Which mental health professional tends to deal with less severe mental health problems and may hold a master's degree (MA) in counseling?

• A. Psychoanalysts
• B. Counseling psychologist
• C. Clinical psychologist
• D. Psychiatrist

Answer: (B)

Understanding how different professionals are trained and what problems they typically handle helps explain why counseling psychology fits this scenario. Counseling psychologists focus on helping people cope with everyday difficulties, life transitions, relationship issues, and mild to moderate mental health concerns. They are commonly trained to provide counseling and psychotherapy and may enter practice with a master’s degree in counseling, though many pursue doctoral training for licensure. Because the issues are usually less severe and more about adjustment and coping, the emphasis is on supportive talk therapy, skill-building, and short- to mid-term interventions.

Other professionals have different focuses. Psychoanalysts center their work in psychodynamic approaches and often pursue extensive specialized training in psychoanalysis. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists typically engage with more severe or complex disorders, with clinical psychologists often conducting broader assessments and testing, and psychiatrists being medical doctors who can prescribe medications.

So for less severe problems that align with counseling and coping skills, a professional with training in counseling psychology and a possible master’s degree in counseling is the best fit.