The Different Types of Therapists in New York City

New York City has many kinds of mental-health professional. The titles overlap, and each profession trains and works differently. The ones below are grouped by training, licence and what each is qualified to do.

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Can a psychologist prescribe medication in New York?

In almost all cases, no. Prescribing medication is generally the role of psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, not psychologists. A small number of US states let specially trained psychologists prescribe. That remains uncommon.

In New York, medication usually means seeing a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Psychologists work on assessment and talk therapy.

Who prescribes, and who provides talk therapy

There are two groups. All of the professions below provide talk therapy. Only the medical prescribers add medication to that: psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

What "licensed" means in New York

In New York these professions are licensed through the State Education Department's Office of the Professions. A licence means the person passed a state examination and met set training standards. On its own it says little about fit.

Some words, like "therapist", are used broadly. Before booking, ask what profession and licence the person actually holds.

The provider types

Psychiatrists (MD, DO)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They hold an MD or DO, and train in psychiatry after medical school. That medical training is what lets them prescribe medication. Many work with people managing conditions such as bipolar disorder or severe depression.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced mental-health training. They can prescribe too. Where medication is needed, this is a second route alongside a psychiatrist.

Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree, usually a PhD or PsyD, then complete supervised clinical training. In New York they are licensed after passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. They assess mental-health difficulties and provide talk therapy. Prescribing is generally outside their scope.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor provides talk therapy for stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties. In New York the training is a master's degree in counselling, followed by 3,000 hours of supervised practice.¹ A state licensing exam comes last.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides talk therapy. They also help people connect with community and support services. Clinical social work covers the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Licensing requires a Master of Social Work and supervised clinical experience.

Psychoanalysts

Psychoanalysts offer a longer-term, in-depth therapy. It works with unconscious patterns, meaning the ones a person cannot see in themselves. Early experience counts here, and so does the meaning behind difficulties that keep returning. Sessions are often more frequent than in other therapies.

In New York, psychoanalysis is a licensed profession in its own right, under Article 163 of the Education Law. Only a person licensed or exempt under that article may practise psychoanalysis or use the title psychoanalyst. Only a licensee may use the title Licensed Psychoanalyst.³ Training is done through recognised psychoanalytic institutes.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)

Marriage and Family Therapists focus on couples, families and relationship strain. They are licensed in New York. Like counsellors and social workers, they do not prescribe medication.

Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT)

Creative arts therapy treats mental, emotional, developmental and behavioural difficulties through the arts. Assessment and psychotherapy sit alongside that work. Training prepares people in one or more of the creative arts therapies, including art, music, dance, drama, psychodrama or poetry.⁴

In New York this is a licensed profession in its own right under Article 163. It is not a method added to another licence. Only a person licensed or exempt under that article may practise it or use the title creative arts therapist. Only a licensee may use the title Licensed Creative Arts Therapist.⁴

Areas of focus

On top of a core profession, many clinicians train further in a particular approach or client group. Some focus on trauma. Some work mainly with LGBTQ+ people. These are areas of focus, not separate licences. Each one sits on top of one of the licensed professions above.

Which type fits your situation

The need comes first, not the title. Where medication may be part of it, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner is the place to begin. For talk therapy for anxiety, low mood or relationship strain, a psychologist, counsellor or clinical social worker are all reasonable choices.

Where housing or money problems come with the distress, a clinical social worker can work on both. For a longer-term, reflective process, a psychoanalyst is the fit.

Finding and checking a therapist in NYC

Once you have a name, check the licence. Ask which profession and licence the person holds, then check it against the Office of the Professions. Ask about their experience with your kind of difficulty too.

Fees vary by profession, experience and setting. Some clinicians offer a sliding scale. Many can accept payment through insurance. Ask about fees before you book, and check cover with both the clinician and your insurer.

TherapyRoute's own directory is another place to start, alongside our guide on how to find the right therapist.

Online therapy in NYC

Many clinicians licensed in New York offer online sessions. Research suggests online therapy can work as well as in-person therapy for many common difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.² That adds flexibility when travel or time is tight.

FAQs

How do I know which therapist is right for me?

Start from the need, not the title. Where medication may be part of it, begin with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. For talk therapy, a psychologist, counsellor or clinical social worker are all reasonable choices.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in NYC?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist provides assessment and talk therapy, and generally does not prescribe.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research suggests it can work as well as in-person therapy for many common difficulties. Online sessions also add flexibility.

What does an LMHC do, and when should I see one?

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor offers talk therapy for stress, anxiety, life changes and relationship issues. See one when the need is support through everyday difficulties rather than a medical assessment.

How much does therapy in NYC cost?

Fees vary by profession, experience and setting. Some clinicians offer a sliding scale. Many work with insurance. Ask about fees before you book.

What is the role of a psychoanalyst?

A psychoanalyst offers a longer-term, reflective therapy. It works with unconscious processes and early experiences. Sessions are usually more frequent than in other therapies.

Can I use insurance for therapy in NYC?

Often, yes. Many clinicians can accept payment through insurance. Check cover with both the clinician and your insurer first.

By Team TherapyRoute

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional assessment or care. If this is affecting your life, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional.

References

1. [1] New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (n.d.). Mental Health Counseling: License Requirements. op.nysed.gov.
2. [2] Fernandez, E., Woldgabreal, Y., Day, A., Pham, T., Gleich, B., & Aboujaoude, E. (2021). Live psychotherapy by video versus in-person: A meta-analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(6), 1535-1549. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33826190.
3. [3] New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Article 163, Psychoanalysis, section 8405 (practice of psychoanalysis and use of the titles 'psychoanalyst' and 'licensed psychoanalyst'). op.nysed.gov.
4. [4] New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Article 163, Creative Arts Therapists, section 8404 (definition of the practice; use of the titles 'creative arts therapist' and 'licensed creative arts therapist'), with the licence requirements naming art, music, dance, drama, psychodrama or poetry therapies. op.nysed.gov.