Most teens start with a therapist, who treats anxiety, depression and stress in regular one-on-one sessions. A psychologist can also do formal testing, such as ADHD evaluations. A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner decides whether medication could help and manages it. At Blackburn Clinical Services in Los Angeles, many teens see a therapist and prescriber who work together.
Call (888) 870-7405
Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Parents usually make the first call.
Key facts
- In California, therapists hold licenses such as LMFT, LCSW or LPCC, issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are licensed by the California Board of Psychology. They provide therapy and testing but do not prescribe in California.
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) can prescribe.
- A child and adolescent psychiatrist completes two extra years of training focused on young people after general psychiatry residency (AACAP, Facts for Families No. 00, updated 2023).
- You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to start therapy at Blackburn Clinical Services.
What do the letters after a clinician’s name mean?
This table covers the license types parents in California see most often.
| Title | Letters | Training | Prescribes? | Typical role for teens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child and adolescent psychiatrist | MD or DO | Medical school, general psychiatry residency, then child and adolescent fellowship | Yes | Evaluation, diagnosis, medication decisions and complex cases |
| General psychiatrist | MD or DO | Medical school and psychiatry residency | Yes | Evaluation and medication, often for older teens and young adults |
| Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner | PMHNP, often with NP or APRN | Nursing degree, then graduate training in psychiatric care | Yes | Evaluation and medication management |
| Psychologist | PhD or PsyD | Doctoral degree in psychology and supervised hours | No, in California | Therapy, psychological and neuropsychological testing |
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | LMFT | Master’s degree and supervised hours | No | Individual, family and parent sessions |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | LCSW | Master’s in social work and supervised hours | No | Therapy plus help with school, family and community resources |
| Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor | LPCC | Master’s in counseling and supervised hours | No | Individual therapy for anxiety, depression and life stress |
You may also see associate titles such as AMFT, ASW or APCC. These are clinicians who have finished their degree and are completing supervised hours toward full licensure.
When should a teen start with a therapist?
A therapist is the usual first stop when a teen is anxious, low, overwhelmed, grieving, struggling at home or pulling away from friends. Therapy builds skills and gives your teen a steady place to talk. Approaches such as CBT, DBT informed skills and ACT help many teens, and for trauma our teen clinicians use EMDR and Brainspotting.
When does a psychologist make sense?
Start with a psychologist when the main question is “what is going on?” and testing would help answer it. Common reasons include attention problems, learning differences, or a request for school accommodations. See our page on ADHD testing in West Los Angeles and neuropsychological testing.
When should a teen see a psychiatrist?
Consider a psychiatric evaluation when symptoms are severe, keep coming back, or have not eased after a fair trial of therapy. It also makes sense when there are signs of bipolar disorder or psychosis, when sleep and daily function are badly affected, or when a teen already takes medication that needs review. Our guide on how to choose a psychiatrist for your teen covers what to ask.
How do these professionals work together?
The strongest plans usually include more than one person. A therapist sees your teen most often and notices day to day changes. A prescriber, when one is involved, watches how medication is working. A psychologist may provide testing that shapes both. With permission, they share what they learn so your family is not caught in the middle.
What does Blackburn Clinical Services offer?
- Therapy for teens, young adults and adults, in our office at 12326 Venice Blvd or by secure video for clients located in California.
- Family sessions, and parent-only sessions when parents need their own support.
- Psychiatric care that can be arranged when a medication evaluation would help.
- Testing for attention and learning concerns.
- A concierge outpatient program for teens who need more than one session a week.
If your teen is in danger or talking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an LMFT and an LCSW?
Both are master’s level therapists licensed in California to provide psychotherapy. An LMFT trains with a focus on relationships and family systems. An LCSW trains in social work, which adds a focus on community resources and practical supports. For a teen, the individual clinician’s experience matters more than which of the two licenses they hold.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication in California?
No. Psychologists in California provide therapy and testing but do not prescribe. Medication is prescribed by physicians, such as psychiatrists and pediatricians, and by nurse practitioners.
Does my teen need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. Many teens begin therapy because of stress, a hard transition or a change their parents have noticed. A therapist will assess what is going on as part of the work, and a formal diagnosis is not required to begin.
Who does ADHD testing?
Psychologists usually do formal ADHD and learning testing, often called a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation. Pediatricians and psychiatrists can also diagnose ADHD clinically. Blackburn Clinical Services offers testing in West Los Angeles; our ADHD testing page explains what it includes.
Not sure who to call first?
You do not have to sort out credentials on your own. Call (888) 870-7405, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, tell us what you are seeing, and we will suggest the right starting point at Blackburn Clinical Services.