Help Matching with a Therapist

At Jenison Psychological Services, we understand that choosing a therapist can be a daunting task, and we want to make sure you are matched with the best provider for you while keeping the process as simple as possible.

To facilitate this process, Dr. Schmitt is available to assist new patients in choosing their providers. He is happy to spend some time getting a brief overview of your situation, your mental health needs, and your therapy goals. That information, along with his knowledge of the professional backgrounds, strengths, and specialties of the practitioners at Jenison Psychological Services, will allow him to suggest a provider who will be the best match for you. For further assistance in matching you to a therapist, you may contact Dr. Schmitt directly at (616) 457-0016 Ext 11 or contact our Office Manager, Lynne, at (616) 457-0016 Ext 0.

Types of Mental Health Professionals

The word “therapist” is often used to describe anyone who does therapy, but there are many types of therapists, professional licenses, and education levels that differentiate mental health practitioners. Below we list some of the common types of therapists and the differences between them.

• Psychiatrists (M.D.)- Psychiatrists are the only mental health professional who can prescribe medication. Typically they will use a combination of talk therapy and prescription medication with their clients. 

• Clinical or Counseling Psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D.)- Psychologists have a postgraduate degree that requires an average of seven years of education. They have special training in human behavior, diagnosis, and treatment.​

• Clinical Social Workers (M.S.W.)- Clinical social workers have a master’s degree in social work which includes training in individual and group counseling and how to use community resources to best help their clients.

• Limited Licensed Psychologists (L.L.P) – Limited licensed psychologists have a master’s degree level of education in counseling psychology. They work under the oversite of a licensed psychologist.​

• Marriage and Family Therapists- Marriage and family therapists have a master’s degree level education with special training in issues relating to marriage and family dynamics.