Who to talk to and when?: A quick guide to mental health professionals

Dr Ifrah Hambal is a graduate of Dow Medical College and completed her internship at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), where she also pursued her residency in psychiatry.

Mental health professionals are experts who help people deal with mental health problems or mental illnesses, just like there are specialists for different physical illnesses. There are various types of mental health professionals, each offering different services:

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in treating mental illnesses through medication. They must complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, followed by MCPS or FCPS in Psychiatry. To receive a proper diagnosis, an individual would need to visit a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication or recommend psychotherapy from a clinical psychologist.

Clinical Psychologist

A clinical psychologist typically holds a Bachelor of Science (BS – a four-year program) in Psychology or a related discipline, followed by a two-year MS, MPhil, PhD, or PsyD degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (minimum of 18 years of education), along with a required supervised clinical internship.

They are trained in psychological testing and assessment, which is often helpful in determining the diagnosis and nature of a problem. Not all psychologists are trained to provide clinical services—some work in industry, schools, or research—but clinical psychologists are qualified to treat mental illnesses through psychotherapy (talk therapy).

They can help with a wide range of issues, such as mental illnesses, life problems, relationship issues, and self-growth. Some may receive additional training to work with couples and families. Clinical psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

Counselor

Counselors are professionals who have either a degree in counseling psychology or an advanced diploma in psychotherapy and counseling. They are not trained or qualified to diagnose or treat mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions but can assist with various life problems, self-improvement, and basic problem-solving. Counselors cannot diagnose or prescribe medications.

People have the right to ask about a mental health professional's qualifications to ensure they are receiving care from someone who is properly trained.

When should you see a mental health professional?

Everyone feels low or stressed from time to time. However, when certain behaviours or emotional experiences last for several weeks or more, it might be time to pay closer attention. You should consider seeking professional help if you consistently experience:

- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking early and being unable to sleep again, or very little to no sleep for days without feeling the need to rest)

- Appetite or weight issues (eating too much or too little, or experiencing sudden, unexplained weight loss)

- Persistent emotional distress (ongoing sadness, anxiety, fear, apprehension, anger, irritability, or hopelessness)

- Frequent thoughts about hopelessness, death, or self-harm

- Cognitive difficulties (memory problems, inability to focus or concentrate, trouble making everyday decisions)

- Unexplained physical symptoms (aches, fatigue, or low energy without a medical cause)

It is important to speak to a mental health professional if these signs:

- Become so persistent or noticeable that they negatively affect your life

- Interfere with your ability to live a normal life like most people

- Cause distress to you or those around you

- Represent a significant change from your usual self

When people don’t feel safe to speak up or seek support, they may become more isolated—which only deepens the pain they’re trying to carry alone. But here’s the truth: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Just like we reach out to a doctor for physical illness, it’s okay—and necessary—to reach out for support when our mind and emotions are struggling.

1 out of 5 Pakistani school going children are affected by emotional and behavioural problems