What kind of doctor to see?

Question

If going to a doctor for depression & other issues, would I want to make an appointment with a 'Professional Counselor' or 'Psychologist'? What's the dif?

Answer 1

Go to the psychologist. The psychiatrists just wanna load of their patients with pills. The probability is higher that a psychologist will help you with your issues and help solve them PERMANENTLY. The pychiatrists will load you up with pills that solve the problem TEMPORARILY, and sometimes the pills don't even work.

I'll tell you this from experience. In the end, you need to solve the issues in your own head, that is how one is cured. Your family, friends, therapy, they are there to guide you to that actual rationalization.

Answer 2

I don't know what the term "Professional Counselor" means. A "Clinical Psychologist" especially with a PhD after the name means the person has extensive training in dealing with depression and other psychological issues. A Clinical Psychologist can not (usually) prescribe drugs, but in most other ways their training and area of expertise is similar to an MD-Psychiatrist.

The choice of Counselor vs Psychologist may not be yours to make. Which kind of therapist you see will depend not on your need but on your medical coverage.

That said, all things equal, I would recommend a PhD. in Clinical Psychology who specializes in depression/anxiety.

Answer 3

PSYCHOLOGIST -
A psychologist is a scientist and/or clinician who studies psychology, the systematic investigation of the human mind, including behavior and cognition. Psychologists are usually categorized under a number of different fields, the most well-recognized being clinical psychologists, who provide mental health care, and research psychologists, who collect information on people's minds. A psychologist is a social scientist who studies behavior and mental processes, generally in a research or clinical setting.



PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR -
Professional counseling means applying a combination of human development, rehabilitation and either psychosocial or psychotherapeutic principles, procedures or services that integrate a wellness, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior in order to assist an individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and adjustment through the life span of the individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community.

No person may practice professional counseling or use the title "professional counselor", "professional rehabilitation counselor", "vocational rehabilitation counselor", or "rehabilitation counselor" or any similar title unless the person is licensed as a professional counselor by the Professional Counselor Section of the examining board.

PSYCHIATRIST -
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Psychiatrists treat patients privately and in hospital settings through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Their training consists of four years of medical school, followed by one year of internship and at least three years of psychiatric residency. Psychiatrists may receive certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), which requires two years of clinical experience beyond residency and the successful completion of a written and an oral test. Unlike a medical license, board certification is not legally required in order to practice psychiatry.

Psychiatrists may practice general psychiatry or choose a specialty, such as child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, treatment of substance abuse, forensic (legal) psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, mental retardation, community psychiatry, or public health. Some focus their research and clinical work primarily on psychoactive medication, in which case they are referred to as psychopharmacologists. Psychiatrists may be called upon to address numerous social issues, including juvenile delinquency, family and marital dysfunction, legal competency in criminal and financial matters, and treatment of mental and emotional problems among prison inmates and in the military.

Psychiatrists treat the biological, psychological, and social components of mental illness simultaneously. They can investigate whether symptoms of mental disorders have physical causes, such as a hormone imbalance or an adverse reaction to medication, or whether psychological symptoms are contributing to physical conditions, such as cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. Because they are licensed physicians, psychiatrists— unlike psychologists and psychiatric social workers—can prescribe medication; they are also able to admit patients to the hospital. Other mental health professionals who cannot prescribe medication themselves often establish a professional relationship with a psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists may work in private offices, private psychiatric hospitals, community hospitals, state and federal hospitals, or community mental centers. Often, they combine work in several settings. In addition to their clinical work, psychiatrists often engage in related professional activities, including teaching, research, and administration. The American Psychiatric Association, the oldest medical specialty organization in the United States, supports the profession by offering continuing education and research opportunities, keeping members informed about new research and public policy issues, helping to educate the public about mental health issues, and serving as an advocate for people affected by mental illness.


These are just a few differences. Good luck

Answer 4

A pediatrition, working with little ones is exciting, yet no plenty the photos and whatnot, in general interior the little workplace section and checking temperatures, issues like that. wish this responded your question!

Answer 5

Neither. You want a psychiatrist. Neither of those you mentioned are licensed physicians. Neither can write prescriptions, which you may require.