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Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the differences among psychologists, psychiatrists and other therapists?
- What is psychotherapy?
- How do I find a qualified therapist?
- What if I have a relative or friend who is having psychological or emotional problems?
1. What are the differences among psychologists, psychiatrists and other therapists?
There are several types of professionals that provide psychotherapy services, but levels of training and areas of specialty vary greatly. Generally speaking, psychologists and counselors focus on the thoughts, feelings, or relationships that contribute to the problem. Social workers tend to focus on the social and environmental causes of the difficulty such as work, finances, family and community influences. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are knowledgeable about the underlying medical or biological cause of the illness. It is important to note that there is considerable overlap in approaches to treatment. Comprehensive treatment will focus on all potential contributors to psychological problems, from biological to psychological to environmental.
Psychologists: Psychologists have a doctoral level degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.). They have typically received 4 to 6 years of supervision in psychotherapy and psychological testing during graduate school, as well as an additional year after completion of the doctorate. Psychologists must pass written national and state examinations and an oral examination in some states as well. Psychologists are qualified to provide psychotherapy and administer and interpret all types of psychological test.
Licensed Professional Counselors: Licensed professional counselors typically have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, have 3 years of supervised experience, and have completed a written examination administered by their state board. LPC's are qualified to provide psychotherapy and administer some psychological tests.
Social Workers: Social workers may have either a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree, and must pass a written examination administered by their licensing board. With three years of supervised experience and after passing an additional written examination, a social worker may become and Advanced Clinical Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner (ACP or AP). Social workers are qualified to provide psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists have a doctorate in medicine (M.D.) and have completed a 4-year residency in psychiatry. They have passed several written examinations administered by a national board. They are qualified to prescribe medications and often treat more severe psychiatric conditions. Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy.
2. What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a type of treatment for many different problems, such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol use, marital difficulties, poor parenting skills, or the stress of a physical illness. During therapy, the therapist tries to discover, through discussion, exactly what feelings, attitudes, and behaviors create problems for the client. Then the therapist and client decide the best way to change the things that create problems for the client. The goal of therapy is to help you develop a roadmap for how to deal with the problems you having and to reduce the emotional pain you may be feeling.
Therapy is different from discussing problems with a friend or relative. The therapist is specially trained to listen to you and to create a safe place where the two of you can develop a strategy for dealing with your personal problems. Therapists have seen many clients with similar problems and know many different ways to help clients solve their problems; friends or relatives don’t have as much experience. Friends and relatives look at personal problems from their own point of view and, although they want to help, they may not know how.
3. How do I find a qualified therapist?
Selecting a therapist is a very personal matter. Most importantly, you want to make sure that you have a licensed professional and someone with whom you are comfortable.
The American Psychological Association has a national hotline to help you locate a psychologist who can help you cope with many of life's problems. For a referral to a psychologist in your area call 1-800-964-2000. The operator will use your zip code to locate and connect you with the referral system in your area.
You may want to ask your physician, close family members and friends for their recommendations. If insured, you may want to check with your insurance company to see a list of therapists are enrolled in your plan
It is helpful to develop a list of questions to ask before your first contact with the professional. It is always appropriate to ask questions about the professionals qualifications, his or her approach to psychotherapy, or anything else that might help you make an informed decision. Remember, you will be disclosing very personal information in therapy, so it is important to be comfortable with whomever you choose.
Below is a list of appropriate licensing agencies that can verify the qualifications of your therapist:
For psychologists, call the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists at (512) 305-7700
For counselors, call the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors at (512) 834-6658
For social workers, call the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners at (512) 719-3521
For psychiatrists, call the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners at (512) 305-7030
4. What if I have a relative or friend who is having psychological or emotional problems?
It can be very frustrating watching someone you care about struggling with a problem, especially since you cannot force them to get help. However, you can encourage them to seek professional help, be supportive, and let them know you care and are concerned.
People are hesitant to seek treatment for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are scared that someone might think they are "crazy" or that there is no one that can help. Simply listening to the person and trying to understand what gets in the way of them seeking help can be important. It might also help to give your loved one a list of local community resources, or perhaps information about psychotherapy or psychiatric medications so they can know that help is available.
If you are in a crisis because you believe your loved one might harm themselves or someone else, you should immediately contact the local police or escort that person to the emergency room. With police or emergency room involvement, someone trained in mental health crisis situations can make those important treatment decisions.
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