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There are a variety of credentials to understand with mental health clinicians. Some therapists may use "LCSW,” which indicates they are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Social workers are required to spend a portion of their degree completing required supervised hours. They then require two years of full-time work and various board mandated exams. A social worker can work in a school setting, clinical setting as well as many other settings.

Those that use the credential "LCMHC" are Licensed Mental Health Counselors. LCMHC's are very similar to social workers. They also require supervised hours, two years of full-time work, and the completion of a national board exam. However, LCMHC's also have the ability to perform select assessments. These may help in situations where someone needs to have their mental health needs screened (versus a more comprehensive evaluation).

Other therapists use "LMFT,” meaning they are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. These therapists are highly specialized in family and marriage dynamics and issues, as well as techniques to solve them. These types of therapists are best to visit if you have specific issues within your family or marriage and you would like to attend sessions together.

Psychologists with the "Psy.D." and “Ph.D.” qualifications are clinicians who were required to have years of supervised training. They are also required to pass the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology. Both require at least 4 years of graduate school, with one additional year of specialized residency (or internship) and one additional year of a supervised post-doctoral fellowship.

PsyD's and Ph.D.'s are able to diagnose mental health disorders, and in some states, can prescribe medication with additional training. Psychologists specialize in testing and evaluations that surpass the training of other professionals. Our Charlotte-based team can provide the appropriate recommendations following our detailed evaluations and using our team-based approach to the whole-person.

Psychiatrists graduate from medical school after earning an MD (Doctor of Medicine.) Child and adolescent psychiatric training for pediatric psychiatrists requires 4 years of medical school, at least 3 years of approved residency training in medicine, neurology, and general psychiatry with adults, and 2 years of additional specialized training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Many psychiatrists work in conjunction with other professionals who work with the patient via talk therapy, although some also provide talk therapy.

Most psychiatric nurses are trained first as a regular registered nurse (R.N.), but get specialized training in psychiatry and some forms of psychotherapy, typically including up to 500 hours of direct clinical experience. Psychiatric nurses in most states may also carry prescription privileges.

We work alongside these medical professionals to determine the best course of action for your child.

A neurologist graduates from medical school after earning an MD (Doctor of Medicine.) He/she must attend 4 years of medical school, then one year of internship and 3 years of residency in pediatrics and then 3 years of residency in neurology. Child neurologists often diagnose, treat, and manage conditions such as seizure disorders, medical aspects of head injuries and brain tumors, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and nerve-muscle disorders, headaches, including migraines, behavioral disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), school failure, autism, and sleep problems, developmental disorders, including delayed speech, motor milestones, and coordination issues.

We work together with neurologists to serve families who have complex medical needs. Our testing often involves neuropsychological batteries help to inform any needs with memory, learning, executive functioning, and social/emotional needs.

A pediatrician graduated from medical school and has an MD (Doctor of Medicine.) She/he must attend 4 years of medical school, then one year of internship and 3 years of residency in pediatrics. Pediatricians can prescribe medication, however, many will refer patients to other mental health professionals to determine the need for psychiatric medication and/or therapy.

A Developmental Pediatrician graduated from medical school and has an MD (Doctor of Medicine). You must attend 4 years of medical school, then one year of internship and 3 years of residency in pediatrics, followed by a fellowship in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and provide treatment for children, adolescents, and their families with a wide range of developmental and behavioral difficulties. Some provide screenings or assessments for developmental needs.

Pediatricians are an asset to your family and an excellent resource for our team. We work with pediatricians to fully understand your child’s comprehensive medical history while maintaining a clear path of communication about ongoing autism and ADHD recommendations.

Occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physical therapists in Charlotte, NC, are essential to understanding the physiological delays or challenges your child may be experiencing. These allied health professionals can usually be accessed as part of an early intervention team. They help to inform best practices and how to address them comprehensively as part of individualized programs for eligible children.

Our team has worked with a variety of developmental specialists to ensure that we understand all aspects of your child’s unique vulnerabilities and strengths.