Group Health Insurance: Searching for a Mental Health Provider ...

You have digestion problems. Would you go see a cardiologist? No, I think you would see the physician best trained to diagnose and treat your ailments. This same reasoning is valid for people seeking psychotherapy, but perhaps a bit more confusing to the layperson. In the murky water of mental health counseling, deciding what professional to see is challenging. I hope my insights from twenty plus years as a licensed psychologist will make the search for the right therapist clearer.Psychologists: Most will have a doctorate (Ph.D.), (Psy.D.), and training in methods, knowledge and theories of psychology. There are many specialties, among them, but not limited to, are clinical, counseling, educational, social, developmental, school, and industrial/organizational. Approximately, 60% are in the areas of clinical and counseling specializations. These two areas of focus are able to diagnose, and treat mental and personality disorders and adjustment problems. Typically three to six years post-graduate study is required and most American Psychological Association approved programs mandate an internship. In order to call oneself a psychologist, passing of written and oral exams by a State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, with a period of supervision by a licensed psychologist, is the law in all fifty states.?

Some states (Louisiana and New Mexico) afford the opportunity to psychologists to have the designation of "medical psychologists," which allows limited prescription privileges. With additional schooling (a Master Degree in clinical psycho-pharmacology), supervision by a physician, and maintaining strict guidelines, these psychologists can prescribe medication.Psychiatrists: They are medical doctors (M.D.) who specialize in psychiatry. After completing medical school, they continue for an extra four years of residency training in mental health studies. Additional training is obtained to specialize in such areas of child/adolescent or geriatric. Psychiatrists prescribe medications and monitor medications for other providers who don't have prescription privileges. They are usually found in hospital settings and community mental health clinics, while maintaining a private practice. They treat a broad range of mental health issues, and may combine "talk therapy" with "drug therapy." They often are the primary treatment physician for serious mental health issues such as psychosis and addictions. If you choose to consult with a psychiatrist and want "talk therapy" without medications, ask if counseling is provided, exclusive of medication, or in combination of both modalities.Social Workers: Most social workers who offer counseling hold a M.S.W. (Masters of Social Work). Training requires two years of post-graduate study and hundreds of hours of "in the field" (internship) supervised training. They have their own licensing board and are found in private practice, schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and chemical dependency facilities. They work closely with psychologists and psychiatrists, performing assessments of family structures, often counseling within the family home. You may find social workers who go by the titles, 'psychiatric social workers" or 'clinical social workers."Psychoanalysts: Psychoanalysis refers to a specialized treatment obtained through accredited programs. Psychoanalysts can be medical doctors, as well as psychologists or social workers. They have certification in a form of psychotherapy associated to Sigmund Freud and his followers. It is best described as an approach that probes the unconscious mind and its relationship to current feelings, thinking and behaviors. In most instances, part of their training is to undergo their own psychoanalysis. Caution is given of anyone identifying themselves as a psychoanalyst. Psychoanalytic therapy is typically of long duration and expensive. to this extent, managed care insurance companies may not cover this form of treatment. You should check with your insurance provider.Marriage & Family, Pastoral Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.); These titles represent people who have at least a Master Degree and possibly a Doctorate Degree. They must obtain certification and/or license to offer counseling. They treat adjustment disorders in marriage and family issues and persons requiring supportive therapy. Pastoral counselors have specific training in assisting people who desire their counseling in a spiritual framework.Comments: Whoever you choose for a therapist, they should have certification from a state or national board. Most insurance payment plans will only recognize those with certification. Check to see if the professional provider works with your age group. For example, some therapists may not work with adolescents or the elderly.Remember, anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist. Always check their credentials.An expanded version of this article is found in my book, "A Guide for Effective Psychotherapy."????

Source: http://helverasbethart.blogspot.com/2012/10/searching-for-mental-health-provider.html

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