Several types of licensed mental health and medical professionals can officially diagnose depression.
- General practitioners (GPs)/primary care physicians
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- Often the first point of contact.
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- Can assess symptoms, rule out medical causes (like thyroid issues), and make a diagnosis.
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- May prescribe antidepressants or refer to a specialist.
While GPs can diagnose depression, they may not provide in-depth psychological assessments unless trained in mental health.
I made an appointment with my general practitioner because of my many depressive symptoms, and he suspected depression as well. He then referred me to a psychologist to get a clinical diagnosis. He did prescribe me antidepressants in the meantime so I could function somewhat decently again.
- Psychiatrists
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- Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health.
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- Can give a formal diagnosis, prescribe medication, and manage complex or severe cases.
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- Often seen when symptoms are persistent, treatment-resistant, or include suicidal ideation or psychosis.
- Clinical psychologists
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- Have a PhD or PsyD in psychology.
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- Trained to judge, identify, and treat mental disorders using interviews, observation, and psychological testing.
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- Cannot prescribe medication (in most countries) but offer psychotherapy and structured interventions.
My psychologist was the person who officially diagnosed me with major depressive disorder. Afterward, we made a treatment plan to address the symptoms and the underlying issues causing the psychological problems.
- Licensed therapists and counselors
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- Titles can vary: LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), LPC (licensed professional counselor), LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist), etc.
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- In many regions (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia), they can discover symptoms and provide a provisional or working diagnosis based on clinical criteria such as the DSM-5.
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- They cannot prescribe medication, but often work closely with psychiatrists or GPs.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) or psychiatric nurse practitioners
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- In some countries, such as the US, nurse practitioners with mental health training can diagnose depression and prescribe medication.
Depending on the country and local regulations, a few other professions may also be involved in the diagnostic process, though with some limitations.
- Occupational therapists (with mental health specialization)
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- In countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada, mental health OTs with advanced training can classify depressive symptoms and use screening tools like the PHQ-9.
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- While they typically don’t provide a formal medical diagnosis, they do contribute to the assessment process and often work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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- They collaborate on diagnostic decisions in some integrated settings, like in community mental health.
I’m an occupational therapist in a physical rehabilitation center, and although we don’t officially diagnose depression, we often do refer to our in-house psychologist if we suspect our client is struggling with depression or other mood issues.
- Physician assistants (PAs)
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- In the US and some other countries, PAs can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions under the supervision of a physician.
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- They are trained to recognize mental illnesses, including depression, and can prescribe medication in many jurisdictions.
- School psychologists
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- They typically evaluate mental health conditions in children and adolescents.
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- They can identify depression in school settings if it affects academic or social functioning.
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- While they may not make a formal medical diagnosis, they provide psychological assessments that guide treatment or referrals.
- Psychiatric pharmacists
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- Not primary diagnosticians, but in some settings (US Veterans Affairs or collaborative care clinics), psychiatric pharmacists with advanced training may screen for depression, adjust medications, and work closely with psychiatrists in managing care.
- Clinical neuropsychologists
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- Clinical neuropsychologists specialize in brain-behavior relationships.
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- Often involved when depression coexists with neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or dementia.
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- They perform in-depth assessments and may provide a diagnostic formulation in complex cases.
- Emergency room physicians/crisis team members
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- ER doctors and mental health crisis teams can make a preliminary diagnosis of depression in acute settings, especially in cases involving suicidal ideation or self-harm.
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- These are often stabilization-focused assessments, followed by referral for ongoing care.
What tools are used for an accurate diagnosis?
Most professionals rely on:
- Clinical interviews based on criteria in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
- Screening tools like the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory.
- Rule-out tests to check for medical conditions like vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disorders.
When to seek a diagnosis?
It’s worth seeking a professional assessment if someone has experienced low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, or other depressive symptoms for more than 2 weeks, notably if it affects daily life.
Final thoughts
In most regions, formal diagnosis of depression is reserved for medical doctors such as psychiatrists, GPs, clinical psychologists, or licensed mental health professionals.
Professions such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and neuropsychologists may contribute in major ways, particularly in team-based or specialized care models.
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