Who’s Who in Mental Health Care?
Mental health professionals can have very different training and roles. Here’s a quick guide to some of the credentials you may see.
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A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed medical school followed by specialized residency training in psychiatry.
Training: Medical degree (MD or DO) + psychiatry residency
Can diagnose: Yes
Can prescribe medication: Yes
Can provide therapy: Yes, although many psychiatrists primarily focus on diagnosis and medication management -
A PMHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in psychiatric care. PMHNPs complete graduate-level nursing education focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
Training: Master’s or doctoral degree in advanced practice nursing + psychiatric certification
Can diagnose: Yes
Can prescribe medication: Yes
Can provide therapy: Yes -
A PA-C is a licensed medical clinician who has completed graduate-level medical training and passed a national certification exam. PAs are trained in the medical model and may specialize in psychiatry through clinical experience, additional education, and postgraduate training.
Training: Master’s-level medical education + national board certification
Can diagnose: Yes
Can prescribe medication: Yes
Can provide therapy: Yes, when trained and practicing within their scopePA-C stands for Physician Associate/Assistant–Certified.
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A psychologist is a doctoral-level mental health professional with extensive training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. Psychologists often perform specialized psychological and neuropsychological testing.
Training: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) + supervised clinical training
Can diagnose: Yes
Can prescribe medication: Generally no*
Can provide therapy: Yes
Can perform psychological testing: YesSome states allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe medication, but this is not the norm.
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“Therapist” is a broad term rather than a single professional license. Several types of licensed mental health professionals can provide psychotherapy.
LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Master’s-level clinician trained in psychotherapy, mental health assessment, and social/environmental factors that affect mental health.LPC / LPCC — Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Master’s-level clinician trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health assessment.LMHC — Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Similar to an LPC; the title used depends on the state.LMFT — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Master’s-level clinician with additional emphasis on relationships, couples, families, and interpersonal systems. LMFTs also provide individual psychotherapy.LMSW / CSWA / Associate or Intern Licenses
You may also see clinicians working under an associate, intern, or provisional license while completing the supervised clinical hours required for independent licensure. The exact credential varies by state.
Mental Health & Community Resources
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If you are experiencing a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or are concerned that you may not be able to keep yourself or someone else safe, please seek immediate support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support throughout the United States.
Multnomah County Behavioral Health Crisis Line
503-988-4888
Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support. The crisis line can also help determine the appropriate level of care and dispatch Project Respond mobile crisis services when appropriate.
Clackamas County Crisis & Support Line
503-655-8585
24/7 mental health crisis support.
Washington County Crisis Line
503-291-9111
24/7 mental health crisis support, safety planning, referrals, and connection to mobile crisis services.
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Any hospital emergency department can provide evaluation for an acute mental health emergency.
Unity Center for Behavioral Health
1225 NE 2nd AvePortland, OR 97232503-944-8000
24/7 psychiatric emergency services for adults experiencing an acute mental health or substance-related crisis.
Cascadia Mental Health Urgent Walk-In Clinic
4212 SE Division St, Suite 100Portland, OR 97206503-963-2575
Walk-in behavioral health crisis assessment and support. No referral is required.
10300 SW Eastridge StPortland, OR 97225503-944-5000
Inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and substance use treatment.
Portland Street Response
503-823-7773
Community-based response for people experiencing mental or behavioral health crises in public spaces within Portland.
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Warm lines can be a good option when you need emotional support or someone to talk with but are not experiencing an immediate emergency.
800-698-2392
Free peer support provided by people with lived experience.
800-282-7035
Free emotional support for Oregon adults age 60 and older.
877-968-8491Text teen2teen to 839863
Peer support for youth and young adults.
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888-843-4564
Confidential peer support and LGBTQ+ community resources.
877-565-8860
Peer support by and for transgender people.
866-488-7386
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people.
4115 N Mississippi AvePortland, OR 97217503-234-7837
Portland LGBTQ+ community center offering peer support groups, community programs, events, and resources.
SMYRC – Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center
Portland-based support, community programming, resources, and referrals for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Marie Equi Center
Portland-based community resources and support for trans, queer, gender-diverse, and LGBTQ+ community members, with a particular focus on low-income and unhoused individuals.
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RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-HOPE (4673)
Free, confidential, 24/7 sexual assault support.
Sexual Assault Resource Center
503-626-9100
Support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence in the Portland metro area.
503-235-5333888-235-5333
24/7 confidential support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
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If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233)Text START to 88788
24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and resources.
503-235-5333888-235-5333
24/7 crisis support, safety planning, advocacy, and information about local shelter availability.
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Statewide directory for finding advocacy programs, shelters, and other services throughout Oregon.
503-232-1528
Domestic violence advocacy, housing assistance, support groups, and culturally specific services.
24-hour hotline: 503-222-6222
Confidential crisis support, shelter, safety planning, advocacy, and resources.
503-654-2288888-654-2288
Domestic and sexual violence services in Clackamas County.
Domestic Violence Resource Center
503-469-8620
Advocacy and services for survivors in Washington County.
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Statewide domestic violence resources for Washington residents.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
844-762-8483 (844-7NATIVE)
24/7 confidential domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
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Call 988, then press 1Text 838255
Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for veterans, service members, and their loved ones.
888-457-4838
Confidential support for service members, veterans, and their families.
503-954-2259
Free mental health and healthcare services for eligible post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
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National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Free, confidential, 24/7 support before, during, and after pregnancy. English and Spanish support available.
Postpartum Support International
800-944-4773
Support, education, online support groups, peer mentorship, and a directory of mental health professionals specializing in pregnancy and postpartum mental health.
Postpartum Support International is not a crisis line. For an immediate mental health crisis, call or text 988.
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Eating disorders can have serious medical and psychiatric complications. Seek emergency medical attention for fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, significant dehydration, confusion, or other concerning physical symptoms.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
Education, support groups, treatment referrals, and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
Oregon Health Authority – Eating Disorder Resources
Information about eating disorder screening, treatment, and resources in Oregon.
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Oregon Alcohol & Drug Helpline
800-923-4357Text RecoveryNow to 839863
Free and confidential support for substance use concerns, treatment options, and recovery resources.
800-662-HELP (4357)
24/7 treatment information and referrals for mental health and substance use disorders.
Call or text 62-FIRESIDE
Psychedelic peer support for people during or after psychedelic experiences.
True Colors Recovery Center
Portland LGBTQIA2S+ recovery community center offering peer mentorship, mutual-aid meetings, sober community, and recovery support.
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503-226-3021
Affordable counseling with sliding-scale options.
Portland State University Community Counseling Clinic
503-725-4620
Low-cost individual, relationship, and family counseling provided by graduate clinicians under supervision. Standard sessions are currently listed at $20 per session, with further reductions available for financial hardship.
Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center
503-768-6320
Low-cost individual, couples, and family therapy provided by advanced graduate clinicians under supervision.
Community behavioral health services and sliding-fee options for eligible individuals.
Liberation Institute
503-836-7350 ext. 3
Portland counseling center offering sliding-scale, community-supported psychotherapy.
Spectrum Counseling & Mental Wellness
971-373-4497
Nonprofit providing low-cost and free mental health services, with a focus on LGBTQ+, disabled, and other marginalized communities.
Jeannie Songer – Low-Cost & Free Therapy Resources
A collection of free and lower-cost mental health resources in the Portland area.