Parent Magazine Volusia/Flagler June 2019 | Page 12

Adult Mental Health
W
Finding the Help You Need
hen your life starts to feel out of control,
asking for help is a sign of strength, not
weakness. The American Psychological
Association recommends you seek the help of a trained
mental health professional if:
» » You constantly worry
» » You feel trapped
» » You aren’t getting any better with self-help
» » You feel as if you can’t handle things alone
» » Your feelings are affecting your job, relationships,
and sleep or eating habits
OTHER REASONS TO SEEK HELP:
» » Someone who knows you well suggests that you go
to counseling or you have an untreated problem
with substance abuse
» » These are only some of the symptoms that may
warrant seeking help; you may have others that
concern you
FINDING HELP
The first person to talk with may be your family
healthcare provider to find out if your symptoms may
be caused by medical conditions.
If a medical condition is not the cause, your provider
may be able to suggest a mental health professional.
The mental health professional you choose should
be licensed by your state. These are the types of
professionals who provide mental health services:
and training in psychiatry after medical school.
Psychiatrists can provide medical and psychiatric
evaluations, treat disorders, provide psychotherapy,
and prescribe and monitor medications.
» » Psychologist - A psychologist has a master’s degree
in psychology or a doctoral degree in clinical,
educational, counseling, or research psychology.
Psychologists provide psychological testing and
evaluations. A psychologist is also trained to treat
emotional and behavioral problems and mental
disorders, and provide psychotherapy and behavior
modification.
» » Social Worker - A social worker has a bachelor’s,
master’s, or doctoral degree and is licensed to
practice social work. Social workers can assess and
treat psychiatric illnesses and do psychotherapy.
» » Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse - This is a
specially trained nurse with a bachelor’s, master’s,
or doctoral degree. Mental health nurses can assess
and treat illnesses and provide case management
and psychotherapy. In some states, psychiatric
nurses with advanced training can prescribe and
monitor medicine.
» » Licensed Professional Counselor - A counselor
has a master’s degree in psychology, counseling,
or a similar discipline and has postgraduate
experience. Counselors may provide services that
include diagnosis and counseling.
The cost of counseling services depends on whether you
choose a public or community-based practitioner, or one in
private practice.
» » Psychiatrist - A psychiatrist is a medical healthcare
provider with at least four years of specialized study
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