Mental Health Providers

The Power of the Therapeutic Relationship

Research consistently shows that the most important factor in mental health treatment is not a specific technique or type of therapy—it’s the quality of the relationship between the patient and the provider. Feeling heard, understood, and supported creates a foundation for healing and meaningful change.

At Wily Wellness, we prioritize genuine connection, trust, and collaboration in every therapeutic interaction. Whether through psychotherapy, medication management, or ketamine treatment, our goal is to provide a space where you feel safe, respected, and empowered in your mental health journey.

Understanding Mental Health Providers: Who Does What?

At Wily Wellness, we provide integrative, solutions-focused psychiatric care that includes psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and, when appropriate, medication or ketamine treatment. However, some patients may benefit from working with a specialized psychotherapist in addition to, or instead of, the therapy we provide.

Mental health care is a collaborative field, and different types of providers have different training, approaches, and areas of expertise. Below is an overview of the key differences between mental health professionals so you can better understand who might be the right fit for your needs.

Psychiatric Providers (PMHNPs & Psychiatrists)

PMHNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Education & Training:
✔ Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP)
✔ Advanced clinical training in psychotherapy, diagnosis, and prescribing psychiatric medication
✔ Licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Scope of Practice:

• Diagnoses mental health conditions

• Prescribes and manages psychiatric medications

• Provides psychotherapy and develops personalized treatment plans

• Integrates medical, lifestyle, and holistic approaches to mental health care

Best For:
✔ Patients who want therapy combined with medical expertise
✔ Individuals who may need medication as part of their treatment plan
✔ Those seeking an integrated approach to mental health care

Psychiatrist (MD or DO)

Education & Training:
✔ Medical degree (MD or DO)
✔ 4-year psychiatry residency training and possibly additional fellowship
✔ Licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions with medication

Scope of Practice:

• Specializes in diagnosis and medication management

• Some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, but many focus on medication treatment

• Can treat complex psychiatric conditions requiring advanced medical intervention

Best For:
✔ Patients with severe psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorders, severe bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features)
✔ Those needing specialized medication management, including complex psychotropic regimens or interventions such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
✔ Individuals with co-occurring medical conditions that impact mental health

Psychotherapy-Focused Providers (LPC, LMHC, LCSW, Psychologist)

LPC/LMHC – Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Education & Training:
✔ Master’s degree in counseling or psychology
✔ Clinical training in individual, couples, or group therapy
✔ Licensed to provide psychotherapy but does not prescribe medication

Scope of Practice:

• Provides talk therapy using various techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and many others

• Helps with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and personal growth

• Some specialize in couples therapy, career counseling, or stress management

Best For:
✔ Patients looking for traditional psychotherapy without medication management
✔ Individuals working on relationship, emotional, or personal challenges
✔ Those needing structured therapy approaches, such as CBT, DBT, or EMDR

LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Education & Training:
✔ Master’s degree in social work (MSW)
✔ Clinical training in therapy and case management
✔ Licensed to provide psychotherapy but does not prescribe medication

Scope of Practice:

• Provides psychotherapy with a strong focus on social and environmental factors

• Helps individuals with trauma, family dynamics, grief, and life transitions

• Often specializes in case management, connecting patients with resources, and advocacy

Best For:
✔ Patients seeking support for life transitions, family issues, or trauma recovery
✔ Those needing therapy plus help navigating external stressors (e.g., financial, housing, or disability concerns)
✔ Individuals interested in psychodynamic, trauma-informed, or relational therapy

Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)

Education & Training:
✔ Doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD)
✔ Extensive clinical training in psychotherapy, assessment, and research
✔ Licensed to provide psychotherapy and psychological testing, but does not prescribe medication

Scope of Practice:

• Provides in-depth psychotherapy, including psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, and trauma therapy

• Conducts psychological assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, personality disorders, and more

• Can specialize in forensic psychology, neuropsychology, or research-based therapy approaches

Best For:
✔ Patients needing highly specialized therapy, such as intensive trauma therapy, DBT for borderline personality disorder, or exposure therapy for OCD
✔ Individuals requiring formal psychological testing and diagnosis
✔ Those looking for long-term, insight-oriented psychotherapy

When Might Wily Wellness Refer You to a Psychotherapist?

At Wily Wellness, we provide psychotherapy as part of our psychiatric care, but sometimes we may recommend working with an additional specialist if:

• You need highly specialized therapy (e.g., EMDR, DBT, intensive trauma work, or couples therapy)

• You require intensive, long-term psychotherapy beyond our structured, solutions-focused model

If a referral is recommended, we will collaborate with your therapist to ensure continuity of care. Our goal is to connect you with the right level of support while maintaining an integrated approach to your mental health.

Choosing the Right Provider for You

Each type of mental health professional brings a unique skill set and focus to care. Whether you work with a PMHNP, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist, the most important factor is finding a provider who aligns with your needs and therapy goals.