Can therapists diagnose mental health conditions?

A diagnosis received in therapy is the formal identification of a mental health condition. Therapists can provide diagnoses using criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This is the primary tool mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, use to classify and diagnose mental and brain-related conditions.

For some people, getting a diagnosis provides clarity, self-understanding, and, most importantly, access to proper care. For others, the focus might be more on symptom relief and support.

Not all therapists are qualified to offer a formal diagnosis. Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of therapists and mental health professionals who can and cannot do so:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): Yes, LCPs can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Often yes, but their ability to do so might depend on state laws and their scope of practice.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Sometimes. LMFTs may diagnose conditions within the context of relationships or family dynamics.
• Coaches or unlicensed providers: While coaches and other unlicensed providers aren’t able to offer a clinical diagnosis, they can work closely with licensed clinicians on your care team to support your overall mental health and help guide next steps.

It’s common for therapists to work alongside doctors (such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians) to coordinate diagnosis and treatment, especially when dealing with complex or co-existing conditions.

A diagnosis isn’t always necessary or required for you to start therapy. You can always work with a therapist before you have any formal label for what you’re experiencing. However, a therapist making a diagnosis can be helpful, or in some cases, necessary, if you:

• Hope to get an insurance reimbursement
• Have symptoms that interfere with daily life or functioning
• Want a targeted treatment approach
• Are trying to understand more about co-occurring or complex conditions

Even without a diagnosis, a therapist can still offer meaningful support throughout the therapeutic process, helping you feel better and make progress toward healing.

If you’re curious about what getting a formal diagnosis looks like, you can expect anything from a basic assessment to a specialized treatment plan. It helps to remember that the therapeutic experience is collaborative and built on trust, not judgment. The process generally works as follows:

1. Initial assessment: Common assessments usually include questionnaires, intake forms, and open-ended conversations with your therapist or doctor.
2. Review of medical and mental health history: Your therapist will review your medical and mental health history, including any medications you’ve been on, to fully understand your background and gain context around your experience.
3. Identification of patterns: Therapists understand the importance of looking for patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is an important part of making an accurate diagnosis.
4. Ongoing evaluation as therapy continues: Getting a diagnosis isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s just a starting point that allows your therapist to determine an effective course of treatment moving forward. As you continue, you and your therapist may revisit goals and outcomes together to assess if therapy is working.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like something’s just “off,” it’s time to seek help. You don’t need the perfect words to explain exactly what you’re feeling, and you definitely don’t have to fully understand it yet. Some people also find it helpful to understand the difference between therapy vs. counseling when considering their options for support.

Working with a therapist can help you explore where you’re at mentally and how past experiences and your current situation are contributing to your mental health. Together, you can figure out if a diagnosis is appropriate. And that’s the first step in recovery.

Headspace allows you to work with a trained, licensed therapist who can recognize symptoms, make diagnoses, and provide evidence-based care suited to your needs. Over 70% of members feel less anxious or depressed after just a few weeks of therapy.¹ If getting a diagnosis is part of your mental health journey, we’re here to help. Our flexible online therapy sessions, partnerships with insurance providers, and experienced mental health professionals make Headspace a powerful resource for healing and growth.

You don’t always need a therapist to make a diagnosis to start feeling better, but if it turns out you do, online therapy from Headspace is here for you every step of the way.



^{1. Based on follow-up assessments completed 6–16 weeks after starting care. Therapist rating reflects average post-session feedback from Headspace Therapy members.}



_Sources:

_{DSM. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm. Accessed May 27, 2025.}