Why A Psychologist
Like many people seeking help, you may be experiencing some confusion about the kinds of professionals there are out there to provide mental health services. There are many types of licensed psychotherapists, and they all have different educational and clinical training backgrounds. Great therapists can be found from each of the training models.
A Psychologist has trained at the doctoral level, which usually includes a total of 5-7 years education and training, full-time. This training starts with extensive coursework in the theory, research and practice of psychology (psychological assessment & testing, neuropsychology, ethics, cross-cultural issues, statistics & research methods, as well as learning the different types of therapy for all populations). Training also involves completing several years of pre- and post-doctoral internships, as well as completing an original study or dissertation (if the degree is a Ph.D. vs. Psy.D. which does not require this), which can take several years. Psychologists must pass a written examination, and have thousands of training hours to qualify for licensure in the State of California. A Psychologist may be the right choice if you want a highly training therapist and are not looking primarily for medication management.
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.), who completes 3-4 years of residency training in mental health diagnosis and treatment after medical school. Psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medications, and may focus their practice on medication management. Both Psychologists and Psychiatrists are trained to treat complex, severe mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Psychologists are usually required to take many years of psychological coursework, where Psychiatrists gain specialization in Psychiatry during their residency, where they are supervised in an inpatient setting while taking various seminars related to the field of Psychiatry. Seminars are different than typical graduate school classes because they are less time (usually an hour or two, once a week), and exams are not required. A Psychiatrist has to take specialized Boards after their residency is complete.
Licensed counselors (LPCC)/therapists (LMFT) and social workers (LCSW) generally have a master's degree (2 years graduate school), and requisite clinical internship hours for licensure. They often work in a variety of community-based settings, and may practice privately as well, often with a focus on marital and family issues or individual counseling.
Coaches, mentors & hypnotherapists are not licensed therapists and do not treat psychological difficulties--they generally focus on a particular set of skills in which they may be certified by a training institute. A mentor is generally a wise and trusted person who has successfully navigated the situations you are in, brings their resources to you and points out minefields. A coach guides from the sidelines, holds you accountable and inspires your inner resources. Hypnotherapists are trained in specific hypnotherapy practices. Many licensed therapists are trained and experienced in both mentoring, coaching and hypnotherapy, and employ these skills in their work.