How to Choose the Right Mental Health Provider in Denver and Aurora

Not Sure Who to See? Here's How to Choose the Right Mental Health Provider in Denver and Aurora

When you first realize you need support for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. With so many types of mental health providers in Denver and Aurora, how do you know who to turn to? This guide explains the different provider types, what they do, and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Understanding Your Needs: Therapy, Medication, or Both?

Start by asking yourself what kind of support you think you need. Are you hoping to develop coping skills, process trauma, or better understand your emotions? Talk therapy might be a good fit. Are you dealing with more severe symptoms and wondering if medication might help? You may want to see someone who can evaluate and prescribe treatment. In many cases, a combination of both therapy and medication can be most effective.

Overview of Mental Health Providers: Who Does What?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common mental health professionals and what they offer:

• Therapists (LCSW, LPC, LMFT): Provide talk therapy and help with emotional and behavioral concerns.

• Psychologists (PhD, PsyD): Offer therapy, perform psychological assessments, and diagnose mental health conditions.

• Psychiatrists (MD, DO): Medical doctors who diagnose and prescribe medication, and sometimes offer therapy.

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP): Advanced practice nurses who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medication.

• Peer Specialists, Pastoral Counselors: Offer supportive, non-clinical mental health services based on lived experience or faith-based guidance.

Therapy-Focused Providers: Who They Are and How They Help

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

LCSWs have a master’s in social work and are trained in psychotherapy, case management, and community advocacy. They are especially helpful if your care involves navigating life systems like housing, insurance, or disability.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Therapists

These providers typically hold a master’s in counseling or psychology. They focus on talk therapy to help clients develop coping skills, address trauma, and improve emotional well-being.

Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

LMFTs specialize in interpersonal relationships and systemic family issues. They’re great for couples or families wanting to improve communication and connection.

Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)

Psychologists are doctorate-level professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They can perform in-depth evaluations and are ideal when you need psychological testing or long-term therapy support.

Providers Who Can Prescribe: Getting the Medication You Need

Psychiatrists (MD or DO)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose complex conditions, prescribe medications, and in some cases, provide therapy. Psychiatrists are often the best fit for people with severe mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)

PMHNPs are advanced practice nurses with graduate-level education in psychiatric care. They can assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication. Many patients appreciate their holistic, accessible, and often faster appointment availability compared to psychiatrists.

Collaborative Care: Why You Might See More Than One Provider

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we use a collaborative team approach to deliver personalized care. For example, a psychologist may provide therapy while a PMHNP manages your medication. Working as a team helps ensure that no part of your mental health journey is overlooked.

Other Roles You May Encounter

Certified Peer Specialists

These are individuals with lived experience of mental illness or substance use recovery. They are trained to provide mentorship, goal-setting, and support through shared understanding.

Pastoral Counselors

Pastoral counselors are clergy members with mental health training. They provide spiritual guidance alongside therapeutic support and may be a helpful resource for those seeking faith-integrated counseling.

Physician Assistants in Psychiatry

In some cases, a physician assistant (PA) may specialize in psychiatry and be able to diagnose and prescribe under physician supervision.

How to Choose the Right Mental Health Provider for You

• Symptom Severity: If your symptoms are severe or you suspect a diagnosis requiring medication, start with a psychiatrist or PMHNP.

• Treatment Goals: Want to talk through life transitions or build emotional resilience? A therapist or psychologist may be best.

• Insurance: Check which provider types are covered by your plan.

• Convenience: PMHNPs often have shorter wait times than psychiatrists.

• Comfort Level: Choose someone you feel safe opening up to—it makes a difference in your progress.

You Deserve More Than a Google Search

Searching online for a therapist or psychiatrist can be confusing. You deserve better than scrolling through lists of unfamiliar names and acronyms. At Axis, we make it easy to get started by helping match you to the right professional on our team.

What Makes Axis Different: Our Integrative Mental Health Team

We’re more than just a clinic. We’re a team of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and PMHNPs working together to give you holistic care that fits your life. Whether you're looking for therapy, medication management, or innovative treatments like TMS or ketamine, we’ll help you find the best fit.

Ready to Talk? Let’s Find the Right Provider Together

Contact us today at (720) 400-7025 or book online to schedule a consultation and begin your path to healing. Whether you’re in Denver or Aurora, we’re here for you.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist?

2. Can a PMHNP prescribe mental health medication in Colorado?

3. How do I know if I need medication or just therapy?

4. What’s the difference between an LCSW and an LPC?

5. Does Axis Integrated Mental Health accept insurance for therapy and psychiatric care?