Psychiatrists
(MD with a Fellowship in Psychiatry)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who successfully completed
a Fellowship in Psychiatry in a hospital residency program. They are
specially trained in diagnosing and treating serious metal illnesses
such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder ("manic-depression"),
organic depression, psychosis, paranoia, multiple personality disorder
(extremely rare), and mental illnesses and personality disorders associated
with aging, thyroid disease, physical trauma, strokes, and post-traumic
stress. Psychiatrists use a series of criteria to make a diagnosis -
these criteria, called an "Axis," are rendered in strict accordance
by the American Psychiastric Association. Psychiatrists work with patients
in hospital settings as well in out-patient settings.
Psychiatrists
also work with high-functioning patients and clients who simply need
medications for sleep problems, mild depression, stress, short-term
problems such as grieving for the loss of a loved one, sexual identity
issues, family problems, etc. These patients are generally "out
patients" who see the psychiatrist on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
basis for a medication review. They may also work with the psychiatrist
for general psychotherapy, hypnosis, relaxation therapy, or assistance
with personal growth such as career issues, life changes, and self-exploration.
This patients range from college students to chief executive officers,
from stay-at-home spouses to surgeons.
Today's
psychiatrists are not "pill pushers." They are medical doctors
with a wide range of experience, insight, and training in psychotherapy.
They resort to medication only when it is indicated, and often will
work in tandem with your primary care physician. If you require psychotropic
medications, you could ask your physician for a prescription, but a
psychiatrist has years of specialty training in these medications, their
interactions with other medications, diseases that may cause psychiatric
or emotional problems, and have access to start-of-the-art information
with which your regular doctor may not be familiar.
There is
no shame or personal weakness in meeting with a psychiatrist. People
should be commended for seeking the services of a psychiatrist to ensure
that their issues are not caused by an underlying physical condition
and that they are referred to the right knod of short-term or long-term
treatment program to achieve their goals.
Your psychiatrist
MUST be licensed by the state to practice. If your psychiatrist's license
is not current, run the other way! Most psychiatrists are also Board
Certified, which means they have successfully passed a comprehensive
peer review.
Clinical
Psychologist (LCP)
A clinical psychologist generally holds a doctorate in clinical psychology
(Ph.D.), a Psy.D. degree, or a doctorate in social work (D.S.W). He
or she has also successfully completed many hours or supervision by
a licensed clinical psychologist and, in some states, passed licensing
examinations.
The degree
must be clinically oriented as there are industrial psychologists (those
are the people who create those "personality tests" used by
companies in their hiring process, or who help the advertising industry
get their message across) and research psychologists. Often, these specialists
will not qualify under state guidelines to become a clinical pscyhologist
nor can they bill insurance companies or give their clients receipts
that will be accepted by insurance companies.
Clinical
psychologists offer psychotherapy services that help with root cause
analysis for common problems such as phobias, relationship issues, and
depression. They are qualified to make diagnosies based on principals
similar to psychiatric evaluation. Most clinical work closely with at
least one psychiatrist and they will refer clients to the psychiatrist
when they suspect the client may have a underlying pyschical component
such as mood swings caused by bipolar disorder, or to prescribe medications
such as anti-anxiety or anti-depressants, where indicated.
Some clinical
psychologists specialize in testing services. Such testing services
include IQ testing, psychoanalytic assessment, and cognitive functioning
such as when indicated by mental impairment from a stroke or pre-Altzheimer's
in older patients.
Licensed
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Most Clinical
Social Workers (CSWs) hold a master's degree in social work (MSW) and
have completed numerous hours of clinical supervision. Some CSWs even
have a doctoral degree (DSW). CSWs can work in hospitals, government
service agencies, or in private practice. Even after a social worker
becomes certified, it may still be many months before he or she is permitted
to accept insurance or can provide you with receipts that your insurance
company will reimburse.
CSWs provide
many of the same therapy services that clinical psychologists perform
but generally do not perform psychological testing.
Psychoanalyst
This is
a loaded term because many unlincensed therapists call themselves psychoanalysts
so be careful. A true psychoanalyst is a psychiastrist, clinical psychotherapist,
clinical social worker, or other licensed professional who has successfully
completed a certification program in psychoanalytic training. Psychoanalysis
is a therapy technical based on the Freudian concept of "Free Association,"
where the client sits in a comfortable chair (or, following an old tradition,
lies on a couch) and just talks about whatever is in or on his or her
mind. This may include discussing current issues, past issues, dreams,
or a mixture of reality and subconscious thoughts.
Note that
this type of therapy is rare these days owing to the cost and time commitment,
which can be many hours per week.
Marriage
and Family Therapist (LMFT)
There is
a legal designation for Family Therapist, so you'll have to ask your
family therapist if he or she is licensed. Family therapists focus on
relationships within the family - husbands and wives, domestic parters
including same-sex couples, parent-child relationships, siblings, etc.
Family
therapists often see the family unit together as well as individually.
They range from marraige counselors who act as impartial intermediaries
who try to teach couples to work through their issues, to clinical psychologists
and psychiatrists who help the client explore the underlying issues
in the relationship and help sort out the cognitive, behavioral, external,
or medical causes for the problem and then try to help the parties resolve
their issues.
Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed
professional counselors generally go not hold a doctoral degree butg
instead have passed state examinations and/or successfully completed
a required number of clinical hours under supervision.
Addiction
Therapist (LPC)
Licensed
addiction therapists are trained professionals who work priarmily with
substance abuse. Addiction therapists are found in hospitals, treatment
centers, and in private practice. These individauls have successfully
completed state rewquirements and generally offer a wide range of services
and have access to medical professionals and social services.
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