Treatment of Emotional Problems and Mental Disorders - Mental health professionals

Who can help those with emotional problems? Confusion about the different professions in the mental health field is understandable. To add to the muddle, self-appointed counselors without professional training and experience have set themselves up in this field, so it is necessary to know whom to consult to obtain the best help possible. Every mental health professional you consult should be licensed, accredited, or associated with recognized groups of their peers.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors; that is, they have graduated from a medical school, served internships and afterwards residencies specializing in emotional disorders. They are specialists in the same way that a surgeon or an eye doctor is a specialist. Most are members of the American Psychiatric Association. They are experienced in treating medical illnesses, having done so for many years before being certified as specialists in emotional disorders.

The American Psychiatric Association, 1400 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, can supply the names of members. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 500 Lake-Cook Road, Suite 335, Deerfield, IL 60015, examines and certifies psychiatrists who pass its tests, so that the term “board certified” means that the psychiatrist has passed its tests. If a family physician is consulted about an emotional problem, he will often refer the patient to a psychiatrist, just as he would to any other specialist.

Psychologists

Psychologists have at least a master's degree in psychology; most psychologists have a doctoral degree. Like a psychiatrist, a psychologist can help you cope with many of life's problems. Unlike a psychiatrist, though, a psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medicine. Because of this limitation, many psychologists will work in conjunction with psychiatrists if they feel a patient is in need of medication.

The American Psychological Association (APA), 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, is the world's largest association of psychologists. They operate a telephone referral service. To find a psychologist in your area, call (800) 964-2000.

Psychotherapists

Psychotherapy is the general term for any treatment that tries to effect a cure by psychological rather than physical means. A psychotherapist may be a psychiatrist, or he may be a psychologist, or may have no training at all. Anyone can set up an office and call himself a psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, marriage counselor, family therapist, or anything else he desires. It is up to the patient to check on the training and background of a therapist. Any reputable therapist should be pleased to tell patients his credentials and qualifications for helping them.

Social Workers

Social workers are another group of trained persons who may also counsel those with emotional problems. They may work either with individuals, families, or groups after meeting the educational requirements for the profession, which include a bachelor's degree and two years of professional training leading to a master's degree in social work.