Frequently Asked Questions
WHY IS CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST SO IMPORTANT?
Many people seeking help for emotional difficulties face another challenge: how to find the right psychotherapist. The more stress an individual is under, the less particular he or she may be. Yet studies have shown that the most important factor for success is the right match between patient and therapist. Research on matching indicates that the initial sense of a working alliance is a powerful predictor of the outcome of treatment. Such an important choice is best reached through an informed search. While you want someone well-qualified by training and experience, it is also vital that you feel trusting and confident in the relationship, secure enough to unburden deeply guarded feelings. A therapist who communicates respect, empathy and warmth will make the best guide, and is most likely to provide the right blend of competence and chemistry.
HOW DO I BEGIN SEARCHING FOR A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL?
Adults can start by conferring with their family or primary care physician, obtain a thorough physical evaluation, and appropriate referral recommendations. For children having problems, their pediatrician is usually a good start, and can determine if there is an associated physical cause. Inquire about therapists with a special area of expertise, as the current trend is toward specialization. For example, some therapists specialize in treating psychological trauma in victims exposed to emergencies or disasters, as well as reactions in the “first responders” who were involved in assisting them. Referral assistance can be provided by social worker or family therapist organizations, outpatient departments of hospitals or postgraduate training centers, psychiatric or psychological societies , and community mental-health centers. The resources web page here at TherapistSites contains contact information for many recognized national associations. It may be helpful to interview two or three therapists before making up your mind. At your initial consultation, ask about the professional’s academic or clinical training, special-interests, approach, and fees. Be cautious trying to diagnose your own problems: after getting a professional assessment, also ask for recommendations of the best types of treatment for your situation. TherapistSites.com is pleased to provide an online directory, focused one broad range of mental health professionals and allied disciplines and specialists. To search exclusively for psychiatrists and psychologists, please visit our sister site, PsychSites.com.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING AND DIRECTORY DISCLAIMER:
Most of the specialists described below are subject to state or national licensing or certification boards. Although all professionals are required to submit their specialty and license number in their application to be listed on TherapistSites.com, it would be prudent for the user to contact the certifying organization and verify up-to-date licensing information. TherapistSites has made no additional effort to ascertain their qualifications and competence, and makes no guarantee of the quality of work of any individual or group, nor of the likelihood of success from treatment.
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPISTS
Members of many different mental health disciplines can offer psychotherapy, so it may be difficult to know if the person is well-qualified. However the major therapeutic professions license and certify their members. This usually requires a therapist to pass a rigorous test in his or her state. Here are some guidelines:
- LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS have a masters-level degree (L.C.S.W. or M.S.W.) or a doctorate (D.S.W) from a school of social work. After two plus years of supervised clinical experience, and an examination, they may be qualified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers. They treat a variety of mental health and psycho-social problems using therapeutic techniques such as psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral therapy. “Clinical” distinguishes therapists from their colleagues, who may address community, domestic, or abuse issues. The majority are members of the National Association of Social Workers.
- MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS (M.F.T., L.M.F.T., or M.F.C.C. - Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.) often have graduate degrees (two to four years) in social work or clinical psychology, and then get intensive postgraduate experience. They specialize in assessment, crisis intervention, family or child rearing conflicts, and interpersonal dynamics. Therapy addresses issues from anger and resentment to intimacy and communication skills. Most belong to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, or their state professional organization. There is no national organization certifying training, but many states require they be licensed by a certifying board which usually includes internship, supervision, written and oral examinations, and 1000-3000 hours of practice.
- PSYCHIATRIC NURSES (R.N.) may have an associate, bachelors or masters degree in nursing. They receive additional training in behavioral issues, and may provide psychiatric evaluation, administer medication to patients, conduct psychotherapy, and offer medical follow-up. Much of their specialty training is in a hospital inpatient or clinic facility. Advanced practice registered nurses (A.P.R.N.) have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. They may work as educators, consultants, case managers or administrators; they are eligible to be licensed as therapists, and usually belong to the American Nursing Association.
- PASTORAL COUNSELORS are trained in both psychology and theology, and provide psychological as well as spiritual guidance to clients and their families. They may conduct religious services, deliver rites, and provide counseling and companionship to clients and family members. Many have a master’s degree in divinity (M.Div.) and are members of the clergy.
- COUNSELORS (L.P.C. or L.M.H.C.) may have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, generally complete two years of supervised practice, and pass a state-certified examination before becoming licensed. Counselors treat a variety of problems from alcoholism and eating disorders to relationship issues and depression. They may be members of the American Counseling Association.
