What mental health professionals help people with schizophrenia?

There are a number of mental health professionals that are trained in, or specialize in, helping people with schizophrenia. They include:

• Social workers and counselors
• Psychologists
• Case managers
• Psychiatrists
• Psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners

Often, these mental health professionals work together to maximize the effectiveness of treatment for each person. Typically, the psychiatrist or the psychiatric nurse practitioner leads the treatment team and is responsible for medication management. The other treatment team members may be responsible for offering psychosocial treatments, including skills training, family therapy, vocational or rehabilitation therapy, and individual counseling. The case manager often works to help the person within and outside the treatment setting.