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Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Counselor?

Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Counselor?  What is the difference and how do I know which one of these professionals can most help me?  

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specially trained in the field of mental illness. Like all doctors, they tend to be busy and have minimal time to spend with you. Psychiatrists have special knowledge of medications related to mental health such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or struggling with life, a psychiatrist is likely to prescribe medication and make a follow-up appointment in a few weeks or months. These medications work by numbing your feelings, you won't feel as down, but you won't be able to enjoy life as much either. They can have serious side affects including loss of sexual interest and even suicidal thinking. Some medications, such as anti-psychotics, can be life-saving for people who need them. If you are hearing voices, seeing hallucinations, believe that people are out to get you even though others deny this, are so naturally high that you haven't slept in days and are having crazy thoughts, or so low that you can't get out of bed or can't stop crying, then it's important that you see a psychiatrist as soon as possible, even if it means going to the hospital emergency room.

Psychologist: A psychologist holds a PhD and thus may also be called doctor, although he/she does not have a medical license. A psychologist is trained in testing. If your child needs a placement test for special services in school, an IQ test, or various behavioral and/or learning examinations, then you will want him/her to see a psychologist. A psychologist can also test adults who need placement in school, a legal requirement, or testing required from any agency that needs to assess your mental state. If you need IQ or special testing to determine you mental status, then you will want to see a psychologist. 

Counselor: A licensed mental health counselor or marriage and family counselor holds a masters degree along with a state license that takes several years to earn. Counselors see clients weekly (sometimes more or less, as needed). He/she will listen to you, allow you to share your problems with a safe person, and also help you learn to examine your thinking so you can make permanent changes in your life. Most insurance companies pay for 45 minute sessions, but at Cheer Counseling we are not clock watchers and end the sessions when they are naturally finished - usually around 55-60 minutes. Counseling may include a single adult, a couple, a family, or a child. When a child or teen is involved in therapy, it is helpful for the counselor to meet regularly with the parents, to help them learn to manage problems more effectively at home. 
Couples are seen together when there is no domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, or serious mental illness. The above examples require individual counseling and recovery from these problems prior to couples counseling. For example, if one party is upset because the partner is an alcoholic, then treating the alcoholism may be all that is needed to improve the marriage. Couples counseling would not be effective in such a scenario, and Cheer counselors would ask to see the couple separately. We assess each person's needs individually in order to develop a recovery plan that will help you feel better as soon as possible.
There are times when counseling, testing and/or medication may all be needed. Make sure you understand your needs prior to deciding which kind of professional you wish to seek help from.


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