I picked this first question as a means of both supplying information and introducing myself. This is a question I get fairly often and that I think is helpful to know the answer to in the event that you need the services of one or more of these professionals all of which deal with behavioral and emotional issues in children.
Since I am a psychologist, I will start with my profession. Psychologists are individuals who have been trained in the assessment and treatment of behavioral and mental health problems. To obtain a license to practice psychology independently, one must have a Ph.D. in psychology, which involves 4-6 years of education beyond college (a psychological associate may practice psychology with a master’s degree in psychology under the supervision of another psychologist). The primary areas that a psychologist is trained in are the various psychological theories, assessment and intervention practices and in research methods. Psychologists’ primary activities are assessment through interview and psychological testing and treatment through psychotherapy and may work with a child individually or with the family, or both. They do not have a medical degree and cannot prescribe medications (in most states), although they are trained in and typically have significant knowledge of the medications used to treat psychological problems and may consult with physicians on this issue. School psychologists must be specifically licensed to practice school psychology and are officially designated as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP).
Psychiatrists are licensed as Medical Doctors (M.D.) and thus have gone through medical school and residency and have done additional training in psychiatry. Current trends are that psychiatrists focus primarily or exclusively on assessment and diagnosis and treatment through medication management. Some psychiatrists do provide psychotherapy but most do not make this a major part of their practice. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together in treatment teams with the psychiatrist handling medication and the psychologist providing the psychotherapy. Family physicians and pediatricians also prescribe medication for psychological problems, but have less training and experience in this area.
Counselor is a more general term that is used by individuals who also provide therapy or counseling to individuals and/or families. They may be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These licensed counselors have received their master’s degree and supervision in the appropriate areas. Other counselors who are not licensed may have other levels of education. In addition there are Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC) who have been educated and trained specifically in the area of substance abuse assessment and treatment. School counselors are individuals who have been trained as teachers and have then received additional training (often a master’s degree) to become school counselors. Their role is to address students’ academic, personal, social and career development needs in the school setting and also take on various administrative roles in many schools.
Hopefully these descriptions are helpful in understanding the different people who can be resources for you and your children if they begin to have difficulties. Often, talking with the child’s pediatrician can be helpful in determining which if any services from these different professions may be needed.
[back]

Jon Bergeron, Jr., Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist and Parent of Deaf child