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Q:WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST?
A:
People often wonder what the difference is between a psychologist and a
psychiatrist. Some have stereotyped ideas of a pyschiatrist taking notes while a
patient lays on a couch. Modern psychological services have changed over the
years.
Psychiatrists are physicians with medical degrees - either M.D.
or D.O. - therefore they can prescribe medications. Most pyschiatrists conduct
an initial interview with a patient that lasts a 50 minute hour, they formulate
a diagnosis, and begin prescribing psychiatric medications. Subsequent visits
last only 15 minutes with the aim of determining how well the medications are
working while trying to avoid side effects.
Psychologists are also
doctors (the fully licensed ones) with many years of advanced education (Ph.D.,
Psy.D., Ed.D.) in the study of human behavior, the workings of the mind, and the
management of emotions. They also conduct an initial interview that lasts an
hour, they formulate a diagnosis, and they prescribe a course of action, or
treatement goals, for the patient to work toward. Subsequent visits continue to
last 50 minutes each, so there is ample time to talk about the problems that
brought you in for treatment. Additionally, psychologists may perform
specialized psychological testing to further assess mental disorders,
intellectual functions, and personality. During the course of a typical
psychotherapy hour, feedback, encouragement and suggestions are typically given,
along with ideas for new ways of thinking and relating to others. Over the
course of several sessions, people often begin to feel better because TALKING
HELPS.
In Michigan, we have Master's degree psychologists called Limited
Licensed Psychologists or LLP's for short. They also have advanced education,
training and experience but must work under the supervision of a licensed
psychologist. Master's degree social workers have similar training and
experience, except in the area of psychological testing. Both Masters prepared
clinicians work in similar ways to the above description of a psychologist.
Here at Chris Jansen-Yee, Psy.D. & Associates, we have psychologists
of both the fully licensed and limited licensed type. We also maintain close
working relationships with area psychiatrists, and remain especially connected
with a former colleague, Katherine Jawor, D.O., psychiatrist.
Modern
psychiatric care utilizes both types of mental health professionals. A
psychiatrist may diagnose mental illness and manage medications carefully, while
at the same time, psychologists may provide ongoing counseling or psychotherapy.
Progress and benefit are usually enhanced by taking advantage of both
types of treatment: medications and psychotherapy. Medications can only do a
limited amount to bring about changes of mood, attitude and behavior.
Psychotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of medications to bring about
meaningful personal change. But the most important factor which brings about
positive changes will always be a motivated YOU!
Q:HOW DOES "THERAPY"
WORK?
A: Psychotherapy or "therapy" for short, works by helping you
objectively look at behaviors, feelings and thoughts in situations which you
find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways in dealing with
those situations.
Therapy is a collaborative effort. You and your
psychologist will identify your goals - what you want to have happen, and agree
on how you'll know when you're making progress. Your psychologist will talk to
you about the length of time it may take to help you see
changes.
Progress, and change, can happen. Nine out of ten Americans
surveyed by Consumer Reports said that psychotherapy had helped them. And in
another recent major national study, half of the patients studied were making
improvements after eight sessions of therapy, 75 percent after six months of
therapy.
(Excerpts from American Psychological Association)
Q: WHAT
ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
A: Your privacy is important to you and will be
important to your psychologist. All members of the American Psychological
Association subscribe to a Code of Ethics that requires strict efforts to
maintain patient confidentiality. At Chris Jansen-Yee, PsyD & Associates,
all members of our staff, including our clerical and support staff maintain
strict confidentiality that complies with HIPAA requirements.
As a
patient, information about your treatment is released only to those that you
give us written permission to communicate with, and only the kind of information
that you give your permission to release. There are certain limits to
confidentiality that involve danger to yourself or others, suspected child or
elder abuse, and certain court situations. Discuss any concerns about your
privacy and confidentiatlity with any member of our staff.
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