People get
confused. Can one always remember the
difference between an optometrist and an
ophthalmologist, an astrologist and an
astronomer, or a podiatrist and a
pediatrician? When you don’t work in a
specific field, or people tend to use
certain words interchangeably, meanings
get blurred.
This is a perfect
example of using words interchangeably:
Counselor, therapist, psychologist,
psychiatrist, mental health provider,
behavioral health provider, family
therapist, or marriage counselor.
People who don’t
work in the field can refer to any of us
in the above ways, and we are fine with
it- as long as you understand our intent
is to be of assistance. However, just
for the record, I want to point out some
specific differences that may be helpful
to you if you or a family member are
trying to make a decision on who can
best assist you.
Let’s start with
mental health and behavioral
health. The word “behavioral”
refers to how one behaves or acts, while
“mental” refers to something to do with
how one thinks. Both of these terms are
used in the profession synonymously.
Many prefer to use the “behavioral
health” term because of the previously
strong stigma attached to the word
“Mental”. Many facilities that used to
be termed “Mental Health” are now
“Behavioral Health”, allowing people to
seek relief without the feeling like
they will be labeled “crazy” just
because they need to talk to a
counselor.
Let’s move on to
who’s who:
Psychiatrists
and Nurse Practitioners
are the only ones in this field who
can write prescriptions. Regardless of
what you have seen on TV or the movies,
if you see a Psychiatrist in most
states, you will not be able to have an
hour session of therapy. Specifically,
there is a shortage of Psychiatrists in
the whole state of NC. Although it is
possible your first session will be 30
min to an hour, follow up sessions will
usually be 20 min or less.
Psychiatrists usually only have time to
manage a person’s medication.
Psychiatrists are Medical Doctors
who are specialists in the field of
Psychiatry and are experts in the area
of psychotropic medicines
(antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds,
etc.) Psychiatrists are able to
make an appropriate diagnosis of a
person’s symptoms, and choose from a
vast array of medicines that will assist
a person to function better. Many
general practitioner Medical Doctors
(MD’s) refer depressed or anxious people
to Psychiatrists so that they can
get the best medicine, dosage, etc for
the symptoms they are experiencing. A
Psychiatrist is not only able to
prescribe the meds, but also tell you
the proper dosage to start with, the
time of day to take the medicine, and
other important factors that makes the
medicine work better for you.
Note: Many
psychiatrists prefer that while you are
on a psychotropic medicine that they
have prescribed that you see one of the
following professionals:
Psychologists
are those who usually have a PhD or PsyD.
This means they are Doctors, as in
having a Doctorate degree- but
they are not Medical Doctors and they
cannot prescribe medicine. PhD
Psychologists have been educated in
clinical practice, research, training
and assessment. PsyD Psychologists are
trained primarily in clinical practice
(counseling). All Psychologists have an
average of 5-7 years of education beyond
their Bachelor’s degree. Licensed
Psychologists have at least two years of
supervised work and have passed a
National Exam. In addition to
counseling services, Psychologists may
provide personality, IQ, and other
evaluative testing.
Licensed
Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have
earned a Masters in Social Work and have
completed the licensing requirements of
the state they practice in, which
usually includes two years of work
supervised by an LCSW and passing the
very extensive Licensing exam. Social
Workers are trained in working with
groups… from the small group of two to
the larger societal groups and
everything in between. Social Workers
are trained with culture sensitivity and
with client focus. LCSW’s provide
couples, family, group, and individual
counseling.
The Licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
has graduate training in Marriage and
Family Therapy and at least two years of
clinical experience before they take
their state licensing exam. LMFT’s
specialize in treating their clients
within the context of marriage, couples
and family systems.
Licensed
Professional Counselors (LPC’s) have
either a Masters degree or a Doctorate
Degree in counseling or a related
field. They have passed the National
Counseling Exam and meet the
requirements for licensing in the state
in which they practice. LPC’s work with
all populations.
Pastoral
Counselors are trained both in
psychology and theology. Pastoral
Counselors provide spiritual guidance
in addition to their counseling
services. They usually have a Masters
in Divinity Degree in addition to other
academic work. Currently, Pastoral
Counselors are licensed in some states
(to include NC) and certified in others.
There you have it!
So now, even though you might have to
google what an astronomer does, you will
already know who to call should you need
assistance.
If you
need an appointment with a Psychiatrist,
we can help!
Just call (919)
803-2111 or click
here. |