Some definitions:

Psychiatrist: Medical Doctor, went to medical school, specializes in psychiatry, usually just prescribes medications only but some do a little therapy

Psychologist: Has a PhD degree, does psychotherapy only, does not prescribe medications

Psychiatric nurse practitioner: Went to nursing school and trained in psychology, usually prescribes medications AND does therapy in the same visit. Nice two in one deal.

Counselors: these can include a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master's in Social Work (MSW) and a whole bunch more acronyms...that's all I can think of right now. They just do therapy only.

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Psychiatrists & Psychologists are the most expensive. Social workers are less expensive. But if your health plan does copays, that doesn't matter to you.

Do you work, or are you covered under someone else's health plan? First off, check to see if they have an EAP program - Employee Assistance Program. You can call their hotline and talk to a counselor and they will set you up with some free sessions with a therapist and/or psychiatrist. If you don't have EAP, then just use your regular health benefits, but keep in mind you may have to pre-certify by calling their 1-800 number.

If you don't have health coverage, I'd check with your county or state mental health clinics for services.

The best bet is usually to get a psychiatrist for medications and a psychologist for therapy. But that depends on your area. In my area, it's a 3 month wait to see a psychiatrist, the only one in town is booked solid.

A psych nurse is a good option because it's both meds and therapy in one. But they don't have an MD or a PhD.

Hope that makes a little sense. I hate how confusing it all is. One of my crazy ideas is to someday create a system where ALL you have to do is call or click and say three words - "I need help" - and someone will GET you that help without you having to do any work at all. When you're in a fragile mental state, you really can't deal with all this crap just to find the help you need.