Understanding Which is Right For Your Child: Child Therapists, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists

Mental health concerns in children are increasingly prevalent today, and recognized as significant to address early on, as they can affect emotional, social, and academic development.
What Is a Child Therapist?
Role and Responsibilities
Child therapists are licensed practitioners trained to help children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through various therapy modalities. Therapists often utilize talk-based techniques, including cognitive behavioral and attachment therapy, mindfulness, dialectic behavioral therapy, behavioral interventions, as well as play and art therapy to help children process and cope with their feelings. A number of therapists may further utilize a multidimensional model in supporting a child’s mental health through nutrition and lifestyle factors.
Qualifications and Master's Degree in Mental Health
Child therapists often hold a master's degree in a mental health-related field, such as clinical social work (MSW), marriage and family therapy (MFT), or counseling (M.A. or M.S.). After completing their degree, including clinical internships, therapists are often required to obtain state licensure, which involves supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam.
When to Seek a Child Therapist for Emotional and Behavioral Issues
Therapists are skilled in evidence-based therapies including Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which are used to treat emotional challenges. Therapists are equipped to provide valuable emotional support and coping mechanisms, and they offer psycho-education and guidance to parents and caregivers. They are especially helpful for children coping with trauma, grief, or family dynamics, such as divorce or adjustment issues.
Understanding Child Psychologists
Psychologists are mental health professionals with doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology. Psychologists are trained in conducting psychological and educational assessments, diagnosing mental health conditions, and providing evidence-based therapy. They use a range of therapeutic techniques, including CBT and psychodynamic therapy, and conduct psychological and educational testing to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
Specialization in Child Psychology
Child psychologists often specialize in treating children and adolescents, helping to address learning disabilities, developmental disorders, and psychological challenges. Through interviews, behavioral observations, and various assessments, psychologists gain insights into a child’s emotional and cognitive state. They also specialize in assessing and treating learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Doctoral Degree and Educational Background
Child psychologists complete extensive education, including 5-7 years of graduate study, clinical training, and practical experience. Psychologists are skilled in administering a variety of assessments to evaluate both mental health symptoms and cognitive abilities, integrating these findings into their treatment approach.
Addressing Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder
One area where child psychologists play a critical role is in the assessment and treatment of learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Psychologists conduct detailed assessments that can help identify specific learning challenges and cognitive delays, guiding educators and parents to provide the necessary support. They also help children with ASD develop social skills, manage sensory processing difficulties, and cope with the emotional impact of the disorder
Exploring the Role of Child Psychiatrists
Medical Doctors Specializing in Psychiatry
Child psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They mainly provide clinical support through the use of medication.
Ability to Prescribe Medication
Psychiatrists’ primary focus is on the medical treatment of mental health conditions often through prescribing medication when clinically appropriate. A growing number of specialized psychiatrists may also integrate nutritional psychiatry into their practice, supporting the neurobiology of children through dietary interventions, in conjunction with, or without medication.
Treating Severe Mental Health Conditions
Psychiatrists often support more clinically complex mental health conditions that may warrant medication, in addition to psychotherapy. Medication may be helpful for children presenting with symptoms of clinical concern that affect the child’s functioning.
Key Differences Among Therapists, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists
Education and Degrees (Master's, Doctoral, Medical)
Child therapists hold a master’s degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy, while child psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology. Child psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and specialized in psychiatry.
Treatment Approaches (Counseling Psychology, Medication)
Therapists focus on providing various psychotherapies, helping children with emotional or behavioral issues through techniques including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and play therapy or expressive arts. Psychologists, in addition to offering therapy, are trained to conduct a wide range of assessments. Child psychiatrists primarily manage clinical symptoms with medication.
Scope of Practice with Mental Health Issues
Therapists, including licensed clinical social workers and licensed mental health counselors can diagnose mental health conditions and overall status functioning. Clinical psychologists can also assess mental health functioning and make clinical diagnoses, while school psychologists specialize in providing psychological and educational support and assessment. Psychiatrists, finally provide medication management, along with clinical assessment and support.
Choosing the Right Professional for Your Child
Assessing Mental Health Conditions
Therapists assess mental health through assessments, observations, and clinical questionnaires, focusing on emotional and behavioral challenges. They create treatment plans that help children develop coping strategies and navigate their emotions.
Psychologists conduct thorough evaluations using psychological testing, interviews, and observations to diagnose mental health conditions. They assess both cognitive and emotional development and use this information to inform treatment.
Psychiatrists assess mental health from a medical perspective, conducting medical evaluations, psychological interviews, and sometimes lab tests. They focus on diagnosing and managing complex mental health conditions, often involving medication in the treatment plan.
How They Work with Children
Techniques Used in Counseling Psychology
Therapists use techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectic-behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and art therapy. The goal is to help children develop emotional regulation and effective coping strategies.
Psychologists utilize a wide range of therapeutic techniques, including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and behavioral therapy, to address mental health concerns. They also incorporate psychological and educational assessment tools to guide therapy and ensure it is tailored to the child's needs. Psychiatrists focus on medical treatments, prescribing medication to help manage mental health conditions and overall functioning.
Collaborative Approach Among Mental Health Professionals
A collaborative approach involving all three professionals may be needed to provide comprehensive care for a child. For example, a child psychiatrist might prescribe medication to manage clinical symptoms, while a school psychologist and outpatient therapist support the child’s psychological and educational needs.
When Handspring Might be Right for You
At Handspring, we recognize the importance of individualizing therapy to each child’s unique needs. If your child needs support, reach out to us to get matched with one of our compassionate therapists of varying specialties. Our approach focuses on a range of evidenced-based therapy modalities tailored to your child’s needs while working with you as their parents to ensure success at home and school.