A person who has completed additional training in an intensive form of psychotherapy beyond his or her masters, doctorate, or medical degree. Psychoanalysts are trained to treat people in psychoanalysis and in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Psychoanalysts can be trained in psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy (as their primary degree).

A person who has earned a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology and is licensed by the state as a psychologist. A psychologist can work in multiple therapeutic modalities (psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, marriage counseling, etc.), often diagnosis people with mental illness through formal assessment (including psychological testing), and often have more experience and training working with people struggling with more severe forms of mental health issues.

A person who has earned a medical degree and is able to prescribe medication for mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.). Most psychiatrists only engage in medication management; however, some engage in psychotherapy (those who do on a regular basis tend to be also trained in psychoanalysis).

For simplicity's sake, I have placed these three into one category, but their training does differ. For the most part, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists are masters level clinicians (all three can earn doctorates, but this is usually accomplished in order for them to teach at the college level). They are licensed by the state in their respective fields (a doctorate is not required for licensure like for psychologists and psychiatrists). They tend to offer counseling with individuals, families, couples, and children. While their education is not as extensive, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers help a wide range of people through various approaches and are well-trained to counsel others in times of distress.