See a list of adult counseling services and resources below.

Counseling (also referred to as therapy or psychotherapy) assists individuals address their emotional, mental and physical concerns. Services typically start with an assessment to determine the level and type of care needed. A general listing of Counseling providers is below, following the information about different counseling professional titles.

Adult counseling services are found in many settings, including community mental health organizations, clinics, individual practices, schools, primary care offices, and faith-based organizations. Some locations have psychiatrists on site or on-call, while others can refer to psychiatric care as needed. At times, counseling is required as part of a treatment plan.

Counseling for co-occurring disorders (also referred to as “dual diagnosis” or “MICA”) is offered by some agencies, as part of a program specifically addressing both mental illness and addiction. See Group-Specific Services for further discussion.

Substance use disorder (addiction) counseling is included in the separate Substance Use Disorder section of this website. Counseling resources for special groups or conditions, such as Postpartum, Veterans, Developmental Disability or Immigrant & Refugees, are included in the Group-Specific Services sections. Others may be found at 211wny.org.

Assessment and Therapy

Therapists can help someone better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They can also offer guidance and help improve a person’s ability to achieve life goals. These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental health conditions.

Psychologists

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or another specialty such as counseling or education. They are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some may have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other behavioral therapy interventions.

Degree requirements: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a field of psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

Licensure & credentials: Psychologists are licensed by licensure boards in each state.

Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists

These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They operate under a variety of job titles—including counselor, clinician, therapist or something else—based on the treatment setting. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to symptom reduction but to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.

Degree requirements: master’s degree (M.S. or M.A.) in a mental health-related field such as psychology, counseling psychology, marriage or family therapy, among others.

Licensure & Certification: Varies by specialty and state. LCADAC, Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor

Clinical Social Workers

Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.

Degree requirements: master’s degree in social work (MSW).

Licensure & credentials: Examples of licensure include:

• LICSW, Licensed Independent Social Workers
• LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Worker

Source NAMI National 

Please call 211 or visit 211WNY for the following special counseling needs:

• Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
• Anger Management
• Eating Disorders Treatment
• Faith Based Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Geriatric Counseling
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Marriage Counseling
• Premarital Counseling
• Divorce Counseling