The most common providers are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, marriage-family therapists, addiction counselors, mental health counselors, religious counselors and school counselors.
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An Overview of Psychotherapy Providers
Psychotherapy is personal counseling with a psychotherapist in which a patient learns more about his or herself; discussions include topics like mood, behavior, thoughts and feelings. With insight and knowledge gained from discussions with a psychotherapist, a person can learn stress management and coping skills for a better quality of life. Psychotherapists are trained, certified professionals that provide counseling or therapy aimed at improving a person’s mental and emotional health. Psychotherapy always takes the form of communication, usually spoken conversation; however, it can also take other forms. The written word, art, narrative, drama, role play or music are often utilized in psychotherapy. These forms of psychotherapeutic intervention work especially well with children.
Sensitive and personal topics are usually discussed during therapy sessions, and psychotherapy providers are expected to respect client confidentiality. In fact, most psychotherapists are legally bound to do so. Psychotherapists practice from a number of different qualifications that include psychiatry, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, psychoanalysis, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical social work, psychiatric social work, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, psychiatric nursing and other disciplines. Who can provide psychotherapy? The most common providers are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, marriagefamily therapists, addiction counselors, mental health counselors, religious counselors and school counselors.
Psychiatrists are trained in practical psychology and applied psychotherapy. They are medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (O.D.) and may administer prescription medications. Psychiatrists train using a “bio psychosocial” model to treat and prevent mental illnesses. Psychologists are trained specialists in psychology, the science that deals with thoughts, emotions and behavior. They are trained in psychological theory, used in psychological assessment and research. Most hold a doctoral degree (PsyD or Ph. D). Social workers, with a number of different degrees and professional licenses, help people overcome social and health problems. They are trained in connecting people to community and institutional resources. Their training includes elements of psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Social work is a very broad profession. Child, family and school social workers make up most of this group. Social workers also perform medical, public health, mental health and substance abuse social work. Psychiatric nurses are licensed registered nurses (R.N.) that work under the direction of medical doctors. They may provide mental health assessments and psychotherapy. They also help patients manage their medications. Marriagefamily therapists are trained in psychotherapy and family systems. They specialize in working with relationship and family issues. These therapists are recognized as one of the “core” psychotherapy providers, along with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses. The training of licensed professional counselors (LPC) includes evaluations, assessments and psychotherapy. Addiction counselors and mental health counselors are the most common types. Religious (pastoral) counselors are psychotherapists with indepth religious training. They provide therapy in a spiritual context. School counselors help students with academic achievement and personal, social and career development. Many training programs are multiprofessional, especially in institutional settings. These training groups usually consist of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and other mental health professionals working as a team. Most countries require psychotherapists to complete a program of continuing education after earning a master’s or doctoral degree. Or multiple certifications may be attached to a specific degree, including “board certification” in psychiatry. Resources: 1) “FAQs on MFTs.” (http://www.aamft.org/faqs/index_nm.asp). American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Accessed July 21, 2010. 2) “Types of Mental Health Providers.” (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mentalhealth/MH00074). MayoClinic.com. Accessed July 21, 2010. 3) “How to Find a Therapist.” http://www.webmd.com/anxietypanic/guide/howtofindtherapist). WebMD. Accessed July 21, 2010.