Skilled psychotherapists generally convey a sense of optimism. They are also effective communicators who strive to make patients feel comfortable and understood. Most good mental health professionals are able to establish an empathetic and collaborative relationship with the patients.

Honesty and high ethical standards are clearly important traits of good therapists.

Choosing the right therapist depends in large part on the patient’s specific problem. A person with a diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder can benefit from seeing a psychiatrist with expertise in mood disorders and medication treatments.

Patients who don’t have a specific diagnosis might benefit from seeing a professional with experience in assessment and diagnosis.

When considering what kind of person will best meet your needs, keep in mind the types of mental health professionals who offer talk therapy and other interventions:

Psychiatrists obtain a medical degree (MD) and then complete four years of training in general psychiatry. They are trained in both psychotherapy and medication treatments, and some psychiatrists learn and practice specialized medical treatments like electroconvulsive therapy.

People who suffer from mental disorders that respond to medications — such as major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder — benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.

Psychologists obtain either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degree in graduate school, where they study mind and behavior. Most are trained to conduct psychotherapy and psychological testing that can assist in diagnosing a patient’s mental issues.

Social workers often get a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and obtain clinical training in social services. Many social workers also provide psychotherapy and can help those who are economically, physically, or mentally disadvantaged.

Licensed professional counselors often obtain a master’s degree — e.g., Marriage, Family, Child Counselor (MFCC) — and can perform individual, family, and couple’s therapy for various psychological and relationship problems.

Psychoanalysts may be psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals who have obtained advanced training in psychoanalysis, an intensive form of therapy providing specific insights that can relieve mental symptoms.