Mental health counseling professionals are well trained medical professionals who possess the required training and qualifications to diagnose and assess mental health conditions and provide treatment in therapy for mentally ill people.
Getting a professional Mental Health Counselling Services may sometimes prove difficult as diverse mental health professionals now work in various fields. However, we have put together the key points you need to know about the different types of mental health professionals, their services, and how to access them.
Types of Mental Health Professionals
1. Psychologist
Psychologists are mental health counselors who are knowledgeable about the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of the human mind. They evaluate mental health concerns and provides psycho-diagnostic and psychotherapeutic assessments. They are further specialized in subfields such as Child psychology and Clinical psychology.
They can diagnose and treat a range of mental illnesses, utilizing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). They hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and do not prescribe medications.
2. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are well-trained medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry. They provide a wide range of treatments to mentally-ill patients, including psychotherapy and the prescription of medications. Psychiatrists treat all types of mental health disorders, such as:
- Phobias
- Dementia
- Sexual abuse and child abuses
- Anxiety
- Personal disorders
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Addictions
- Bipolar disorders
Psychiatrists may also choose to specialize in sub-fields such as:
- forensic psychiatry
- children adolescent psychiatry
- learning disabilities
Generally, a Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a Doctor of Medicine degree or a higher-level degree in psychiatry.
3. Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses or mental health nurses are professional nurses who are specialized in treating mental health illnesses. They are well known for their abilities and skills to provide physical and verbal support to the patient. They can provide assessment and psychological therapy for various mental health conditions and administer psychiatric medications to patients.
4. Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists provide speech therapy, called psychotherapy, to improve an individual’s general well-being and mental health. The psychotherapist is a broad term in many states used to describe medical professionals who provide psychotherapy. Psychotherapists use speech, not medicine, to treat mental health illnesses.
5. Rehabilitation Counsellor
Like other mental health professionals, rehabilitation counselors work to improve patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Such patients might be dealing with challenges such as trauma, grieve, or abuses of any form. A rehabilitation counselor may provide the patient with job placement support, proper skill training, and well-being improvement.
6. Social Worker
Social Workers are Public employees dedicated to helping patients cope with life issues and aim to protect individuals’ rights and well-being. Some social workers specialize in mental health services, while others address social problems like housing, unemployment, family disputes, child abuse, or domestic violence.
They can access a person’s mental health concerns and use therapeutic techniques to promote emotional wellness. They can work together with other mental health professionals to provide psychotherapy or help people re-integrate back to the community after discharge. Consider hiring the best domestic violence lawyer to help you gain justice
Choosing a Mental Health Professional
People suffering from any mental health condition can see a general practitioner or family doctor about their symptoms as the first line of action. General practitioners can recognize the signs of a mental health condition and prescribe medications such as anti-depressants. They may also refer patients to specialized mental health professionals.
The following are the factors to consider when choosing a mental health professional:
1. Area of Specialization of the Professional
Mental health professionals are licensed healthcare professionals who are willing to offer mental health counseling services. They are specialized in all but not limited to the following fields: Psychiatry, Psychology, Social works, Mental health counseling, Family counseling, Psychiatric nursing, and many more.
2. Experience and Qualification
Clinical social workers and Psychologists are licensed to provide assessment, diagnosis, and counseling for a range of mental health conditions but are not qualified to prescribe medications. A psychiatrist can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide counseling, and are licensed to prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions.
3. The Mental Health Condition
Most mental health workers treat a wide range of conditions. However, talking to a specialized professional may be more helpful. For example, if you have a sleep disorder, you may seek a more suited psychologist in that area.
How to Access a Medical Health Professional
Mental Health Counselling Services are accessible in many areas, including private practices, online, and general hospitals. If you or anyone you know is going through a mental health challenge, get help as soon as possible! Here are some of the best ways to reach a mental health professional:
- Seek recommendations from your primary care provider or family doctor.
- Find a professional mental health worker online.
- Contact a national or local mental health organization on the phone.
- Ask a trusted friend, clergy, or family member.
- Psychotherapy for mentally ill individuals is now obtainable online. These digital approaches aim to deliver therapy through video conferencing, calls, and other digital communication platforms. They are easy to contact, making it very convenient to receive prompt mental health support.
Conclusion
Mental health Counselling services play a key role in helping both adults and children who may be experiencing mental health difficulties to get back to their normal lives. Mental health professionals develop coping mechanisms and strategies to help mentally, emotionally, or spiritually unstable patients overcome their health issues. Intensive Therapy Retreats provides mentally ill individuals with a conducive environment to recuperate and regain their mental health under the care of various mental health professionals.