Psychological Counseling

William F. Symes

What therapist should I choose? #1 Rule: Choose someone with experience: Someone who is familiar with your difficulties. Licensed psychological counselors, psychologists and social workers all have the training and desire to do a good job…. however most therapists have specialties that they are particularly effective in treating: depression, trauma, grief, body issues, self image problems, bad dreams, anger issues, sexual issues, miscarriage, divorce, separation, obsessions, self worth problems, loss of loved one, school and work difficulties, weight problems, addictions, isolation, fears and anxieties, panic attacks, self-destructive thoughts, physical issues, and, well…. you get the idea. Ask your friends, family, doctor or clergy about who they've heard is a good therapist. Word of mouth is the best recommendation. Make sure you speak with a few therapists by phone...get a feel for their professionalism, intellect, humor, directness, or even something as simple as: "do I get a good feel for the person on the other side of the phone." You will be spending your valuable time with them and you will be sharing your personal difficulties. Not only that...it can be expensive! Choose someone you feel comfortable with.

PSYCHIATRISTS are Medical doctors who specialize in treating medical-physical-biological disorders: mania, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity, psychosis, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, anxiety and panic attacks, etc. In the past 15 years, Psychiatrists have become so focused on medications that very few actually do psychotherapy. Most counselors, social workers and psychologists have professional relationships with Psychiatrists, however, for those clients for whom medication might be helpful.

PSYCHOLOGISTS have a Ph.D. in psychology and usually do a combination of university teaching, research and/or clinical psychotherapy. Often they specialize in specific problems and have unique training…..perhaps in psychological testing, body work, or trauma.

COUNSELORS AND SOCIAL WORKERS: There was a time when the best-trained therapists were Psychologists and Psychiatrists. This is no longer true. In the past 25 years, Masters Degree counselors and social workers receive equal, if not better training in psychotherapy and counseling. Today’s Masters Degree in Counseling is a two year, 65 academic hour program. After graduation the therapist takes a National Accreditation Exam, plus an oral examination in front of the State Board of Examiners, then submits a professional training paper, performs 3,000 hours of clinical psychotherapy (3 years) in combination with 300 hours of Clinical Supervision. There is a final oral examination and professional paper for the State Board of Examiners. The counselor is then declared professionally fit to operate as an independent Licensed Professional Counselor. This process takes about five years of specialized training after finishing a four-year college degree.

COSTS: Most therapists have a standard hourly fee. These fees can range from $50-$200 per hour depending on the therapist's degree, training, specialty, and experience. However “sliding scales”, where costs are based on a combination of insurance and financial capacity of the client are often available if you ask. Since therapy can last from 6 weeks to 3 years, it is highly recommended that the client get a clear understanding from the therapist about how long treatment might last, so that the client can estimate the cost of the treatment.

INSURANCE: Insurance companies have different policies and pay at different rates. For example: your insurance policy might only cover some of the therapists in your community. Or you might need a "referral" from your doctor for therapy. Or you might have to have pre-authoriaztion from your insurance company. Or your insurance policy might only pay 50% of the fee, and there might be an annual deductible as high as $2,000. Or, your policy may only allow for 10 visits per year. Or, your policy may have a maximum $$ it will allow for your lifetime. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS PLAN. NOT ALL INSURANCE POLICIES ARE ALIKE.

OFFICE PHONE: 479 . 442 . 7112

For Information: energy@emotionalinsight.com