Therapists: A Rough Guide

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Psychiatrist: MBBS doctor with post-graduate degree (MD) or diploma (DPM) in psychiatry. The only ones who can prescribe medication.
Psychoanalyst: Specialised therapist; uses Freudian and other psychodynamic theories and techniques to gain insight into intrapsychic processes.
Clinical psychologist: Psychology post-graduate with further certified training (eg, MPhil/Phd) in clinical psychology.
Child psychologist/psychiatrist: Has specialised in child and adolescent psychology/psychiatry after post-graduation.
Marital & family/systemic therapist: Believe problems lie with relationships, not individuals; invite couple/family members into therapy to collaboratively seek solutions.
Development psychologist: Focus is on child's overall development (eg, cognitive, speech and language, social, motor). They intervene in areas where there might be a delay.
Counsellor: In Indian context, generic term used for anyone who can provide support, understanding, advice and guidance to people in any kind of distress or dilemma.