Psychologists

There is a common thread that runs through the collective human fabric, and the end goal sought by prospective patients is almost always the same: 1) better physical and/or emotional health, 2) self-confidence, 3) a loving home and fulfilling relationships, 4) personal and professional success, 5) material security, and 6) internal peace.  Those stumbling along life's path, finding themselves at the crossroads, or confronting a rude awakening need not despair.  Whether seeking a depression psychologist or another type of therapist, specialized or otherwise, help is available at numerous venues ranging from mental health centers, social service agencies, hospitals and schools to companies, private treatment centers (i.e. California-based Treatment4Addiction center), and substance abuse recovery clinics.   

 

Psychologists specialize in the study of human behavior and analyze interaction between the mind and the body.  They focus in a more general manner on normal behavior and psychic processes.  The leading method utilized by this niche of mental health professionals is psychotherapy, a process that involves talking.  Comprehensive counseling is available for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and more specifically in the form of individual, couple, or family therapy.  Patients may avail themselves of a host of counseling services, which are discussed below:

1. Psychological Testing

   Psychologists perform a variety of intelligence, personality, aptitude, and performance tests, as well as psychological assessments and evaluations on both adults and adolescents.  They also conduct neuropsychological evaluations for purposes of diagnosing or confirming the absence of impairments, which adversely impact daily life and cognitive functioning, such as:

   • Dementia;
   • Seizure conditions;
   • Brain injury;
   • Effects of long-term substance abuse;
   • Strokes;
   • Medical illnesses;
   • Psychiatric disorders;
   • Attention deficit disorder; and
   • Learning disabilities.
2. Psychotherapy

   Psychologists treat a wide array of conditions and disorders including:

   • Parenting issues;
   • Depression;
   • Stroke and head injury;
   • Self esteem issues;
   • Suicidal thoughts;
   • Soiling and bedwetting;
   • Grief/loss;
   • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD);
   • Sexual problems;
   • Family distress;
   • Anxiety (OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias);
   • Child abuse and neglect;
   • Behavioral problems (i.e. disruptive behavior);
   • Dementia and memory-related difficulties;
   • Mental retardation;
   • Learning disabilities;
   • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D/A.D.D.);
   • Adjustment struggles following illness, unemployment, a divorce, or a loss;
   • Post-traumatic stress disorder;
   • Social inhibitions;
   • School problems;
   • Relationship conflicts;
   • Marital discord;
   • Substance abuse;
   • Mood disorders;
   • Gender identity issues;
   • Sexual orientation issues; and
   • Chronic illnesses such as AIDS/HIV.
3. Complementary and Specialized Services

   Psychologists may be specialists in a particular therapeutic area, such as anxiety psychology, which typically addresses symptoms such as extreme tension and worry, concentration difficulty, lack of self-assurance, and restlessness.

   Many psychologists also provide the following services:

   1. Stress management skills;
   2. Coping skills development, which is particularly beneficial for individuals attempting to adjust to medical conditions or facing chronic fatigue or pain, trying to quit smoking, or struggling with a terminal illness in the family;
   3. Anger management skills;
   4. Career counseling and assessment;
   5. Social skills training;
   6. Coaching, which involves teaching clients to fix objectives and undo past blockage for purposes of reaping greater satisfaction in the personal and professional arena;
   7. Play therapy;
   8. Relaxation therapy;
   9. Behavioral consultation;
   10. Parental training;
   11. Pre-marital counseling on such issues as communication with in-laws, family-career balance, childhood experiences, nurturing, etc...;
   12. Trauma therapy, through the utilization of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which teaches couples how to heal from past trauma that is interfering with their relationships, social interactions, career or goals;
   13. Rehabilitation services to patients suffering from cognitive conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's;
   14. Couples/family therapy which enables couples to resolve intimacy issues and families to address relationship conflicts, among other things;
   15. Marital counseling;
   16. Crisis intervention; and
   17. Court testimony.

   Types of Psychologists

   Psychologists generally fall into one of the following categories:
   
   

   1. Clinical psychologists;
   2. Health psychologists;
   3. Neuropsychologists;
   4. Geropsychologists (who focus on the elderly);
   5. Counseling psychologists;
   6. School psychologists;
   7. Industrial psychologists; or
   8. Developmental psychologists.

   Psychologists typically hold either a master's or a doctoral degree.  Some choose to be board-certified, which means that they have satisfied rigorous standards and attained the highest academic level in their field.  Finally, psychologists who are in private practice usually accommodate their patients by offering weekend and evening therapeutic sessions.