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Mental Health Doctors and Counselors When symptoms such as lack of interest or persistent sadness are interfering with your life, seek assistance. Begin by seeing your primary health care provider to rule out a medical cause for the symptoms. When selecting a mental health doctor be sure to inquire about her education in training, licensure, and years in practice. Also, learn about which insurance companies the doctor accepts and what hours of office. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating and managing mental health disorders. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals as well as private practice. They are trained to listen and explain the options for treatment to patients in a clear and understandable way. They can also assess the physical health of patients, as certain mental illnesses can affect things like blood pressure or weight. A psychiatric diagnose is determined by an exhaustive examination of the symptoms. These symptoms can be compared with the descriptions and criteria for disorders found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatrists are also trained to perform and interpret medical laboratory tests as well as use a patient's general physical condition and family history to make the diagnosis. Based on the needs of the individual the treatment could include psychotherapy or medication. Medications are used to change chemical signals in the brain and can reduce the symptoms of disorders of the psyche. These include sedatives to treat anxiety, antidepressants for depression, and sleep aids. Psychotherapy is another type of talk therapy provided by psychiatrists. It aims to change the way people think and behave. Psychotherapy can be short-term or longer-term. It can be a one-time session or a continuous therapy. In certain instances, a psychiatrist can recommend alternative or complementary therapies such as art or music therapy. These treatments are being studied for their effectiveness in decreasing the severity and frequency of certain mental health issues. There are psychiatrists in many different locations, from using an instrument for the neck in a hospital to sitting with a patient and discussing about their concerns. They are also found in community clinics, conducting home assessments, or even on the streets helping a homeless person. People who want to become a psychiatrist first need to earn a bachelor's degree. Many universities offer pre-medical programs that assist students in meeting the prerequisites. They then need to take the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. If they pass the MCAT they can apply to an MD or DO psychiatry school. After graduation, they must complete four years of psychiatric training and become licensed in the state they plan to practice. Counselors The term “counselors” can be used to describe a wide range of professionals including social workers and psychologists, as also family and marriage therapists. They are all licensed by the state although certain do not prescribe medication and some do not work in the field of mental health. When choosing a counselor, ask for a recommendation from other health professionals or trusted family members. You can also search the Internet to locate a service. Some providers offer phone consultations. During your first session, the counselor will want to learn about your personal background including your family, your work, your hobbies and your relationships. Counselors are employed in various settings, including family service centers as well as addiction and behavioral disorder clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Some counselors specialize in a certain group, such as the inmates and children. Some have general practice and work with all types of patients. Some specialize in a specific area, like school or career counseling. Many people who seek counseling do it because they are experiencing mental stress. Counseling can be a great way to ease anxiety by teaching techniques for coping and offering support. Counselors can also spot a medical condition or illness and refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive additional treatment. Before being able to obtain a license in their state, those who want to become counselors are required to complete a master's program, typically in clinical mental health or professional school counseling, or professional school psychology. They also must complete supervision during their work experience. Some opt to specialize in a specific area, like school or career counseling, and others seek national certification through the American Counseling Association (ACA). Certain States allow Licensed Professional Counselors to diagnose but not always. Some, like Burgin, go on to get a PhD in counseling psychology or clinical psychology, which usually takes between five and six years to complete. Social workers Mental health social workers provide support and counseling for people suffering from mental illness. They assist families and individuals deal with life events that may cause or worsen mental illness symptoms. They also focus on social issues that contribute to mental health disorders. For instance, they could connect people to services to help ease the effects of homelessness and poverty that can exacerbate anxiety disorders. They can also assist veterans adapt to civilian life. A psychiatric social professional can work in the public sector, for an individual practice or a non-profit organisation. They must be licensed by the state's board of social workers. Psychiatric social workers typically have at least a master's level degree and extensive supervised clinical experience. They can aid those suffering from severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They can also help their clients find housing and work, in addition to therapy. They can also help their clients learn how to deal with depression and stress. Social workers can help addicts to drugs or alcohol, and can help them find rehabilitation programs. A mental health worker can offer assistance in times of crisis to people who are in a mental crisis. These situations can include suicide attempts, a drug overdose or psychotic episode. They can also assist clients with chronic illness advocacy, as well as support for families and groups. Therapists can employ a variety of methods to treat depression, anxiety or phobias, as well as other ailments. They can offer individual and group therapy sessions and employ a variety of techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialogical behavior therapy, and therapy with animals. They can also prescribe medication in the event of need. Counselors who have a bachelor's degree are also able to help patients manage their mental health. They can conduct group and individual counseling sessions, and teach strategies for coping and encourage active participation in the treatment of their clients. They can also refer clients to social service agencies such as community health centers, community health centers or psychiatric hospitals. Many locations, including private practices, hospitals and treatment centers, employ therapists who have master's degrees. To locate a qualified therapist you can ask your physician or psychologist for recommendations, or check with your insurance company. Most insurers post the list of approved providers on their websites. Psychologists Psychologists are trained to study the nature of the relationship between brain and the behavior. They study this connection and use it to help patients with mental health issues. mental health assessment report can also specialize in various areas, such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and child and adolescent psychotherapy. These areas of specialization can impact the kind of care that a psychologist provides to patients. When you visit a psychologist, they'll begin by asking questions about your symptoms and the time that you've been experiencing these symptoms for. They'll also inquire about your work and family life. They will ask whether you've taken any steps to treat your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they could prescribe medication. If you're not comfortable taking psychiatric medications, you can decide to consult with an therapist or counselor instead. If you suffer with severe anxiety or depression it is recommended to visit an psychiatric specialist for assistance. The medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may reduce symptoms and increase the quality of your life. Psychiatrists offer diagnosis and treatment of various mental health problems. They are licensed to practice in their states and have completed an internship and a residency. They must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Psychologists hold a master's degree in psychology and have received clinical training. They can employ various treatments to assist patients with their issues, and they can also work with other professionals, like a therapist or counselor, to create a holistic treatment strategy. While the terms psychiatry and psychologist are often used in conjunction, they are distinct professions that have distinct career paths. Psychologists treat disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, while psychologists understand the brain and provide more holistic treatment. In addition to their clinical duties they can also carry out research and academic work. Understanding the differences between two types of mental health specialists is essential when selecting the most suitable doctor for you.