What's the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

What are the differences between all the different types of Psychotherapists?

Why do people seek therapy?

What can I expect from a therapy session?

Will my insurance cover therapy or will I need to pay privately?

Is therapy confidential?

Where can I get additional questions answered?
 

What's the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
Funnily enough, this is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about therapy. The confusion is understandable, as back in the early 1900s until relatively recently, there was no distinction. All "therapists" were "Psychiatrists" - medical doctors who specialize in the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental and emotional concerns (as opposed to physical ailments), hence the cliched image of the patient on the psychiatrist's couch.

However, recent years have seen astounding advancements in medication for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. As a result, Psychiatrists (who are all M.D.'s) rarely have time to offer traditional "talk-therapy". Instead, when they meet with clients to assess their symptoms, it is to prescribe the best medication to treat the concern in question. In short, today's "Psychiatrist" is a medical doctor who specializes in medication to treat mental health.

Yet research demonstrates that talk-therapy is effective in treating emotional and mental concerns too, both with and without accompanying medication. This creates a significant demand for talk-therapy that cannot possibly be met by Psychiatrists, and does not necessarily require a medical degree to do well. "Psychotherapists" (a collective term for Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors and Social Workers) are the professionals who now carry out this much needed service.

So what are the difference between all the different types of Psychotherapists?
While there are some significant differences in the training and theoretical approach of all of these professionals, the reality is that the lines are blurring, especially when it comes to private practice. Many Psychologists offer couples therapy, and most Marriage & Family Therapists see individuals as well as couples. In addition, there are Marriage & Family Therapists working in government agencies or seeing clients in homes, formerly the domain of Social Workers who now also operate in private practice. The exact qualifications and title of a Psychotherapist may also depend on the state where he or she was licensed, as each state has different requirements for education, training and licensure.

The key difference between a therapist trained in Marriage & Family Therapy is the "systems" approach, which sees all individuals in the context of the larger systems - or families - of which they were and are a part. Everyone exists in relationship, and to a significant extent, we can only know ourselves in terms of how other people relate to us. We may take on very different roles or responses depending upon the people that surround us.

All therapists have different areas of experience or speciality - which may have arisen from their own life's path. When choosing a therapist, you will want to look at the therapeutic areas in which they work to decide if there is a match with the issues you are wanting to work through. Perhaps the most important piece of choosing a therapist, however, is finding someone with whom you can feel comfortable, relate well and be yourself.

Why do people seek therapy?
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking therapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

What can I expect in a therapy session?
During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Most clients come once a week, at least at the beginning, and then may move to every other week. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

Is therapy confidential?

 In general, the law protects the privacy of all communication between a client and a therapist.  A therapist may only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form.  You can revoke any such authorizations at any time in writing.  However, in the following situations your authorization is not required for information to be released:

1)       Therapist’s duty to warn another in the case of potential suicide, homicide or threat of imminent, serious harm to another individual.

2)       Therapist’s duty to report suspicion of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.

3)       Therapist’s duty to report prenatal exposure to cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or their derivatives, THC, and excesses and habitual use of alcohol.

4)       Therapist’s duty to report the misconduct of mental health or health care professionals.

5)       Therapist’s duty to provide a spouse or parent of a deceased client access to their child or spouse’s records.

6)       Therapist’s duty to provide parents of minor children access to their child’s records.  Minor clients can request, in writing, that particular information not be disclosed to parents.  Such a request should be discussed with the therapist.

7)       Therapist’s duty to release records if court-ordered.

8)       Therapist’s obligations to contracts (e.g. to an insurance carrier or health plan.)

At your first appointment, Jane will walk through all of the necessary legal aspects of therapy, including confidentiality. Always feel free to ask questions if you are unsure.

Any other questions?
Please click here to send Jane a message via the website.

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