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Mental Health Doctors and Counselors If you notice that a lack of interest or persistent sadness are affecting your life, you should seek out professional help. Begin by visiting your primary care physician to determine if there is a medical reason for the symptoms. When choosing a mental health professional, ask about his or qualifications, training, licensure and number of years of experience. Also, find out which insurance providers the provider accepts and the hours of operation. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing managing and treating mental health disorders. They can work in many different settings, including hospitals and private practices. They can prescribe medication, and are trained to listen to a patient's concerns and present the treatment options in a manner that is easy to comprehend. They are also able to examine the physical health of the patient because certain mental illnesses can affect things like blood pressure or weight. A psychiatric diagnosis is determined by an in-depth evaluation of symptoms. These symptoms can be compared with the descriptions and criteria for disorders found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychologists can also conduct and interpret medical laboratory tests. They rely on the patient's physical condition and family history to arrive at the diagnosis. Based on the individual's requirements the treatment can include psychotherapy or medication. Medications can be used to alter the chemical signals in the brain, and reduce the symptoms of certain mental disorders. These include sedatives to treat anxiety, antidepressants for depression, and sleep aids. Psychotherapy is another form of talk therapy offered by psychiatrists. It's goal is to change the way people think and behave. Psychotherapy may be either short-term or long-term. It can be a one-time session or a continuous therapy. In certain instances psychiatrists may suggest alternative or complementary therapy, such as music or art therapy. These treatments are being studied for their effectiveness in decreasing the severity and frequency of certain mental health disorders. Psychiatrists can be found in a variety of workplaces, from wearing a stethoscope on their necks in a ward of a hospital to sitting in the same room as the patient and discussing their issues. They can be found in community clinics, or conducting home assessments. To become a psychiatrist you need to first have completed a bachelor's degree. There are many universities that offer pre-med programs to help students complete the required prerequisites. They then have to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). If they pass the MCAT then they can apply for a psychiatry degree at an MD or DO school. After graduation, they must complete four years of psychiatric education and then be licensed in the state in which they intend to practice in. Counselors The term “counselor” can refer to various professionals, such as psychologists, social workers and marriage and family therapists. They are all licensed by the state however, some do not prescribe medications and others are not certified in the field of mental health. Request recommendations from other health care experts or trusted friends when selecting the right counselor. You can also search on the Internet to find a service. Some providers offer telephone consultations. In the first session, you will be asked questions about your personal history, family, work, hobbies and relationships. Counselors are employed in various settings, including family services centers, addiction and behavioral disorder clinics as well as hospitals and private practices. Some counselors specialize in one particular category, such as the incarcerated and children. Some have general practice and work with all kinds of patients. Some specialize in a particular area, like school or career counseling. Many people seek counseling when they are experiencing psychological distress. In many cases, counseling can help to alleviate distress by teaching coping skills and offering assistance. Counselors are also able to identify an illness or condition and refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further treatment options. Before obtaining a license in their state, those 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 must also obtain supervised work experience. Some counselors choose to specialize, such as in school or career counseling. Others pursue national certification with the American Counseling Association. Some States permit Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) to diagnose, however this isn't always the situation. Some, like Burgin have gone on to get an PhD in clinical psychology or counseling psychology, which typically takes five to six years to complete. Social workers Mental health social workers offer services for counseling and community resources to clients with mental illnesses. They assist people and their families deal with life's events that may cause or worsen symptoms of mental illness. They also focus on societal issues that can contribute to mental health issues. They can, for example, connect people to services that help alleviate poverty and homelessness which may worsen anxiety disorders. extra resources can also help veterans in adjusting to civilian life. A psychiatric practitioner is a person who works for the public sector, a private practice or a non-profit organization. They must be licensed by their state's board for social workers. Psychiatric social workers typically have at minimum a master's degree and a significant amount of clinical experience under supervision. They can assist those suffering from severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In addition to offering therapy, they can help their clients find jobs and housing. They can also help their clients learn how to deal with stress and depression. Social workers can aid addicts to alcohol or drugs, and help them find rehabilitation programs. A mental health social worker can also offer crisis intervention services to those in a mental health crisis. These situations can include suicide attempts, drug overdoses or psychotic episodes. They can also help patients with chronic illness advocacy as well as support for families and groups and support services. Therapists can treat anxiety, depression and phobias using a variety techniques. They can offer individual and group therapy sessions, and utilize a variety of methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialogical behavior therapy and animal-assisted therapies. 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 provide group and individual counseling sessions, and teach how to manage stress and encourage active participation in the treatment of their clients. They can also refer clients to social service agencies, community health centers or psychiatric hospitals. A therapist who has a master's degree can be found in a variety of settings like private practices, hospitals, and treatment centers. To find a qualified therapist you can ask your physician or psychologist for recommendations or consult your insurance company. Most insurers post a list of approved providers on their websites. Psychologists Psychologists are trained in the study of the relationship between brain and behavior. They study this connection and use it to help people suffering from mental illness. Psychologists can also specialize in various areas, like clinical psychology, child and adolescent psychological or forensic psychology. These specializations could affect the kind of care psychologists offer to patients. They will ask you about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. They will ask about your personal life and work as well. They will want to know whether you've ever taken any action against your symptoms. They might prescribe medication based on the intensity and duration of your symptoms. If you don't feel comfortable taking psychiatric medication You can consult a counselor or psychotherapist instead. If you suffer from severe anxiety or depression It is advisable to consult an psychiatric specialist. The medication they prescribe will help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychiatrists offer diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of mental health problems. 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 which 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 completed clinical training. They can use various treatments to help patients deal with their issues, and they can also collaborate with other professionals, like a therapist or counselor, to create a holistic treatment strategy. The term “psychiatry” is often used interchangeably with psychology, but these are two distinct fields that have distinct career paths. Psychologists are medical professionals who treat disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while psychologists are experts in how the brain works and can provide an encompassing approach to care. In addition to their clinical duties they also conduct research and academic work. It's important to choose the right mental health specialist for you, and it's essential to know the differences between these two kinds of specialists.