Who Can Diagnose and Treat Depression?

The first step to diagnosis and treatment is talking with your doctor about any depressive symptoms you have been experiencing. Your doctor may recommend a physical checkup to rule out any underlying physical cause for your symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with clinical depression, your physician, health maintenance organization (HMO) or a local Mental Health Association may provide referrals to a qualified mental health professional.

A variety of healthcare professionals can diagnose clinical depression and provide treatment.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental illnesses. Psychiatrists can both prescribe antidepressant medication and provide psychotherapy (talk therapy).
• Psychologists are licensed mental health professionals, most of whom have doctoral-level training. They specialize in helping people understand and make positive changes in their behavior and thinking. Psychologists can provide psychotherapy, but can not prescribe medication. They often collaborate with physicians to ensure patients are placed on a treatment plan that is right for them.
• Family physicians (or primary care physicians) can prescribe antidepressant medication for the treatment of depression, but can not provide psychotherapy. Family physicians can, however, refer patients to mental health professionals who can provide medication and psychotherapy.
• Clinical social workers are mental health professionals who practice in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, family service agencies and employee assistance programs. Clinical social workers can provide psychotherapy only, but often work with physicians to ensure patients receive the appropriate medication whenever necessary.
• Pastoral counselors are mental health professionals who are trained in both psychology and theology. Pastoral counselors can provide psychotherapy only, helping people address psychological issues in the context of religion and spirituality.
• Psychiatric nurses and licensed counselors are also mental health professionals who can provide psychotherapy only; however they often collaborate with physicians to ensure patients are placed on a treatment plan that is right for them.

With treatment, generally on an outpatient basis, most people improve and return to daily activities usually in a matter of weeks. As with other illnesses, the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be.

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