Anxiety, Depression, Marriage, Family Problems? Get the Best Counselor for You-From Barrington

Since psychiatrists were first called alienists in thePsychiatrists typically receive only three years of
1800s, mental health treatment has diversified andtraining during their residency, studying mental health
expanded. Over the years the mental healthand psychiatric treatment. As such, they are rarely
professions have evolved and improved theirtaught or practice psychological counseling, testing or
treatments.psychotherapy.
There are now at least 5 separate mental healthThey also receive little, if any training in family or
disciplines in America that provide treatment formarriage counseling. When consulting with a
emotional problems. It is interesting; cooperation andpsychiatrist you can generally count on providing a
competition among these professions has forced themmedical history and being prescribed psychotropic
to expand the diversity of their services, compete bydrugs.
reducing fees and sometimes do a little bit of both.Occasionally, he or she will refer you for counseling or
The most highly educated professional in the practicetesting. Again, their fees and your co-payment are
of mental health is the psychologist. He or she has alargely determined by your insurance company.
doctoral degree in psychology, which represents aboutThe clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family
6 years of college training in mental health, psychologycounselor and the licensed mental health counselor
and counseling, plus an internship.also provide individual and family counseling. A social
Their areas of expertise include psychotherapy,worker has 2 years of graduate training in the practice
counseling, diagnosis, psychological assessment, testingof social work, which includes training in counseling and
and the conducting of clinical research. Their educationcommunity casework as well as a masters degree.
is rigorous and after earning their doctorate in a 3-4The marriage and family counselor has 1 to 2 years of
year graduate program, they are required totraining specifically in counseling problem marriages and
successfully complete an internship and pass atroubled families. Both of these professionals also have
comprehensive examination which qualifies them toa masters degree, serve an internship and pass a
practice independently in the state.comprehensive examination in order to be licensed to
The bulk of their college training is in the psychologicalpractice.
sciences, which makes them the most qualifiedThese professionals mainly do counseling and
experts in mental health and psychological issues. Theiroccasionally may refer a client for testing or
fees are largely determined by the health insurancemedication. Some, but not all insurance policies will pay
companies with which they are affiliated.for their services.
A patient is likely to pay from $10 to $50 per visit as aThe variety of professionals providing treatment for
co-payment with the insurance company paying theemotional, relationship and family problems reflects the
balance.variety of treatments and interventions available: Drugs,
The psychiatrist has a doctoral degree in medicine orpsychotherapy, individual counseling, marriage
osteopathy and is mainly responsible for prescribingcounseling, family counseling and psychological testing,
psychiatric medications and performing occasionalsometimes called X Rays of the Mind.
electroshock treatments. They receive the bulk of theirIt is important to know what type of professional you
education, 2 years of upper division college work andare consulting because most treatment providers will
4 years of osteopathic or medical school, studying therecommend options and engage in treatment based
chemical, biological and medical sciences.on their own unique education and experience.