Maybe 2019 is the year you have decided to tackle some of your problems in therapy! So, like any red-blooded-American, you google it for your area ;) What might you google?
“Psychologist in San Marcos, Tx”
”Counselor in San Marcos, Tx”
”Psychiatrist in San Marcos, Tx”
”Therapist in San Marcos, Tx”
If you’re not sure what the differences are among these you may feel pretty confused on what to look for! As a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, I am well versed in describing my role to prospective clients. I am a counselor, also called a therapist, and in some states my role is called a “Mental Health Professional.” Each of these terms is synonymous with one another.
Most psychologists will also refer to themselves using these terms as well. A psychologist can and often does do traditional therapy and counseling just like a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). A psychologist also has the training to do testing and assessments that an LPC may not be qualified to perform, however, not all psychologists will offer this. Both professions are able to diagnose, take insurance, and are licensed by a state board. A psychologist must have a doctorate, whereas an LPC needs a masters.
Now, let’s talk about psychiatrists. They are pretty different from the rest of the mental health profession because they are legit medical doctors! A psychiatrist attends medical school and typically has minimal training in the therapy aspect of mental health. Because of this, psychiatrists generally do not offer therapy.
You would make an appointment with a psychiatrist at the suggestion of your therapist. At this appointment the psychiatrist would assess your symptoms and then make a diagnosis and write a prescription. In the mental health world, making an appointment with a Psychiatrist rather than a General Practitioner is recommended because a Psychiatrist is trained in the ways that various medications intersect with different mental disorder diagnoses.
So, those are the differences in a nutshell! What do you think? Did I make it clear as mud? ;) If you aren’t sure where to start just pick one of these listed above and they will direct you down the right path!
If you are in the San Marcos, Tx area and seeking help for your mental health, give me a call today to have any questions answered! You can contact me here on my website or give a call or text to me at 512-710-5918.
Sincerely,
Bethany Hanusch, LPC-Intern
counselingbybethany.com
@counselingbybethany