Types of Practitioners

Mental health and education systems use many titles. Training, license, and scope of practice differ—especially around testing, therapy, medication, and school services. This guide explains common roles in plain language and shows where Tandem Behavioral Health fits.

Common roles at a glance

Each entry lists typical training, main work, and whether testing, therapy, and/or prescribing is central to the role.

The following information reflects common Texas practices; individual licenses and employer policies can narrow or expand day-to-day duties.

Psychiatrist (MD/DO)

Training: Medical school + psychiatry residency

Common Scope of Practice: Diagnose; medication management; sometimes therapy; medical/psychiatric care

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Limited — comprehensive testing is uncommon as a primary service

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Sometimes

Prescribes Medication: Yes

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP or MSN)

Training: Advanced practice nursing + psych specialty

Common Scope of Practice: Assess, diagnose, treat; med management; may offer therapy

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Limited

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Sometimes

Prescribes Medication: Yes (within APRN authority)

Licensed Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)

Training: Doctoral degree + supervised practice + TX license

Common Scope of Practice: Diagnose; psychotherapy; comprehensive psychological/psychoeducational assessment; consultation

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Yes — core strength

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Often (many practices); not Tandem’s model

Prescribes Medication: No (TX)

Licensed School Psychologist (PhD or MA/MS)

Training: Graduate training in school psychology + TX LSP

Common Scope of Practice: School-based assessment, consultation, and intervention support for learning, behavior, and eligibility

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Yes — school / FIE context

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: School-based supports vary; not private therapy clinic model

Prescribes Medication: No

Licensed Professional Counselor (PhD or MA/MS)

Training: Master’s in counseling + TX LPC

Common Scope of Practice: Counseling/psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families; some assessment limited by training

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Limited / not comprehensive psych batteries

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Yes — core strength

Prescribes Medication: No

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW)

Training: Master’s in social work + clinical license

Common Scope of Practice: Psychotherapy; case management; systems/advocacy; diagnosis within scope

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Limited

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Yes — core strength

Prescribes Medication: No

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MA/MS)

Training: Master’s in MFT + TX LMFT

Common Scope of Practice: Relational/systemic therapy for couples and families

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: Limited

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: Yes — core strength

Prescribes Medication: No

School counselor/ diagnostician (Distric roles)

Training: Education credentials (not independent clinical practice outside school setting)

Common Scope of Practice: School guidance, some campus assessment under district policy

Usually completes Psychological Evaluations: District-dependent

Usually provides Therapy/Counseling: School counseling, not private practice therapy

Prescribes Medication: No