A Psychiatrist or a Psychologist: Which Professional is Better Concerning Mental Health?
August 8th 2007 16:50
The range of choices in the mental health marketplace can be confusing. Any physician can legally prescribe psychoactive medications, while almost anyone, even without a license or training, can profess to treat emotional disorders. Within the medical profession, psychiatrists have the training to deal with severe mental disorders. Yet a sympathetic general practitioner may prove just as effective in treating mild depressions and anxiety problems or may be able to refer you to an appropriate therapist. Your local community health center or public hospitals are alternative sources of information and treatment. Community health centers can arrange for psychiatric assessment and follow-up services, and in emergency situations a crisis team can be called upon.
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counselors all play a role in the delivery of mental health services. Only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, but it should be recognized that while drug treatment may be necessary for serious illnesses, many conditions can be treated without drugs.
Although there are no uniform licensing regulations for these various disciplines, all appointed positions require adequate standards of training. Psychiatrists undergo specialized postgraduate training; clinical psychologists will usually have completed four or five years of university training and several years of further specialized study. Social workers have a university degree or diploma in social work as well as several years of practical work; similarly, psychiatric nurses undergo theoretical and practical training in psychiatry. All work in both hospital and community settings. Psychiatrists, psychologists and, on occasions, social workers also work in private practice. There are also counselors and welfare workers with various levels of training who cover a wide field of work in many varied settings, sometimes even as unpaid volunteers, including marriage and family counseling, STD counseling, counseling for unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and other crises. Studies confirm the benefits of talk therapy and the use of medications in treating mental disorders, a conclusion that is reassuring to therapists and patients alike.
Cost and availability, rather than effectiveness, may be the determining factors in seeking treatment. The cost varies according to whether the services are paid for in full by the patient, provided free as in community health services, or covered by government or private insurance rebates as in services provided by private psychiatrists. Some insurance funds cover psychologists' fees up to a prescribed limit.
Given the specialized qualities that make an effective therapist, you will have to weigh up a number of factors in deciding where to go for help, including professional training, fees, accessibility, and insurance coverage.
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counselors all play a role in the delivery of mental health services. Only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs, but it should be recognized that while drug treatment may be necessary for serious illnesses, many conditions can be treated without drugs.
Although there are no uniform licensing regulations for these various disciplines, all appointed positions require adequate standards of training. Psychiatrists undergo specialized postgraduate training; clinical psychologists will usually have completed four or five years of university training and several years of further specialized study. Social workers have a university degree or diploma in social work as well as several years of practical work; similarly, psychiatric nurses undergo theoretical and practical training in psychiatry. All work in both hospital and community settings. Psychiatrists, psychologists and, on occasions, social workers also work in private practice. There are also counselors and welfare workers with various levels of training who cover a wide field of work in many varied settings, sometimes even as unpaid volunteers, including marriage and family counseling, STD counseling, counseling for unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and other crises. Studies confirm the benefits of talk therapy and the use of medications in treating mental disorders, a conclusion that is reassuring to therapists and patients alike.
Cost and availability, rather than effectiveness, may be the determining factors in seeking treatment. The cost varies according to whether the services are paid for in full by the patient, provided free as in community health services, or covered by government or private insurance rebates as in services provided by private psychiatrists. Some insurance funds cover psychologists' fees up to a prescribed limit.
Given the specialized qualities that make an effective therapist, you will have to weigh up a number of factors in deciding where to go for help, including professional training, fees, accessibility, and insurance coverage.
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Ive been affected with mental illness my whole life and gave myself to the medical profession for two years. All they did was prescribe cocktails of drugs and fight over my diagnosis. I made attempts to get it under wraps myself and walked out on them. I wouldnt mind someone to talk to as the problems are ongoing but I dont trust any of them as far as I can throw them!
Comment by Chic Critique
I think medication in combination with psychology or counselling sessions is vital in serious mental illness.
Cheers
CC
Comment by Bernadette
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Thanks for the above comment. I think that this might give some ideas for those who are suffering from mental health.
Bernadette
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
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Comment by Bernadette
World News
Article Dime
Tips in 365 Days
Flick Picks
Quotable Quotes
Laugh 'Til You Drop
Band on the Run
Fashion 101
Robust Beauty