- DRUG & ALCOHOL COUNSELORS receive specialized training in substance abuse and recovery from addiction. They help patients discover the roots of their addictions, manage withdrawal, and repair their lives.
- LIFE COACHES may have mental health training, or draw upon personal experiences, to offer help with personal and professional goals. Anyone can call himself or herself a life coach, though some associations are establishing professional guidelines.
- CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS (Ph.D. or PSY.D.) have a graduate academic doctoral degree, and their postgraduate training usually includes an internship followed by several years of supervised clinical practice, with a concentration in psychotherapy. Some psychologists specialize in neuro/psychological testing, educational consulting, or research, among many subspecialties. They treat a broad range of emotional and behavioral disorders, and developmental disabilities.. Licensing in psychology is required in all states. Some clinical psychologists have diploma awarded from the prestigious American Board of Professional Psychology, and most are members of the American Psychological Association.
- PSYCHIATRISTS are medical doctors (M.D.): in almost all states these are the only therapists who are licensed to directly prescribe medication, order laboratory tests, or hospitalize - a major consideration in treating severe depression, anxiety, drug addiction, panic attacks or psychosis. After completing medical school, they receive an additional four years of specialized psychiatric residency training. During this time, these physicians may focus on psychopharmacology and/or psychotherapy. They may diagnose serious physical diseases with symptoms resembling mental illness, and are qualified to treat the full range of mental disorders. Most psychiatrists belong to the American Psychiatric Association, and over half are “Board Certified” by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Many have additional Board credentials specializing in child, geriatric, addiction, administrative or forensic issues.
- PSYCHOANALYSTS do not represent a separate academic discipline, but can come from any of the healing professions. Originally many were physicians or psychologists, but clinical practice does not require medical training. Qualified therapists can be trained as analysts in postgraduate institutes, possibly requiring an additional eight years of supervision (examination and state licensing requirements vary.) Intensive treatment can last five to ten years at four sessions per week.
- PROFESSIONALS in other disciplines such as industrial or educational psychologists, occupational therapists, music, dance, reading, recreation and art therapists can also provide therapy or offer a helpful adjunct to treatment. . It may be well worthwhile to review their credentials and experience, or arrange a consultation.
GIVE ME SOME HINTS FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF THIS DIRECTORY
IF YOU KNOW THE NAME of the clinician you are looking for, start with the “DIRECTORY”. Click once to view their page. If they are not listed, try contacting your local medical or specialty society, or utilize links on the resources page to national organizations.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A NAME, AND ARE MOST CONCERNED WITH FINDING A THERAPIST NEARBY, click “SEARCH” on the menu, and enter your city, region or adjoining communities. Remember to hold down the control button in any of the search windows to choose multiple criteria.
IF YOU ARE MOST CONCERNED WITH FINDING A PROFESSIONAL IN A CERTAIN SUBSPECIALTY, it will be easiest to click “SPECIALTIES,” or you may combine several criteria on the “SEARCH” screen, to narrow down your best results. Remember to hold down the control button for multiple criteria.
IF YOU WISH TO SEARCH EXCLUSIVELY FOR PSYCHIATRISTS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS, PLEASE VISIT OUR SISTER SITE, PsychSites.com, where you will find a comprehensive directory of Psychiatrists and Psychologists. The two web sites list a combined total of over 1200 providers and 150 subspecialties, speaking 25 languages. Many profiles are linked to useful sites for mental health education. If you know of a therapist who would benefit from a free listing, please encourage them to apply!
EMOTIONAL DISORDERS, TREATMENT APPROACHES, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS: more detailed information about mental conditions, new research, professional orientations, payment issues, and guides for choosing a therapist can be found in TherapistSites under RESOURCES. This is a directory of credible and useful links, such as the American Psychiatric Association; American Psychological Association; National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information; National Institutes of Health (NIH); Psychology Today.com; and HealthyMinds.org.
WHAT IS THE VISION OF THERAPISTSITES?
According to the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health’s final report, “Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America”, the strongest need in healthcare today is improved access to healthcare information. Major recommendations included using technology to improve access to care that is appropriate, culturally competent, located in rural or geographically remote areas, along with better coordination between the private and public sectors (Psychiatric News - August 15, 2003, Page 27.). The report encouraged innovation, and described a future when everyone with a mental illness has access to effective treatment and support, for living, working, learning, and participating fully in the community. We trust that this worldwide online directory will be a valuable part of this mission.
