Choosing a Psychologist
Choosing a Psychologist
Blog Article
A Psychologist helps people of all ages address mental and emotional challenges that interfere with their well-being, such as depression, anxiety, anger, stress, substance abuse, and problems in relationships. They may have long-standing issues or short-term problems that stem from job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, or other major life changes. Psychologists use a range of treatment techniques to help patients overcome their difficulties and get on with living their lives.
Psychologists are trained as both researchers and practitioners. They must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree, and spend up to 12 years in graduate school, taking courses on the biological, cognitive-affective, and social bases of behavior, as well as conducting research and participating in clinical training. After completing their doctoral program, psychologists must complete a year of full-time internship and pass national and state licensing exams to become licensed to practice.
Many psychologists have private practices, which they run alone or with a team of other psychology professionals. They also work in hospitals and medical clinics, community health centers, schools, and businesses. Some are employed by government agencies, such as prisons and correctional facilities.
When choosing a psychologist, you should consider their qualifications and experience as well as the cost of services. Look for a website that lists fees and insurance policies, as well as reviews from past patients. You should also check whether they offer telehealth sessions. If you are concerned about a psychologist’s diagnosis, you can ask for a second opinion from another provider, but you must let your original therapist know you’re doing so.
Once you’ve made an appointment, arrive Psychologist prepared for the session by filling out any new patient paperwork that your psychologist has, or requesting to do so. You should also bring records from other health care providers you’ve seen, and a list of questions that you have about the treatment process.
Psychotherapy can be a little daunting at first, but your psychologist is experienced in helping you set the tone for sessions and getting things started. They will likely start by acknowledging your courage in scheduling the first meeting and perhaps go over logistical issues like cancellation fees and confidentiality, if they haven’t done so already by phone.
During your sessions, be as active as possible. While some psychologists might work in a more hands-off fashion, most are trained to encourage active participation from their patients. This includes asking you to talk about your experiences and feelings, encouraging you to express any emotions that come up during the conversation, and teaching you coping skills that you can use between appointments. Bringing what you learn to your next visit will help you make faster progress and maintain your gains after therapy is over. Moreover, practicing your coping skills in real-life situations will reinforce what you learn during sessions with your psychologist. This will help you overcome the obstacles that might prevent your from making lasting progress, such as a relapse into old patterns of behavior or negative self-talk. Report this page