Choosing the right type of therapy
What kinds of professionals provide psychotherapy and mental health services?
While the field of psychology includes many specialties, those psychologists who conduct psychotherapy and work with individuals, groups, or families to resolve problems are generally called clinical psychologists, or counseling psychologists.
In most states, a licensed psychologist has completed a doctoral degree from a program with specialized training and experience requirements in psychotherapy, has then completed a course of closely supervised experience and then has successfully completed a professional licensure examination.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is licensed to practice medicine and has completed specialty training in psychiatry.
Mental Health Counselors
In some states mental health counselors also use other titles such as licensed professional counselors. They have at least a master's degree and several years of clinical supervision.
Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses who have advanced academic degrees at the master's degree level or above. They have specialized training in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of mental health related problems.
A social worker has a master's degree in social work and has completed field placement programs designed to train them in basic techniques.
Psychotherapist is a term used to refer to mental health professionals who treat patients. Some people who call themselves psychotherapists do not have adequate training. If you doubt the credentials of a therapist, check with state licensing agencies.
How do I get the name of a good therapist?
Professional associations usually have state or local chapters which can help in finding an appropriate professional in the community. Mental health associations provide information about mental health resources available in your community. You may also want to ask for a referral from a trusted professional or friend. Ministers and school counselors are also often good sources for referrals. You may also look in the yellow pages of your local telephone book under Psychologists, Physicians, Social Workers, Marriage, Family, and Individual Counselors.
In an emergency situation (e.g. suicidal threat, violent behavior), call the police, or an ambulance to get to a hospital. You can also contact a mental health hotline or a suicide prevention center.
How do I tell if the person I have chosen can help me?
Effectiveness depends on you and the therapist. It's important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. There are times when you may not "click" with a particular person and someone else or some other method may be more suitable for you.
You need to ask questions of the potential therapist. Remember when you are seeking psychotherapy you need to act as an informed consumer. It is alright to ask about training and experience. Ask the therapist how many people they have treated with the same or similar concerns. Ask them about success rates. You should expect that the therapist can provide you with a reasonable plan of treatment that you can understand.
If you do not feel like there is a good fit between you and the therapist you have chosen, you can ask your therapist for a referral to another mental health professional.
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is basic to therapy and the patient has the right to control access to information about treatment. Some insurance companies require certain information from the therapist as a condition of payment - but that information still can only be released if the patient gives written permission. You should expect your therapist to explain the confidentiality of the treatment to you.
What if I do not have adequate personal finances, medical insurance, or hospital coverage?
In such circumstances you may want to contact your publicly funded mental health center. Such centers are funded by state and local governments and the costs of treatment are generally calculated by what you can afford to pay.