GETTING HELP
People seeking help for psychological problems face a bewildering array of choices. There are not only many different types of therapy, but also different types of therapists and helping professionals. Nor is professional treatment necessary for everyone. Many people with psychological disorders turn to clergy or trusted friends. Self-help groups or support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous, also help many people experiencing psychological problems. When problems become overwhelming or persistent, or when people seem to be at risk of harming themselves or others, professional help is indicated.
A Who’s Who of Psychological Health Professionals
Different kinds of professionals treat psychological disorders, including physicians, psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Some people without psychological disorders also seek out health professionals to help them gain better insight into themselves or reach their full potentials.
Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.s or D.O.s) who complete residencies in psychiatry. Residencies last three to five years and provide training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Psychiatrists use psychotherapy, and as licensed physicians, they can prescribe psychotropic drugs and use other medical techniques, such as ECT. Many psychiatrists also complete more extensive training in psychoanalysis or other psychotherapeutic approaches.
Psychologists Psychologists complete advanced graduate work in psychology, usually a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D. or Psy.D.). They may train in specialty areas within psychology, such as clinical or counseling psychology, that equip them to diagnose disorders and to treat them with psychotherapy. They complete internships in health care settings or university clinics and are licensed to practice in their states. Clinical psychologists also receive training in the use of psychological tests to diagnose psychological disorders and in research methods to enable them to conduct scientific studies in the field.
Counselors Counselors usually possess a master’s degree in education or a health-related field (such as occupational therapy or rehabilitation counseling). Counselors work in many settings, including public schools, college testing and counseling centers, and hospitals and health clinics. Many specialize in academic, vocational, marital, or family counseling, or in career development or the treatment of milder psychological disorders, such as adjustment disorders. Pastoral counselors are religious personnel (ministers, etc.) who are trained to help parishioners cope with personal problems.
Social Workers Social workers usually hold a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree and are licensed by the state in which they practice. Clinical social workers provide counseling or psychotherapy and help people obtain the services they need from community agencies and organizations. For example, they may help people with schizophrenia adjust to the community once they leave the hospital. Many social workers, like counselors, also specialize in marital or family therapy.
(Jeffrey S. Nevid, Spencer A. Rathus, and Hannah R. Rubenstein, Health in the New Millennium)