Back in April of 2006 I wrote a blog about How to Find a Therapist. If you are interested in reading that blog it is at http://birthfamily-search.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/how-to-find-a-therapist. I thought today, I would let you know about the types of help that are available to you.

There are many different professionals who provide mental health services but not all of them may be available in your area. It may help to know the training and credentials of the various professionals.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the evaluation of mental or emotional disorders which may require medication. Psychiatrists complete medical school and follow with post-graduate training in psychiatric disorders and perhaps subspecialties in child and adolescent psychiatry. Psychiatry's primary focus is on medication consultation and management, and only a few psychiatrists have formal training in psychotherapy, counseling, or interventions that address child and adolescent behavioral or emotional disorders. Rather, most work with or refer to specialists in child and family evaluation and therapy.

A clinical psychologist has completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and usually has completed advanced courses in general development, psychological testing and evaluation, and psychotherapy techniques and counseling. Many clinical psychologists develop a subspecialty in child and adolescent development, psychological testing, and family therapy.

A clinical neuropsychologist holds a Ph.D. They complete undergraduate and graduate training in biological and medical theories pertaining to human behavior and doctoral studies in clinical neuropsychology, followed by post-graduate specialty training in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, neurological and medical conditions, traumatic brain injury, learning and memory disorders and the differential diagnosis of organic versus psychiatric or psychological disorders.

A clinical social worker (LCSW or MSW) has completed a master's degree in social work with emphasis on family structure and children's interactional strengths and weaknesses. Social workers typically focus on social, educational and family adjustment issues, but usually do not have professional training in psychological testing. Many complete advanced training and licensure in order to be qualified under state license requirements to offer counseling to individuals and families.

A marriage and family therapist (MSW) has a master's degree in counseling techniques that mainly focus on family relationships and couples. Family therapists focus on communication building and on family structure and boundaries within the family.

A licensed professional counselor often has graduate training in a specialty such as education, psychology, pastoral counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Licensed professional counselors focus on brief problem-solving therapies with a focus on reorganizing the family, building communication skills, and strengthening family relationships.

A Pastoral Counselor has a minimum of a master's degree (many have completed doctoral training) and focuses on supportive interventions for individuals or families, using spirituality as an additional source of support for those in treatment.

You may want to check the local state and regional referral resources in order to find a therapist who has the experience and training best suited to your needs. This will require more time as research is involved but in the end your efforts should result in find the mental health service provider best able to work with you and/or your family.

The National Adoption Clearinghouse recommends the following professional organizations that can provide you with information regarding therapists that specialize in adoption issues. These organizations can direct you to therapists in your area

The American Psychological Association (APA)
750 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 336-5500
Website: http://www.apa.org/

The American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
1-888-35-PSYCH (77924)
(202) 682-6000
Website: http://www.psych.org/

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
1133 15th Street, NW
Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 452-0109
Website: http://www.aamft.org/

The National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 408-8600
Website: http://www.naswdc.org/