Types of Healthcare Providers

 

Counselor: Works with the individual and/or his or her caregiver/family to address issues associated with the diagnosis, including: anxiety, communication, coping, depression, emotions, family dynamics, grief, and others.  Counselor types may include Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Rehabilitation Counselors, and Social Workers.

 

Geriatrician:  A physician (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in aging.

 

Internist: A physician (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in adult medicine.

 

Neurologist:  A physician (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves.

 

Neuropsychologist:  A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in behaviors related to brain function and brain structure.

 

Occupational Therapist (OT):  An OT works to help individuals engage in meaningful activity designed to improve or maintain the highest possible level of independence and quality of life.  Activities frequently focus on activities of daily living (also known as ADLs).

 

Pharmacist:  A pharmacist dispenses and provides information about drugs/medicine.  Pharmacists can answer questions about different types of medicines and how they interact in the body.

 

Primary Care Provider: The physician (M.D. or D.O.) or non-physician (Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) that a patient usually sees for general health concerns.

 

Psychiatrist: A physician (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health.

 

Physical Therapist (PT):  A PT works with the individual to promote functional ability and quality of life.  Activities frequently focus on exercise, movement and safety.

 

Social Worker: A professional who seeks to improve the quality of life and well being of individuals, families, and communities.

 

Speech-language Pathologist (SLP): A SLP not only addresses speech and communication disorders, but also addresses swallowing disorders (also known as dysphagia).