How
do I find a qualified psychologist?
The
National Register Find a Psychologist database
is a great place to start. The database features the
largest selection of credentialed psychologists available
online. Another way to select a psychologist is to
get a referral from someone you trust. Just keep in
mind that you are the consumer, and you have every
right to ask questions about the psychologist's education
and training, what state(s) they are licensed in,
and their areas of expertise.
However,
it is important to note that a very important part
of satisfaction by consumers with their therapist
is not always measured in terms of years of education
and training. Consumer perceived satisfaction and
the goals achieved are most important determiners
of effectiveness.
How
do I find out if a psychologist is actively licensed,
and has no disciplinary actions?
National
Register credentialed psychologists are actively licensed
in at least one state, province or territory, with
the jurisdiction(s) listed in the individual profile.
National Register credentialed psychologists are also
monitored for any disciplinary actions.
You
may also check with the psychology licensing board in your
state. Almost all boards make licensure and disciplinary
information publicly available through their web site. Go
to http://www.nationalregister.org/links_licensingboards.htm
to access web sites for all state licensing boards. If the
board does not provide this information online, you may
want to call to confirm whether the psychologist is actively
licensed and with no restrictions.
How
do I find out if a psychologist graduated from an approved
doctoral program?
The
first step is to ask. Psychologists typically hold a doctoral
degree, including the Ph.D., the Psy.D., and the Ed.D. Once
you know where your psychologist completed his/her doctoral
degree, go to http://www.nationalregister.org/designate.htm
to access a comprehensive list of doctoral programs that
are accredited by the American Psychological Association
or the Canadian Psychological Association or designated by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
and the National Register of Health Service Providers in
Psychology.
How
do I find out about fees and the types of insurance a psychologist
accepts?
The
best way to find out is to contact the psychologist's office
and ask. The National Register Find a Psychologist database does not currently contain this information, as
acceptance of reimbursement changes frequently. If you want
general information on insurance by state, please visit:
http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/.
Can
a psychologist prescribe medication?
Appropriately
trained psychologists in New Mexico and Louisiana have the
legal authority to prescribe medication. In both states,
psychologists must demonstrate that they have completed
additional education, training, and supervised experience
in order to prescribe certain drugs. There are also a limited
number of federal government health care settings where
appropriately trained psychologists may prescribe, but the
number of prescribing psychologists is small. Regardless,
psychologists should be an integral part of your total healthcare,
as they are experts on behavior and are a valuable ally
in understanding the impact of medications on behavior.
As a result, psychologists frequently collaborate with other
medical professionals.
What is the difference between a psychologist and
a counselor or social worker?
Psychologists
hold a doctoral degree in psychology and are licensed
as psychologists. They are also required to complete
supervised experience, generally a year of internship
and a year of supervised postdoctoral experience.
Other licensed mental health care professionals (counselors,
social workers) typically hold a masters degree, and
have completed less supervised experience.
What is the difference between a psychologist and
a psychiatrist?
Both
professionals have doctoral degrees in their field,
may provide psychotherapy and counseling services
and help patients/clients maintain and enhance their
physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal
functioning. The number of years in education and
training is about the same for both professions in
the US (6-7 years following the undergraduate degree).
- Training
of a Psychiatrist
A
psychiatrist is a physician (MD) who pursued additional
education and training in psychiatry after receiving a medical
degree, with many of those individuals achieving board certification
in neurology and psychiatry. The orientation of a psychiatrist
is typically more biological, the training in psychotherapy
is often minimal, and they do not receive training in psychological
assessment. A psychiatrist is licensed as a physician, not
as a psychiatrist.
- Training
of a Psychologist
A
psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. Psy.D. or Ed.D.),
has completed an approved internship in health service and
a postdoctoral year of supervised experience at a more advanced
level. The orientation of a psychologist is more often on
the relationship between the body and the mind, a more wholistic
approach, with specialized expertise in psychotherapy and
testing. However, all psychologists are required to be grounded
in the biological basis of behavior, with some psychologists
taking a specialty in this area in the doctoral program
and in subsequent educational opportunities. A psychologist
is licensed as a psychologist or a clinical psychologist
and often is credentialed after licensure in health service
provision by the National Register.
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