Finding the right mental health professional can seem like a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, and it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed at the very thought of trying to find someone who can help you with your specific needs. From finding the right specialist to the location to availability, and whether or not they are covered by insurance, finding the right person is no small undertaking.
As you embark on this mission, it is important to understand that your goal should be to find the right person as opposed to the best person. A mental health professional can have amazing credentials, stellar references and an impeccable reputation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the right person for you. Everyone is different and has different needs; a mental health professional who is the best choice for one person may not be so for another person. You need to find that one provider who will meet your unique set of needs best.
The first step in the process is to figure out what type of professional you need. There are generally four different categories of mental health professionals: psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Depending on your needs, determine which one is the best choice. Bear in mind there is overlap between each of the four types of professionals, however, there are distinct differences. Here is a basic description of each and their function:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Their function is to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Among the different types of mental health professionals, psychiatrists are the only ones who can prescribe medications. Psychiatrists use the practice of psychotherapy and medications to treat the mental and physical parts of a mental disorder.
A psychologist is similar to a psychiatrist in that they diagnose and treat mental health disorders, however, they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications. Psychologists have a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D., PsyD, or EdD, in psychology and have to meet higher requirements than a therapist or counselor. A psychologist helps patients through psychotherapy and counseling.
A therapist will have a master’s degree in clinical psychology and also use psychotherapy and counseling to help patients develop a treatment plan. There are different types of therapists, although the most common is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Bear in mind most LMFT’s are not limited to just issues related to marriage or families.
A counselor does not necessarily need to have a master’s degree, however, he/she will be licensed by the state in which they practice. There are many different types of counselors, each of whom may specialize in a particular area, such as addiction, anger management, anxiety, and other conditions. Counseling is generally shorter term than therapy, however, may extend further.
It can be confusing at times because there are similarities between the function of each different type of mental health professional. To simplify things, with the exception of a psychiatrist who can prescribe and manage medications, you will be best served to find someone who has experience and expertise in the particular area in which you need help.
It is also important to discern the difference between psychotherapy and counseling. Generally speaking, counseling deals with very specific issues and involves problem-solving and developing methods for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is much broader in scope and longer-term.
There are other factors you should take into consideration as well. For instance, are you more comfortable with a particular gender, someone older or younger, a person who is soft-spoken or more aggressive? In order for your experience to be successful and productive, you need to feel comfortable talking about your feelings and sharing your thoughts. If there is a particular type of person who can elicit this level of comfort, it is important for you to identify those characteristics and find someone who fits your needs. It can be difficult to reach out for help, but taking that first step is imperative to your mental health and overall wellness.
Once you find the right one for you, consulting with a mental health professional, be it a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor can also help improve mental and emotional wellness when coordinated with the option of highly effective ketamine infusion therapy for mental health disorders. This therapy can be particularly effective when used as part of an overall ketamine infusion treatment plan coordinated with your mental health professional.
Ketamine treatments can be a powerful tool to address many mental and emotional health issues, even ones with rapid causes: postpartum depression infusion can be used for new mothers who need urgent relief.
More commonly, ketamine depression treatment has been shown to be an effective part of therapy for many struggling, and even treatment for suicidal ideation or treatment for suicidal thoughts can be a positive effect of the therapy for more severe cases.
Ketamine for PTSD similarly can increase the effectiveness of a mental health treatment plan for those in need.
Contact Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles at 310-363-7358 to find out if these or many other applications of ketamine therapies may be right for you.
