Why Use a Psychologist?
Why Use A Psychologist?
Practicing psychologists have the professional training and clinical skills to help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems. After years of graduate school and supervised training, they become licensed by their states to provide a number of services, including evaluations and psychotherapy. Psychologists help by using a variety of techniques based on the best available research and consider someone's unique values, characteristics, goals and circumstances.
Psychologists with doctoral degrees (either a PhD, PsyD or EdD) receive one of the highest levels of education of all health care professionals, spending an average of seven years in education and training after they receive their undergraduate degrees. The American Psychological Association estimates that there are about 85,000 licensed psychologists in the United States.
What They Do
Practicing psychologists help a wide variety of people and can treat many kinds of problems. Some people may talk to a psychologist because they have felt depressed, angry or anxious for a long time. Or, they want help for a chronic condition that is interfering with their lives or physical health. Others may have short-term problems they want help navigating, such as feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving the death of a family member. Psychologists can help people learn to cope with stressful situations, overcome addictions, manage their chronic illnesses and break past the barriers that keep them from reaching their goals.
Practicing psychologists are also trained to administer and interpret a number of tests and assessments that can help diagnose a condition or tell more about the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. These tests may evaluate intellectual skills, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, vocational aptitude and preference, personality characteristics and neuropsychological functioning.
How They Help
Practicing psychologists use an assortment of evidence-based treatments to help people improve their lives. Most commonly, they use therapy (often referred to as psychotherapy or talk therapy). There are many different styles of therapy, but the psychologist will choose the type that best addresses the person’s problem and best fits the patient’s characteristics and preferences.
Some common types of therapy are cognitive, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, psychodynamic or a combination of a few therapy styles. Therapy can be for an individual, couples, family or other group. Some psychologists are trained to use hypnosis, which research has found to be effective for a wide range of conditions including pain, anxiety and mood disorders.
For some conditions, therapy and medication are a treatment combination that works best. For people who benefit from medication, psychologists work with primary care physicians, pediatricians and psychiatrists on their overall treatment. Two states, New Mexico and Louisiana, have laws allowing licensed psychologists with additional, specialized training to prescribe from a list of medications that improve emotional and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Choosing A Psychologist
The process of selecting a psychologist to help you with life's problems can feel overwhelming, especially at a time of crisis. Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through many of life's difficulties, including relationship and family problems, career and work issues, substance abuse, coping with physical illness, stress, and the depression and anxiety that accompany many of these concerns. When you need to talk to someone who can help, turning to an experienced psychologist is a good idea.
Independent psychologists are licensed doctoral level professionals, often with specific areas of expertise. This referral guide can help you find a psychologist who is right for you. It is important for you to understand that therapy is a collaborative process and a positive, trusting relationship between you and your psychologist is essential to treatment success. Therefore, in selecting a psychologist you may want to consider the following:
Experience
Consider the psychologist’s background, years in practice, and experience treating concerns similar to yours.
Expertise
Look for a psychologist with experience in your specific needs, whether through a specialty area or a broader practice.
Treatment Approach
Ask about their therapy methods and whether their approach aligns with your goals and preferences.
Personal Connection
A strong therapist-client relationship matters. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, respected by, and understood by.
Fees & Insurance
Discuss costs, payment options, and insurance coverage to understand what works best for your situation.
Payment Options
Discuss payment and insurance options with your psychologist to find the best approach for your needs. Choosing the right therapist is an important step toward growth and positive change.
