_divider_height=”40″ el_class=”home-main-call-desk-3″ divider_shape=”waves_v2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1760995243142{padding-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1761072917181{padding-top: 25vh…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12972","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhich Type of Mental Health Provider Is Right for Me<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our mental health professionals work with patients in-office and online through telehealth services, including online therapy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/namhs.com\/which-type-of-provider-is-right-for-me\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Which Type of Mental Health Provider Is Right for Me\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our 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