The Advantages Of Comprehensive Psychological Services
Becoming a licensed psychologist can take a decade of schooling and clinical experience. As a result, psychologists often choose specializations to utilize in their careers. For example, some specialize in analyzing the mental health of children, others concern themselves with workplace psychology, and others specialize in treating specific disorders. Instead of working with everyone who needs a psychologist, they may provide a specific type of care to a specific client.
However, when clients need comprehensive care that covers all their psychological needs, a therapist or psychologist may work with others in the healthcare system to develop a treatment plan. For example, they may sign releases with the client's psychiatrist and primary care physician so each mental health team member can communicate with each other. Understanding how comprehensive psychological care works can help you find a provider or mental health clinic that suits your needs.
The Limitations Of Consulting A Single Provider
Many professions involve a wide range of client needs. For example, an engineer specializing in dam construction might not know as much about bridges. Similarly, social workers specializing in helping seniors may not have the experience to assist with the welfare of adolescents. Another example would be that a counselor specializing in trauma might be less suited to support someone who wants to prevent social anxiety. In addition, a single mental health professional in a specific specialty may not be equipped to complete neuropsychological evaluations or other testing that involves multiple mediums. Although you might find one therapist to support all your needs, many clients seek comprehensive care through mental health clinics or multiple providers for separate concerns.
When To See Comprehensive Care
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
In other cases, a therapist might be qualified to treat a client, but the two don't "click" for a therapeutic relationship. While professional chemistry and rapport are often essential to effective therapy, accessing these attributes can be difficult for various reasons. If this occurs, finding another psychologist may be the most effective. However, such a course can be time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating. As a result, many clients may give up the search altogether or resign themselves to a less-than-optimal relationship with their counselor.
By contrast, comprehensive service with a variety of professional counselors, each with their expertise and style, can make this process of shopping around for the best fit more accessible and more practical. The ability to access or shop around for the right counselor was formerly possible only with larger organizations or practices, often devoted to inpatient care rather than general counseling. However, patients and individuals can now use outpatient mental health clinics, case management, online therapy, or a therapy team to find comprehensive care.
The Client's Right To Choose
It can be difficult to reach out for support if you're experiencing a mental health challenge. Talking about personal issues, problems within families, or painful topics with a stranger can be challenging. You may be dealing with issues that may not only require the assistance of a mental health professional, but the assistance of an outside organization like Child Protective Services (CPS). In addition to these issues, a client may prefer to speak with someone of a similar religious background, the same first language, or an understanding of their sexual orientation. Some clients may also benefit more from one type of therapy than another, such as family systems therapy instead of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
If you're looking for comprehensive services, you have the right to choose which provider or business you work with. However, if an insurance company is paying for services, you might be limited to options within your network. In these cases, you may be able to find support through alternative low-cost services that still provide comprehensive care.
Counseling Options
Because mental health can be a vast and ever-expanding field, it is common for psychologists to specialize in a specific condition or situation. Therefore, not every therapist may perfectly match your needs and wants. You might not feel conversational chemistry with them even if they have the correct specialization. One solution to this challenge is online therapy, which allows you to switch therapists anytime for any reason. You also have thousands of licensed therapists to choose from if you work with a platform like BetterHelp. If you see a psychiatrist or another professional in person, you can continue to see them while you use online therapy.
If you are hesitant about online therapy, clinical studies have demonstrated that online therapy effectively treats several mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It has also been found to be more affordable for those who struggle to pay the cost of in-person sessions. Many clients also impart that they feel more of a sense of security and are willing to open up more over online mediums (like their PC or smartphone) than face-to-face therapy models.
Takeaway
Comprehensive psychological care involves care that treats every symptom instead of one area or specialty. Although multiple providers may be effective, some counselors and therapists take an integrative approach to treatment, using methods from multiple modalities and specialties to address their clients' individual needs. If you want to learn more about comprehensive care or check out additional information about integrative therapy, consider contacting a counselor to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are several frequently asked questions about comprehensive psychological care.
What Are The Advantages Of Psychological Testing?
Psychological testing can often provide insight into an underlying symptom or mental health condition that may contribute to an individual's behavior or functioning. It can be a valuable tool for diagnosis and finding an effective treatment plan. It can also aid all providers in your care team by offering them a basis to look back on when considering ways to support you.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Psychology?
Psychology can be crucial to helping researchers understand human behavior. These insights can help them improve treatments for decision-making, stress, and goals. In addition, psychology can enhance various areas of life, including career and relationships.
A potential disadvantage of psychology is that many studies on effective treatments are still in the clinical trial phases. Many treatments are not utilized for years after they're developed, as popular treatments from the past are often trusted more than newer modern ones. However, modern treatments can be tested through trials or by finding a therapist specializing in them.
What Are The Advantages Of Counseling?
The benefits of counseling may include increased self-acceptance and self-esteem, learning how to express and manage negative emotions effectively, alleviating mental illness symptoms, and improved problem-solving skills.
What Do Psychologists Make Annually?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for psychologists with a doctorate is about $102,900 annually.
Are Psychologists Happy?
A 2017 study published by the American Psychological Association found that 93% of psychologists in the United States workforce were either "somewhat satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their jobs.
Why Is Psychology Important?
Psychology can be crucial to helping researchers and individuals understand human behavior. These insights can help clients improve decision-making, manage stress, and achieve goals. In addition, psychology has been shown to enhance various areas of life, including career and relationships.
What Are The Qualities Of An Effective Counselor?
Effective counselors may possess emotional intelligence, listening and non-verbal communication skills, empathy, acceptance, cultural competency, and problem-solving skills.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Individual Counseling?
Individual therapy may be a valuable choice for individuals who feel uncomfortable opening up in group settings. In an individual session, the topic of conversation is you, and you can discuss whatever you need without others being privy to your conversations.
However, as therapy is focused only on the client attending, there can be limitations in fully understanding the relational conflicts one is facing with a spouse or family member. For this reason, couples or family therapy may allow all parties to impart their perspective and effectively work toward a resolution. Clients looking for peer support may also benefit from group sessions.
Is Counseling Dangerous?
Counseling is not dangerous. However, repeated negative experiences with a therapist can have harmful psychological effects. Red flags of a harmful psychotherapist may include a lack of empathy or respect, controlling or passive behavior, or no qualifications. Finding a counselor or therapist who provides ethical, quality treatment and meets your needs can be crucial.
What Are The Principles Of Psychological Assessment?
There are numerous core principles of psychological assessment, such as viewing tests as samples of behavior, allowing for reliability and validity of tests, and interpreting tests in light of one's cultural background.
What questions do they ask in a psychological assessment?
How do I ask for psychological help?
When should an individual seek professional help regarding psychological problems?
How do you deal with psychological needs?
What is a comprehensive mental health assessment?
- Previous Article
- Next Article