The importance of mental health professionals is growing, especially in the past few years. The diagnosis of mental illness is increasing, and seeking help for these problems can be a daunting task. With the right care, anyone can find peace and happiness through the storm that is mental health. In today’s article, we’ll be going over the importance of finding the right mental health professional for you.
Any mental health staff works within inpatient facilities, including psychiatric centers or general hospitals, and outpatient facilities, including private mental health practices. They also provide therapy and counseling to patients who choose to do so at home. Counselors can work with patients on an individual basis and can help identify the roots of their problems and develop a plan to address those issues.
Types of Mental Health Professionals
There are myriad types of mental health care professionals who can aid in helping you achieve your recovery goals. These professionals may work in a number of different facilities, such as
- Schools
- Private Practices
- General Hospitals
- Psychiatric Facilities
- Outpatient Facilities
- Community Mental Health Clinics
The official job titles and specialties of health care professionals can vary from state to state and internationally. It is easier to find the right professional when you have an understanding of the different areas of expertise and training.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a mental health professional with a medical degree registered with the state to practice medicine. Throughout most US states, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for complex mental health conditions.
Similar to medical doctors, some psychiatrists work their way up through doctoral degrees, while others take up positions as psychiatric nurses. Psychiatrists can have different specialties, ranging from addiction or child care to mental disorders and the elderly.
Psychiatrists have many different forms of examination and treatment methods. With a vast amount of knowledge in all kinds of procedures, psychiatrists (and all other licensed mental health professionals) can conduct tests for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychosis. In addition to this, psychiatrists can perform biomedical diagnoses.
Unlike other professionals that specialize in the patient’s mental state, psychiatrists can conduct physical examinations, MRI and PET scans, blood tests, and drug screenings. All of this works together to form a more holistic process for the patient, ensuring you or a loved one gets the treatment they deserve.
Therapists
Other mental health professionals are referred to as therapists. Therapists treat patients in a variety of ways and help them manage issues like anxiety and depression, substance abuse and addiction, mood disorders, eating disorders, and self-esteem concerns.
A therapist also cannot prescribe medication to a patient under any circumstances. These mental health professionals specialize in deep psychological counseling. They can help someone deal with a difficult experience that has led to depression or addiction and can offer advice and counseling on how to overcome these issues.
The main goal of the therapist is simple: to help the patient clarify their mental state so that they can understand their feelings and work to overcome any of the issues plaguing them. Therapists can be marriage counselors, social workers, or any professional who is licensed to help a patient.
How to Find the One That’s Right for You
Researching what mental health workers are near you is the first step to the path of recovery. Online searches are always beneficial, but you’d be surprised with how many people have experience with a therapist or counselor already. Ask your close family or friends if they’ve seen a specific therapist and if they recommend them. If your own google search has brought you to our door, then we welcome you.
The process is all about helping you or your loved one. Making this first step might feel uncomfortable at first, but as long as you put in the effort, it is sure to pay off. One of the most important factors in this search is the types of professionals that specialize in specific cases.
Some professionals have a background and degree in social work, while others have experience in being a family therapist or registered nurse. Whatever field they specialize in, it is important to consider when it comes to case management and making sure you have the right fit.
How A Mental Health Professional Can Help
One type of mental health condition that can benefit from therapy and counseling is alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is a prevalent issue in America and has seen a spike with the rise of COVID-19 and political turmoil in our nation. Uneasy times can cause excessive drinking, which leads down a slippery slope. Abusing this substance can cause serious mental and physical problems.
People who have already been affected by the stress of a job loss, the death of a family member or friend, poverty, homelessness, or the loneliness caused by isolation are using substances to dull the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. Instead of helping, science shows that substance abuse only worsens the symptoms of anxiety and depression when the substance wears off. In many cases, using alcohol, prescription painkillers, or illegal drugs only exacerbates feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Whether you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, substance abuse problems, or mental illness, DiRomaTherapy is here to provide you with a safe, secure space to help you or a loved one overcome any obstacle. At DiRomaTherapy, we understand the complexities that may come with substance-use disorders and work with our clients through whichever method serves them best.
Interventions
Interventions are becoming increasingly mainstream, and this method is actually perfect for alcohol abuse. Here at DiRomaTherapy, we offer two methods of intervention; the Johnson model and the Systemic model.
The Johnson model is what most people think of when they hear the word “intervention”. Meeting with a mental health counselor to discuss the issues your loved one has is the first step, and planning the intervention is the next. Having a group of friends and family address the individual and explain how their problem has affected each of you is one of the best ways to help them.
Our systemic interventions are done mainly with the help of colleague Lori Williams. This model is a more direct approach and deals directly with a person’s psychology. With our licensed professional, your loved ones or friends will be in the best hands.
Substance abuse doesn’t always come in the form of alcohol abuse. Drug abuse is another common factor in our country and can ruin lives. While there’s plenty of focus on helping these individuals, there aren’t enough mental health services out there to make a difference.
Positive Signs
Not everyone wants to seek help from medical professionals, but it’s important to look out for signs that your loved ones want to get better. Remorse and sadness regarding their situation can almost be considered positive signs. It’s recognition that the individual knows something’s wrong.
Primary care physicians are often the first mental health professional to notice serious behavior changes in a patient. They can usually be the first line of defense for someone experiencing this mental pain. With their physician in the mix, they can often recommend clinical social workers, making finding a therapist much easier.
At DiRomaTherapy, we’re trained to treat mental health problems and help those with addiction. We’re dedicated to improving people’s lives, and we’ll work hard with anyone suffering these problems so they can one day conquer this figurative mountain.
For more information on all our services and our backgrounds, visit us online or reach us by phone at 203-667-7526. We’re happy to answer any questions or solve any concerns you or a loved one may have.