Mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers can people cope with depression. what do psychiatrists do? a) they study behavior and emotions and practice psychotherapy with individuals or groups, but they cannot prescribe medications. b) they work with family members of someone being treated for mental disorders, and may also work as individual or group counselors. c) they diagnose and treat mental disorders by conducting exams, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications.