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Mental Health Doctors and Counselors If symptoms such as a lack of interest or a constant sadness interfere with your life you should seek professional help. Begin by visiting your primary care physician to determine if there is a medical reason for the symptoms. When selecting a mental health doctor inquire about his or his education, training, licensure and the number of years of practice. Also, find out which insurance providers they accept and what hours of office. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They are able to work in different settings, like hospitals and private practices. They can prescribe medication and are trained to listen to a patient's concerns and explain the options for treatment in a manner that is easy to comprehend. They can also keep track of a patient's physical health, as some mental illnesses can affect things like blood pressure and weight. A psychiatric diagnose is determined by an exhaustive analysis of symptoms. These symptoms can be compared to the descriptions and criteria for disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatrists can also perform and interpret medical laboratory tests. They take into account the physical condition of the patient and family history to arrive at an assessment. Based on the needs of the individual, treatment may consist of psychotherapy or medication. The use of medications can alter the chemical signaling process in the brain, and reduce some of the symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders. These include sedatives for anxiety, antidepressants for depression, and sleep aids. Psychotherapy is a different type of talk therapy offered by psychiatrists. It aims to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Psychotherapy can be either short- or long-term. It can be only a single session or a regular therapy. In certain instances psychiatrists may recommend alternative or complementary therapies, like music or art therapy. These therapies are being investigated to determine their effectiveness in decreasing the severity and frequency of certain mental health issues. Psychiatrists can be found in a variety of workplaces, from wearing a stethoscope on their necks in a hospital ward, to sitting in a room with the patient and discussing their issues. They are often found in community clinics or conducting home assessments. People who want to become psychiatrists must first complete an undergraduate degree. There are many universities that offer pre-med programs to assist students in completing the prerequisites required. They must then take the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. If they succeed in passing the MCAT they can apply to an MD or DO psychiatry school. After graduation, they must complete four years of psychiatric training and then be licensed in the state where they intend to practice in. Counselors The term “counselor” could refer to various professionals, such as psychologists, social workers and marriage and family therapists. They are all licensed by the state, though some do not prescribe medications and others are not certified in mental health. When selecting a counselor, ask for a recommendation from other health professionals or trusted friends. You can also search on the Internet for a provider. Some providers offer phone consultations. In your first session the counselor will need to be aware of your personal story, your family, your work, your interests and your relationships. Counselors are employed in various settings, such as family services centers, substance abuse and behavioral disorders clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Some counselors specialize in one particular group, like the incarcerated and children. Some practices are generalist and work with all kinds of patients. Others focus on a specific area, such as 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 stress by teaching coping strategies and offering support. Counselors can also spot an illness or medical condition and refer a person to a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive additional treatment. People who decide to become counselors need to complete a master's program, typically in clinical mental health or professional school counseling, and must complete supervised work prior to being licensed in their State. Some choose to specialize in a certain area, such as career or school counseling, while some pursue national certification through the American Counseling Association (ACA). Certain States allow Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) to diagnose, but this isn't always the situation. Burgin is one of those who pursues an PhD in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. mental health assessments takes between five and six years. Social workers Mental health social workers offer counseling and community resources for people suffering from mental illness. They help individuals and families deal with life events that could trigger or exacerbate mental health symptoms. They also address social issues that can contribute to mental health issues. For instance, they could connect people with services to alleviate the effects of homelessness and poverty that can exacerbate anxiety disorders. They can also help veterans adjust to civilian life. A psychiatric social worker can work in the public sector, in an individual practice or a non-profit organisation. 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 help people with severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In addition to offering therapy, they are able to help their clients find jobs and housing. They can also teach their clients how to manage stress and depression. Social workers can also aid people with addictions, like addiction to drugs and alcohol and assist in finding rehabilitation programs. A mental health professional can offer assistance in times of crisis to people who are in a mental crisis. These situations can include suicide attempts, drug overdoses or psychotic episode. They also can assist patients with chronic illness advocacy as well as family and group support services. Therapists can treat depression, anxiety and phobias using a variety techniques. They can provide individual or group therapy sessions and utilize a variety of techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and animal-assisted therapy. They may also prescribe medication when needed. Counselors with a bachelor's degree can also assist their patients deal with mental health issues. They can provide group and individual counseling sessions, train strategies for coping and encourage active involvement in the treatment of their clients. They can also refer their clients to social service agencies, community health centers or mental hospitals. Many places, such as private practices, hospitals, and treatment centers, employ therapists who have master's degrees. To find a therapist who is certified you can ask your doctor or psychologist for recommendations or consult your insurance company. The majority of insurers provide a list of approved providers on their websites. Psychologists Psychologists are trained to recognize the connections between the brain and behavior. They study this relationship and use it to help patients with mental health issues. Psychologists can also specialize in different areas, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology and child and adolescent psychology. These specializations can influence the kind of treatment psychiatrists provide to their patients. If you visit a psychologist, they will begin by asking questions about your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. They will ask you about your family life and work as well. They will want to know whether you've ever taken any action to combat your symptoms. They may prescribe medication based on the extent and duration of your symptoms. If you're not at ease with taking psychiatric drugs, you can see a psychotherapist or counselor instead. If you suffer from severe anxiety or depression It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist. The medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can aid in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of your life. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment for various mental health problems. They are licensed in the state they reside in and have completed an internship and residency. They are also required to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Psychologists are, on the other hand, have a master's degree in psychology and have been through clinical training. They can employ various methods to help patients deal with their problems, and may also collaborate with other professionals, like a therapist or counselor, to create a comprehensive treatment plan. While psychiatry and psychology are often used in conjunction, they are very different professions with separate career pathways. Psychiatrists are medical experts who treat disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and psychologists have a deep understanding of the way that the brain works and are able to provide a more holistic approach to care. They can also conduct research and academic work in addition to their clinical responsibilities. Understanding the differences between the two kinds of mental health professionals is crucial when choosing the best doctor for you.