Seeking help for mental, emotional, spiritual, or relationship issues can often be difficult. Finding the right mental health professional can help you take control of any issue in your life. In this article, I am going to talk about three of the most important mental health professionals (Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Counselors).
Firstly, what do the terms ‘Psychiatrist’, ‘Psychologist’, and ‘Counselor’ mean and what does their work involve?
1) Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. They undergo training with 4 years of medical school followed by a 1-year internship and at least 3 years of training as a resident.
A psychiatrist can differentiate between mental health problems and the underlying medical conditions associated with it. They observe the effects of mental health and illness on physical symptoms such as heart rate and blood pressure and the effect of the medicines on the physical changes in the body such as sleep, weight, organ functioning.
They are licensed to write prescriptions for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as a doctor and are efficient in prescribing drugs for the same. In psychiatry, the emphasis is put on medication management for a lot of treatment.Many mental disorders — such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder — can be treated effectively with specific drugs.
If you are working with a psychiatrist, a lot of the treatment may be focused on medication management as they may more often choose to prescribe medication in the treatment of difficulties.
2) Psychologist (clinical psychologist, in particular)
A psychologist has a doctoral degree (Ph.D., PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, but they are not medical doctors! Graduate school gives psychologists training in assessing and treating mental and emotional illnesses. After completing graduate school, a clinical psychologist does an internship for about two to three years and are further trained in methods of treatment, theories of psychology, and behavior therapy.
Psychologists who are licensed are certified to do psychotherapy and counseling, conduct psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental illnesses. They are also the only professionals specifically trained and qualified in the development, research, and administration of specialized psychological tests used to assess elements of intelligence or achievement, personality characteristics, mental and emotional disorders, and/or the effects of brain injury.
However, as they are not medical doctors, they cannot perform medical procedures or write medical prescriptions. Nevertheless, they usually work along with a psychiatrist or other medical doctors wherein the psychologist provides therapy and the psychiatrist provides the medical treatment.
Psychologists and psychiatrists both undergo many years of extensive formal training. The basic difference is the focus of the training they have received.
3) Counselor
A licensed Mental Health Counselor (we are talking about mental health)
They may have a range of backgrounds. A mental health counselor has a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. They have to be licensed professionals which is why they undergo two additional years’ experience working with a qualified mental health professional after graduate school.
A mental health counselor is equipped to assess and treat mental illnesses by providing counseling or psychotherapy. Mental health counselors specifically work with people dealing with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues. Counselors work with individuals, families, groups, and communities who deal with mental health issues and improve mental well-being.
They may examine social issues as well such as peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse, prejudice, work stress, financial difficulties, and health problems.
Is there a link between these professionals and their work?
Yes, in some cases. Occasionally, medicine alone is sufficient for treating mental illnesses. But sometimes, a blending of medication, therapy, or counseling is required. In such cases, a psychiatrist may provide psychotherapy, make initial assessment and diagnosis, and may refer the patient to a counselor, psychologist, or another type of mental health professional.
Thus, it is not uncommon for them to work together to diagnose mental illness or to work together to treat or prevent it. Their services may be overlapping as they are all mental health specialists and they study the mind and how it affects the patient’s overall wellness.
In addition, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors can form training initiatives to spread awareness about various psychological concepts while they share a commitment to treating mental health problems, talking with patients, and helping them to manage the issues that they encounter in their lives.
So, how do you start?
Firstly, understand the type of care and treatment you need to decide the person you have to go to. Do you need a psychiatrist to prescribe medication for you or a psychologist to provide therapy?
Do a bit of research and ask other health professionals for referrals. Once you have found a few people, make an appointment, and prepare for your first visit. Approach the session with a list of questions or topics you want to talk about. Ask about their training, experience, and treatment approach to know about their specialization in certain disorders. Seek out the specialists that have worked with others similar to you and have experience with your diagnosis.
Secondly, assess your association with them:
- Do you feel comfortable?
- Are you able to express yourself freely to them?
- Do they respect your concerns?
- Do they trust you and have full confidence in what they are doing?
- Do you feel like you are making progress?
- Do they believe in your path to wellness?
Tell yourself that you can take charge of your healing and well-being. Do not feel coerced to continue with a mental health professional if you are not comfortable and satisfied or don’t think this person has the required expertise to help you reach your goals.
Your mental health professionals are an astonishingly important part of your recovery, so pick the very best ones you can. You may not find the ideal one in your first try. But never give up.
Finding someone who will be invested in your long-term wellness, through thick and thin, takes time and effort. Be determined and always be honest with yourself. If you do, this will probably be one of the most valuable relationships in your life and you can thank yourself for that.
REFERENCES
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/guide-to-psychiatry-and-counseling#1
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-mental-health-counselor-4157925
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel