Our Staff

From board-certified psychiatrists to counselors, psychologists and social workers, the 60-plus staff members at Mildred Berry Center are specially trained in the assessment and treatment of young people. Our staff includes:

What are the differences between the mental health providers at Mildred Berry Center?
- MayoClinic.com

Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (O.D.) who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses. After medical school, they complete at least another four years of residency training. A psychiatrist who passes certain exams can be certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Some psychiatrists seek further training to specialize in certain areas, such as geriatric or addiction psychiatry. Because they're medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medications. They also offer psychotherapy. They may work with you on everyday problems like stress or more complex issues like schizophrenia. Psychiatrists work in private practice, hospitals, medical centers, schools and other settings.

Psychologists
Psychologists are specialists in psychology — a science that deals with the mind, mental processes and behaviors. There are many types. Those who treat mental illnesses are generally clinical or counseling psychologists. The title "psychologist" is usually used for those who have a doctoral degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), advanced training, and certain licensing and certification. However, it's sometimes used for someone who has only a master's degree. Psychologists provide psychotherapy for a range of issues, from marriage problems to personality disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, schools, community agencies and other settings. Psychologists can't prescribe medications except in New Mexico and Louisiana — the only states with privileges for specially trained psychologists.

Social workers
Social work is a broad profession. In general, social workers help people overcome social and health problems. Most have a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.), but training and education vary widely. To provide mental health services, they must have advanced training and be licensed by their states. Licensed clinical social workers (L.C.S.W.) may provide therapy in private practice, psychiatric facilities, hospitals and community agencies. Others may work in employee assistance programs or as case managers who coordinate psychiatric, medical and other services on your behalf. They may specialize in certain areas, such as domestic violence or chronic illness. They can't prescribe medications or order medical tests.

Mental health counselors
Mental health counselor is a broad term for a person who provides counseling. Most have at least a master's degree in social work or a related field, have several years of supervised work experience, and are licensed or certified. They may also be called licensed professional counselors, licensed mental health counselors or professional counselors. Licensure and certification require extra schooling, experience and training. Counselors may specialize in certain areas, such as career counseling, marriage issues or substance abuse. They may work in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, employee assistance programs or other settings. They offer help for a range of problems, from anxiety to depression to job stress to grief.