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Mental Health Doctors and Counselors When symptoms such as lack of interest or constant sadness are interfering with your life, it is time to seek help. Start by visiting your primary care physician to rule out a medical cause for the symptoms. When choosing a mental health doctor be sure to inquire about her education as well as training, licensure, and years in practice. Also, learn about which insurance providers they accept and the hours of operation. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing, managing and treating mental health disorders. They are employed in many different settings including hospitals as well as private practice. They are able to prescribe medications, and are trained to listen to patient's concerns and provide the treatment options in a manner that is understandable. They are also able to assess the physical health of the patient, as certain mental illnesses can affect things like blood pressure or weight. A psychiatric diagnosis is determined by an exhaustive examination of the symptoms. These symptoms can be compared to the descriptions and criteria of disorders found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatrists also conduct and interpret medical lab tests. They rely on the physical condition of the patient and family history to arrive at an assessment. Depending on the individual's needs the treatment can include psychotherapy or medication. Medications are used to change the brain's chemical signals and can reduce the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. These medications can include sedatives to treat anxiety, antidepressants that treat depression, and hypnotics that help people sleep. Psychotherapy is another type of therapy that is offered by psychiatrists. It's goal is to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Psychotherapy can be either short- or long-term. It could be a single session or an ongoing therapy. In some cases, a psychiatrist can recommend alternative or complementary therapies like music or art therapy. Some of these therapies are being researched to determine their effectiveness in reducing severity of a variety of mental health issues. Psychiatrists are found in a variety of workplaces such as carrying a stethoscope around their neck in a hospital ward, to sitting in the same room as the patient and discussing their issues. They may also be seen in community clinics, performing home assessments, or even in the street, helping a homeless person. Those interested in becoming psychiatrists must first complete an undergraduate degree. Numerous universities offer pre-medical courses which help students fulfill the requirements. They then need to take the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. If they succeed in passing the MCAT they are eligible to apply to an MD or DO psychiatry program. After graduation, they have to complete four years of psychiatric instruction and then be licensed in the state they plan to practice. Counselors The term “counselors” can be used to refer to various professionals such as psychologists and social workers, as well as marriage and family therapists. They are all state-licensed therapists. Some do not prescribe medications, while others do not specialize in mental health issues. When choosing a counselor, seek out recommendations from other health care professionals or trusted acquaintances. You can also search on the Internet to find a service. Some companies offer phone consultations. During the first session, you will be asked about your personal background, family history, hobbies, work, and relationships. Counselors work in a variety of settings including family services centers including substance abuse and behavioral disorders clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Some counselors specialize in a certain category, such as the incarcerated and children. Some have a general practice and work with all types of patients. Some specialize in a specific area, such as school or career counseling. Many people seek counseling when they are experiencing psychological distress. Counseling can help ease stress by teaching coping strategies and providing assistance. Counselors can also detect an illness or medical condition and refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive additional treatment. Before obtaining the license required in their state, people who wish to become counselors must complete a master's degree, typically in clinical mental health or professional school counseling, or professional school psychology. They also must complete an experience in supervised work. Some counselors opt to specialize, like in career or school counseling. Others pursue accreditation through the American Counseling Association. Some States allow Licensed Professional Counselors to diagnose but not always. Burgin is one of those who is pursuing a PhD in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. This typically takes between five and six years. Social workers Mental health social workers offer services for counseling and community resources to people suffering from mental illness. They help families and individuals deal with life events that may cause or worsen mental illness symptoms. They also tackle societal issues that can contribute to mental health disorders. For instance, they can connect people with services to alleviate poverty and homelessness, which can exacerbate anxiety disorders. They can also help veterans with the transition to civilian life. A psychiatric worker is a person who works for the public sector, private practice, or a non profit organization. They must be licensed by their state's board of social workers. Psychiatric social workers typically hold at least a master's level degree and a significant amount of clinical experience under supervision. They can assist people suffering from serious mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In addition to offering therapy, they can also help their clients find work and housing. They can also help their clients learn how to cope with depression and stress. Social workers can assist those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and assist them in finding rehabilitation programs. A mental health social worker may also offer crisis intervention services to people experiencing mental health crises. These emergencies could involve suicide attempts, drug overdoses, or psychotic episodes. They can also assist clients with chronic illness advocacy as well as family and group support and assistance. Therapists employ various methods to treat anxiety, depression or phobias, as well as other ailments. They can provide individual or group therapy sessions and use a variety of techniques that include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and animal-assisted therapy. They can also prescribe medications when needed. Counselors who hold an undergraduate degree are able to assist patients in managing their mental health. They can conduct individual and group counseling sessions, train coping skills and encourage active participation in their clients' treatment. They may also refer their clients to social service organizations and community health centers as well as psychiatric hospitals. A therapist with a master's degree is found in many settings, like private practices, hospitals, and treatment centers. To find mental health assesment qualified therapist, you can ask your physician or psychologist for a recommendation or inquire with your insurance company. Most insurers post the list of approved providers on their websites. Psychologists Psychologists are trained to understand the connections between brain and behavior. They study this relationship and apply it to assist those suffering from mental health issues. Psychologists may be specialized in a variety of areas, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, as well as child and adolescent psychology. These specializations can affect the type treatment that a psychiatrist provides to their patients. They will ask about your symptoms, and how long you've been suffering from them. They will ask about your family life and work as well. They'll also want to know what, if anything you've done about your symptoms in the past. They may prescribe medication based on the severity and duration of your symptoms. If you're not comfortable with psychiatric medications, you can decide to consult with an therapist or counselor instead. However, if you're suffering with severe anxiety or depression you should see psychiatrists for help. The medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychiatrists provide diagnosis and treatment for many mental health issues. They are licensed in their respective states and have completed an internship and residency. They must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology that is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Psychologists are, on their part, have a master's degree in psychology and have undergone clinical training. They can help patients with a variety treatments and work with other professionals such as therapists or counselors to develop a holistic plan. While the terms psychiatry and psychologist are often referred to as interchangeably, they are two distinct professions with distinct career pathways. Psychiatrists are medical specialists who treat conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and psychologists are experts in the way that the brain works and can provide an encompassing approach to care. They also conduct research and academic work in addition to their clinical duties. Understanding the distinctions between the two types of mental health professionals is crucial when choosing the most suitable doctor for you.