When seeking help for your teen's mental health or substance use challenges, it can be difficult to navigate the different types of professionals available. Knowing the roles of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and specialized professionals like recovery coaches and CADACs can help you make informed choices for your teen’s care.

1. Therapist

A therapist is a general term for someone who is trained to help individuals with emotional and mental health challenges. Therapists can have different levels of education, specialization, and state licenses.  They often use talk therapy or counseling to address issues like stress, anxiety, or relationship problems. The term “therapist” can include several types of professionals, such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): They usually have a master’s degree in counseling and are trained to provide therapy for a range of issues, including substance use, anxiety, and family dynamics.
• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT): These professionals focus on therapy that addresses family and relationship dynamics.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Social workers with advanced clinical training who can offer therapy and help clients navigate social or community resources.

When to Choose a Therapist:
Therapists are often a good fit if your teen needs help managing emotions, improving coping skills, or working through specific challenges like school stress, family conflict, or low self-esteem. They do not prescribe medication but can refer clients to psychiatrists if needed.

2. Psychologists

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, in psychology and specializes in understanding thoughts, emotions, and behavior through more extensive research, clinical training and supervision experiences. Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions through clinical interviews, observations, and standardized tests. They use therapy (often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT and other approaches) to treat a wide range of mental health issues.

Psychologists often work with individuals who have more complex or long-term mental health needs, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or trauma.

Key Differences Between Psychologists and Therapists:

• Training: Psychologists typically have more formal education (doctoral-level) than therapists.
• Assessment: Psychologists are trained to conduct formal psychological testing to assess mental health conditions. They may use these assessments to guide treatment.

When to Choose a Psychologist:
If your teen needs an evaluation for a potential diagnosis (like ADHD, depression, or anxiety) or if you suspect they may have complex mental health needs, a psychologist can provide in-depth assessments and treatment. However, like therapists, they do not prescribe medication.

3. Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are unique in that they can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, antianxiety medications, or mood stabilizers. Many psychiatrists work with patients who need medication management for conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

Psychiatrists often use a combination of medication and therapy, though some focus exclusively on medication management and collaborate with psychologists or therapists to provide therapeutic care.

When to Choose a Psychiatrist:
If your teen needs medication as part of their treatment plan—for example, if they are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or a psychiatric disorder like bipolar disorder—a psychiatrist is essential. Psychiatrists are also crucial in situations where medication adjustments or close medical monitoring are needed.

4. Certified Recovery Coach (CRC)

A Certified Recovery Coach (CRC) is a professional who supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorders by helping them stay motivated and focused on their long-term recovery goals. Unlike therapists or psychologists, recovery coaches are not focused on diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. Instead, they work as mentors and guides, offering practical advice, accountability, and emotional support. Recovery coaches may also help teens navigate challenges like rebuilding relationships, finding healthy coping strategies, and making positive lifestyle changes.

Key Responsibilities of a Recovery Coach:

• Assisting teens in developing and sticking to a recovery plan.
• Providing emotional support, encouragement, and accountability.
• Helping teens build a healthy, substance-free lifestyle and connect with supportive networks.

When to Choose a Recovery Coach:
A recovery coach can be particularly useful for teens who are actively recovering from substance use or who have completed treatment and need ongoing support. Coaches often work alongside other professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, to ensure that teens stay on track with their recovery goals.

5. Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)

A Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC) is a licensed professional who specializes in substance use disorders. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. CADACs use counseling techniques to help clients understand the root causes of their substance use, develop coping strategies, and build a plan for recovery.

Key Responsibilities of a CADAC:

• Assessing the severity of substance use and creating individualized treatment plans.
• Providing one-on-one or group counseling to teens dealing with substance use.
• Educating teens and families about the risks of addiction and strategies for recovery.

When to Choose a CADAC:
If your teen is struggling with substance use, a CADAC can offer specialized counseling and support. They work closely with other mental health professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the substance use and any underlying mental health issues. CADACs are particularly helpful in cases where substance use has become a chronic issue or where specialized addiction treatment is needed.

Key Takeaways:

• Therapist: Provides talk therapy and counseling for various emotional and behavioral challenges but does not prescribe medication.
• Psychologist: Holds a doctoral degree, can diagnose mental health conditions, and provides therapy; does not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who can prescribe medications and offer therapy for complex mental health conditions.
• Certified Recovery Coach (CRC): Offers emotional support and practical guidance for teens in recovery from substance use.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC): Specializes in treating substance use disorders through counseling and addiction-focused therapy.

Conclusion:

When navigating care options for your teen, it’s important to match the professional to your teen's specific needs. A combination of counseling, medical care, and recovery support often provides the most effective outcomes. Whether your teen needs a therapist for emotional support, a psychiatrist for medication, or a CADAC to address substance use issues, understanding these roles helps ensure they receive the right care.

References: 

American Psychological Association (APA). (2020). "Psychologists, Therapists, Psychiatrists: What's the Difference?" 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). "Mental Health Medications." 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2021). "Certified Peer Support and Recovery Coaches." 

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). (2022). "The Role of a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)." 

American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2020). "What Is Psychiatry?"