Understanding Mental Health Providers

Therapists & Counselors are mental health professionals who have a masters degree and are trained and licensed in their field. They can often provide individual, group, and/or family therapy. Many therapists specialize in a specific age group, modality, or area of expertise. Therapists and Counselors can be found in schools, hospitals, private practices, treatment centers, and community organizations.

Examples of who can provide counseling in NJ:

• Social Workers (LSW, LCSW)

• Counselors (LAC, LPC)

• Psychologists (PsyD, PhD)

• Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• Drug and Alcohol Counselors (LCADC, CADC)

Psychiatric or Psychotropic medications can be used to treat various issues related to mood, behavior, cognition, and perceptions. These medications can sometimes be prescribed by your primary care physician (PCP), so it can be beneficial to speak with them first. Your insurance will determine whether or not you need to get a referral from your PCP before setting an appointment with a specialist. Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. Upon evaluation, they can typically provide a diagnosis and prescribe psychiatric medication if needed.

Examples of who can prescribe psychiatric medication in NJ:

• Psychiatrists (MD, DO)

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (APN, APRN, DNP)

• Other Physicians (MD, DO)

For more information on types of medication, click here.

Case managers connect individuals and families to community resources, social services, and mental health services.

They are often located in community organizations, schools, and hospitals. If you are referred for services at one of these locations, you will likely be assigned a case manager.

Due to the nature of their work, you would not need to seek out services from a case manager. A case manager would be assigned to you if needed.

If you have a case manager and are in need of supports (family support, therapy, financial support, housing, etc). They can likely provide you with more information on how to get what you need, or, connect you with a local agency or organization that can provide assistance.

The Special Services Department in Millburn is comprised of:

• Child Study Team case managers and related service providers

• Behavioral, social skills, ABA and psychiatric consultant personnel

• Special education teachers and other special education related supports

Millburn also has an Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) team to assess students brought to their attention for social, emotional, and educational needs. When a student is brought to their attention, the team review's the case, and determines if an intervention is needed. For more information on school related supports in Millburn, visit the Special Services Department Page.

Evaluations related to mental health can be conducted by mental health providers for different reasons. In an emergency situation, an evaluation would be conducted by a professional to determine the level of risk and make recommendations. For more information on emergency evaluations, visit the emergency & crisis information page.

Potential reasons for evaluation:

• Referral from PCP

• Referral from therapist or counselor

• Evaluation conducted by school

• Emergency or Crisis

A psychiatric evaluation usually consists of an interview with a psychiatrist. In their interview, they typically cover topics such as social history, medical history, symptoms, and family history of mental illness. The goal of a psychiatric evaluation is to establish if there is a diagnosis, and if there is, what supports the individual may need (therapy, medication, academic support, etc).

If an individual is:

• Struggling with severe mental illness

• At risk of harming themselves or others

• Experiencing a crisis

• Struggling to perform basic life functions as a result of their mental illness

• Struggling with substance use/abuse

They may be recommended to a higher level of care. An individual may be recommended to a higher level of care by a case manager, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.

Types of programs:

• Outpatient

  • Frequent meetings with a therapist and/or psychologist (gradually reduced)

• Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

  • Typically 3-5 days a week for half days or evenings. Group and individual therapy provided.

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

  • Typically 5 days a week. Full days. Group and individual therapy provided.

• Residential

  • Individual resides at the facility and receives intensive treatment for a longer period of time. Group and individual therapy provided.

• Inpatient

  • Level of care for acute episode. May need hospital stay for recovery from substance use, eating disorder, or acute mental health crisis. Typically short term.