What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychotherapist?

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Psychotherapist -- A professional who is trained to treat behavioral, emotional, and/or cognitive health. Depending upon their academic degree, a psychotherapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker (among others), and work with individuals, couples, groups, or families.

 

Psychiatrist -- A trained Medical Doctor who is an expert in mental health.  Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist prescribes and manages medication if needed.

 

Psychologist —A professional with a graduate degree in psychology, and in addition to providing psychotherapy, may have training in psychological testing and/or other specific areas within the field of psychology. Psychologists are also often involved in research, curriculum development, training and teaching. Some psychologists who are trained specifically to do clinical work (rather than research) have "PsyD" (Psychology Doctorate) as their academic degree, rather than PhD.

 

How can therapy be helpful?

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Therapy allows an individual to explore his/herself with a trained professional in order to determine what may be influencing their social, emotional and behavioral health, the choices they are making past, present and future, the intimacy of their relationships, connection with themselves and others, and areas needed for self growth, reflection and discovery.

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From persons suffering with addiction, mood disorders, psychological dilemmas, grief, loss, lack of purpose and fulfillment in life, to persons who desire to take the next step in their own personal development, therapy can be helpful for all.

 

The goals include working towards measurable, evident changes in a person's real life, including awakening their potential, promoting their growth, improving their efficiency and productivity at work, overcoming inhibitions, and resolving symptoms.

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The Discovery Clinic asserts that examining a person's past may help a person understand and master habits, feelings, and thoughts that may be holding them back from achieving their most important goals.

 

Therapists - in conjunction with the client - have specific behavioral outcomes in mind to use as an empirical measure of success.

 

The Discovery Clinic focuses on preventative behavioral and social emotional health versus just reactive.

 

What type of person is a good candidate for therapy?

 

Every person can be a good candidate for therapy. If you are human, you have something to internally explore and develop.

 

Will I have to take medication?

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Not necessarily. A psychiatrist can decide if medication will be right for you, and if so, which specific type of medication may be most helpful. If the therapist believes medication might be appropriate, he or she will refer you to one of our psychiatrists for a medication evaluation.

 

What is your CONFIDENTIALITY commitment?

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All information disclosed within the therapy session is confidential except if the client is a minor, then if the minor client is being hurt, at risk of being hurt, or hurting someone else, a safe person must be informed. If a client who is not a minor discloses that he or she is dangerously harming self or intends to harm someone else, the information must be disclosed by the therapist.

 

How do I schedule an appointment?

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Call the office at 327-8718/9, or email renascenceatsandyport@gmail.com. The receptionists will schedule an appointment with the therapist you wish to see. If you are not sure of which therapist to see initially, you will be scheduled with Dr. David Allen and after an initial evaluation, he will determine the best fit for you.

 

What should I expect during my first visit?

 

Your first appointment with a therapist is primarily an information-gathering session for the therapist. He or she needs to learn a lot about you and your history in a short amount of time in order to properly evaluate your concerns and arrive at the best course for treatment.

 

The therapist will make sure you understand the confidentiality agreement.

 

Your story is indeed your own and a very personal one at that. Despite what you may have read, a person is not simply a diagnosis. Nor do professionals look at people who come to them that way. They look at each and every person as a unique individual who is in pain and needs help.

 

The only person who can tell your story is you. So when you enter a therapist’s office for the first time, you should remind yourself that you are your own life’s expert. The therapist is not there to judge you or your choices. The therapist’s job is to simply listen and collaborate with you to determine a treatment plan and goals that best fits your needs.

 

If the therapist believes medication might be appropriate, he or she will also provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. The psychiatrist will decide if medication will be right for you, and if so, what specific kind of medication may be most helpful.

 

(psychcentral.com)

 

Do you accept insurance?

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Insurance companies are often good at reimbursing for mental health appointments. Clients pay for sessions at the time of appointment, and then our office will submit your insurance claims on your behalf. Call your insurance provider to determine their policy regarding psychiatric and/or mental healthcare.

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What is Teletherapy?

 

Also called online therapy, telepsychology, telehealth - it’s therapy provided over the Internet using a variety of video conference platforms and/or phone. It’s secure, confidential and provides the opportunity for support and help during this very difficult year.