Discuss the different types of specialized mental health professionals, their role in the treatment of people with mental disorders, and how people are most likely to receive mental health care.

What will be an ideal response?

There are three general sources of mental health care. Fewer than half of those who seek help for mental disorders receive help from specialized mental health professionals. Roughly one-third are treated by primary care physicians and roughly one-quarter receive help from social agencies and self-help groups. Among the specialized providers, there are various kinds. Psychiatrists are specialists in medicine and can prescribe medications. Clinical psychologists typically have completed five years of graduate study to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D., and are trained in the use of psychological assessment and in the use of psychotherapy. Social workers usually have a master's degree in social work, which emphasizes social and cultural factors. Psychiatric social workers receive specialized training in the treatment of mental health problems. There are also other types of specialized providers, including professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychosocial rehabilitation professionals, most of whom are also trained at the master's level.