Behavioral health refers to the connection between a person’s behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. It encompasses mental health issues, substance use disorders, stress-related physical symptoms, and lifestyle habits that impact overall wellness. Often, behavioral health treatments are holistic, targeting many different aspects of an individual’s overall well-being.
With the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall healthcare, it’s critical to understand what kinds of doctors and healthcare professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating behavioral health concerns. There are many different licensed behavioral health professionals out there, and today we are going to walk you through a selection of these skilled and compassionate individuals.
Understanding Behavioral Health
Behavioral health conditions range from diagnosable mental illnesses like depression and anxiety to behavioral issues such as addiction, eating disorders, chronic stress, kleptomania, and attention deficit disorders. The symptoms can affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and ability to relate to others. These issues may require a multidisciplinary approach involving licensed providers like nurse practitioners, therapists, and other specialists.
Let’s explore the types of doctors and healthcare professionals involved in treating behavioral health conditions.
#1: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, or PMHNPs, are registered nurses who have completed advanced education and training. They may hold a master’s degree or a doctoral degree and have a strong educational foundation in medical science, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Our team at Triumph Behavioral Health is entirely composed of talented PMHNPs.
These practitioners can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy. Some PMHNPs even offer wellness and nutritional counseling. Often, practices staffed by PMHNPs utilize a combination of medication management and other therapeutic tactics. These tools give clients a chance to benefit from a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Here are some of the key roles of PMHNPs:
Conducting comprehensive mental health evaluations and diagnosing psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.
Prescribing and managing psychotropic medications, monitoring for side effects, and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Providing evidence-based psychotherapy (e.g., CBT, DBT, supportive therapy) either independently or in collaboration with other professionals.
Collaborating with psychiatrists, primary care providers, therapists, social workers, and families to create holistic treatment plans.
Responding to acute psychiatric crises, including suicidality, substance withdrawal, and severe behavioral disturbances.
Educating patients and families about diagnoses, treatment options, and coping strategies; advocate for mental health awareness and access to care.
Addressing mental wellness, screening for early signs of psychiatric illness, and supporting strategies to prevent relapse.
#2: Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in mental health. They are uniquely qualified because they combine an understanding of physical and mental health. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medications, and offer psychotherapy. Some of the key roles of a psychiatrist includes:
Diagnosing psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD.
Prescribing medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics.
Providing psychotherapy (though less commonly than psychologists or therapists).
Overseeing care in inpatient psychiatric units.
#3: Psychologists
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders through various forms of therapy. They are not medical doctors and typically cannot prescribe medications (with some exceptions in a few U.S. states where they have limited prescribing rights with additional training). Some of the key roles of a psychologist include:
Conducting psychological testing and assessments.
Providing talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychoanalysis.
Collaborating with psychiatrists, PMHNPs, and primary care doctors when medication is needed.
#4: Primary Care Physicians (PCPs or GPs)
Many people first seek help for behavioral health issues through their primary care doctor. PCPs are generalists who can identify common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia, and may initiate basic treatments. Because of their accessibility, PCPs often serve as the first line of defense in behavioral health and may coordinate with mental health professionals for ongoing care. Some of the key roles of a primary care physician include:
Screening for mental health disorders during routine check-ups.
Prescribing medications for mild to moderate mental health issues.
Referring patients to specialists when issues are complex or not improving.
#5: Neurologists
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in the nervous system. They often become involved when behavioral symptoms may stem from or contribute to neurological conditions. Neurologists are particularly relevant when mental health symptoms appear to have a neurological basis. Some of the key roles of a primary care physician include:
Evaluating symptoms like memory loss, confusion, or seizures that may mimic psychiatric disorders.
Diagnosing and managing conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injury that have behavioral health components.
Collaborating with psychiatrists for complex, overlapping cases.
#6: Pediatricians and Child Psychiatrists
Children and adolescents experience behavioral health issues differently from adults. Pediatricians often address early signs of behavioral problems, while child and adolescent psychiatrists specialize in treating young people with mental health disorders. Behavioral health issues in children often require involvement from multiple professionals, including family therapists and educators. Some of the key roles of these specialists include:
Pediatricians screen for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression during routine child visits.
Child psychiatrists prescribe medications and provide therapy tailored to developmental stages.
School psychologists and counselors often coordinate with medical professionals for comprehensive care.
#7: Geriatric Providers
Older adults face unique mental health challenges, including dementia, late-onset depression, and anxiety related to aging. Geriatric providers (who might be psychologists, psychiatrists, or PMHNPs) are specially trained to manage behavioral health in the elderly population. Their expertise is crucial in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice care settings. Some of the key roles of these specialists include:
Managing mental health conditions in the context of aging and comorbid chronic diseases.
Treating behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Coordinating care with primary care and long-term care providers.
#8: Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Therapists
While not doctors, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs) play a critical role in behavioral health treatment. They often provide more frequent therapy sessions and community-based support than doctors. Here are some of their key roles:
Providing therapy and counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
Helping clients navigate social and environmental factors impacting mental health.
Coordinating with physicians and psychiatrists as part of a care team.
Get the Help You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a team of specialists who support clients in the Baltimore County area and beyond. If you are looking for a therapist in Towson or mental health care in Arbutus, we are here to help. We have two offices, one in Linthicum Heights and one in Catonsville, and we can also see clients digitally. Our guiding principle is providing a listening ear and empathetic, rewarding services for our clients. You can trust that at Triumph, we care.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your same week therapy appointment.