Where to Turn for Help
No Less a Disease than the Common Cold
There was a time, not so very long ago, when mental illness was a topic to be swept under the rug. Now we know that mental illness can happen to anyone and that it is no less a disease than the common cold. One of the results of this societal acceptance of mental illness is that the playing field for mental health professionals has burgeoned. This is both a blessing and a curse: there is a greater chance of finding the professional help that's just right for you, but it can be a daunting task to know where to begin.Your HMO Weighs In
It's important to note that regulations vary from state to state, so that the titles of the various professionals mean different things depending on where you live. Be aware, too, that your health insurance providers have a say in the type of help you may receive. Some professionals manage your medication, others provide psychotherapy, and still others are there to aid in the process of finding the most appropriate care available to you. Here are just a few of the options:Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.), also known sometimes as doctors of osteopathy (O.D.). Psychiatrists have completed medical school plus a minimum 4 years of residency and can provide both medication as well as psychotherapy.
Psychologists provide psychotherapy. Some have a doctoral degree (Psy.D. or PH.D.) but may not prescribe medication except in New Mexico and Louisiana, the only two states that allow such privileges to trained psychologists.
Psychotherapists may or may not be trained professionals. The term is used to connote a wide variety of mental health care providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, lay counselors and marriage or family therapists.
Social workers help people with both social and health problems. Most of them carry a master's degree and the title M.S.W. and some are licensed clinical social workers, L.C.S.W. Those who provide mental health care must have advanced training and state licensing. They cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatric nurses must be licensed registered nurses (R.N.) and have additional training in mental health care, often working under the supervision of a doctor. The care they provide varies according to the level of training they have received. Some of them have doctorates. An A.P.R.N., an advanced practice registered nurse, has at least a master's degree in psychiatric mental health nursing and is licensed to diagnose and treat mental illness. In some states, they may prescribe medication.