What Types of Professionals Can Assess and Treat Social Anxiety?

Psychologists
Psychologists have completed doctoral training (usually indicated by a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in both the research and clinical service delivery aspects of mental health, and have met the licensure requirements of their state or province. In addition to studying the applied, treatment-oriented aspects of disorders such as Social Phobia, psychologists also complete a great deal of study on our basic psychological makeup, including factors in emotional development, theories of personality, family functioning, and social influences on mental health. This background and preparation of psychologists makes them especially well suited to provide thorough assessment and psychotherapy services for individuals with Social Phobia. Because they do not usually have medical training, psychologists are not able to prescribe medications (although in a few states, psychologists with additional training in pharmacology are able to do so).
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are physicians who have completed specialty training in mental health after completing their MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) degrees. Because of their medical background, psychiatrists are often especially skilled at considering the physical aspects of anxiety disorders and prescribing appropriate medication treatments where needed. While psychiatric training programs often focus on psychopharmacology(treatment using psychiatric drugs), many also have training in providing psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioral therapy).
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers have completed graduate (usually MSW - Master of Social Work) training in mental health. While clinical social workers can provide psychotherapy and some assessments, many also have particular knowledge and skill in helping individuals from a social and community perspective - for example, connecting clients with needed social assistance programs or working with families in need of help.
Other Professionals
Other professionals may also be able to help you in coping with Social Phobia. These individuals can include your general practice physician, professional counselors, psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners, and members of the clergy. As with any professional (including psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers), it is important to assess whether the practitioner is experienced in treating anxiety problems using evidence based approaches - especially cognitive-behavioral treatments and medications, each of which are discussed in the next section.