Mental health professionals have special training to treat specific age groups (like children, adults, older adults) or specific illnesses (like anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder [ADD] or schizophrenia). If
you have a specific need, be sure to explain it when you call any of the following for a referral.

It is a good idea for older adults to seek help from professionals who have been trained in geriatrics because of the special issues of older adults, the likely existence of other health issues and the considerations of medications in older bodies.

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with special training to diagnose and treat mental illness. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can write prescriptions for medicines. To find a psychiatrist, call 410.625.0232.

A Psychologist is a licensed individual with a Ph.D or an equivalent subject. A psychologist can diagnose and treat mental illness and do psychological testing. S/he also can provide individual and group therapy. To find a psychologist, call 410.992.4258.

A Pastoral Counselor has a college degree and mental health training, is a clergy person or a certified layperson, and has had supervised training. To find a pastoral counselor, call 410.433.2241.

A Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker is a therapist with a master’s degree in social work. Clinical social workers offer couples, group, family and individual therapy. To find a clinical social worker, call 410.298.3226.

A Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
has a master’s degree in a health and human service counseling, as well as training in alcohol and drug abuse treatment. To find a treatment provider, call 410.402.8600.

A Certified Professional Marriage and Family Therapist has a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and offers help for married couples and families. To find a marital and family counselor, call 301.460.0340.

A Certified Professional Counselor is a counselor with a master’s degree in the fields of psychology or counseling who has special training in examining and treating patients.

A Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse is
a registered nurse with a master’s degree and is
a certified specialist in psychiatric or mental
health nursing. To find a nurse specialist, call
410.614.6032.

The National Mental Health Association has a directory of mental health professionals that can be accessed online at http://therapist.psychologytoday.com/nmha/

Search Tip: Try specifing your search to geriatric practitioners.