Psychotherapist: Psychological Expert
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
You may consider psychological therapy a supportive psychotherapy option if you're experiencing mental health challenges, stress, or overwhelming and debilitating feelings. There are many types of mental health professionals, and choosing the most effective provider may be overwhelming. Understanding what a psychotherapist does could help you choose the most effective psychotherapist as you confront your symptoms and concerns.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a mental health practitioner who offers mental health services like talk therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy to help people manage behavior patterns and strengthen coping mechanisms. If you're curious about the psychotherapy definition, psychotherapy is a common treatment or method of support that can be used to address a variety of issues and assist people in living their lives in a way that benefits their emotional, psychological, and social health. Any psychotherapist has experience in treating mental illnesses, and medical doctors, such as psychiatrists, can prescribe medication.
The requirements to become a specialized therapist
A psychotherapist has achieved a master's degree, and many achieve a doctorate. Psychiatrists are required to attend medical school, as psychiatrists are medical doctors in the field of mental health. Other related mental health professionals include mental health nurse practitioners, who are registered nurses (RN) with special training in managing mental health conditions and can prescribe medication in some cases. Psychotherapists, like counselors, therapists, and social workers, are not required to have a medical degree or doctorate; instead, these professionals help people using a degree in psychology or a specific type of psychodynamic therapy or treatment. All licensed mental health providers must also have a certain number of clinical hours before being given a license to practice.
A rigorous education
To practice psychotherapy, a psychotherapist may hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Depending on their degree program, a psychotherapist may be specifically trained in communication and interpersonal skills, mental health diagnoses, counseling theories, ethical standards, or multiculturalism, among others. Though the degree is not medical in nature, psychotherapists might study certain disorders through the lens of physical health conditions as well as mental health conditions to give them a more thorough understanding of the mental illness in question.
When searching for a qualified psychotherapist, before scheduling therapy sessions, you may choose to review your state board's website to confirm the psychotherapist is a licensed professional. Some professionals provide coaching or counseling, like religious counselors or life coaches, who may not be licensed or have an education in clinical counseling. Therefore, ensure your chosen mental health professional has the educational and professional background to support you.
Continuing education requirements
Therapists must complete ongoing professional development and attend conferences and workshops to maintain their license. They also need to participate in continuing education (CE) courses and actively seek out new research findings through publications.
Specialized certifications
Therapists may pursue certifications in specific therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR therapy, or family therapy if they want to specialize in certain areas of practice.
Supervised practice hours
Many licensure programs require therapists to complete a set number of supervised clinical hours under the guidance of a licensed supervisor to gain practical experience.
Ethical and legal agreement
Therapists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and state or national regulations governing their practice to ensure patient safety.
Cultural competency training
Increasingly, therapists are required to undergo training in cultural sensitivity and competency. This is to effectively serve diverse populations and address the unique needs of clients from various backgrounds.
Types of psychotherapists
Like there are many types of psychotherapy, there are many types of psychotherapists providing mental health treatment. Some practicing therapists have expertise in specific mental disorders, in treating psychological difficulties, or in treating different groups of people, including but not limited to the following:
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW): LCSWs may provide therapy while connecting clients with local community resources and case management.
- Licensed professional counselors (LPC): LPCs also provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. In some situations, they are called licensed mental health counselors (LMHC).
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT): LMFTs deal specifically with individuals, couples, and families experiencing relationship challenges. They may work with a couple or family in group or individual sessions.
- Psychologists (PsyD or PhD): Psychologists may treat people through psychotherapy, but they can also be highly trained in performing psychological assessments, research, and teaching.
- Psychiatrist (MD or DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. Some psychiatrists perform therapy, and some do not. A psychiatrist may also prescribe medication to patients.
The differences between psychotherapy and psychiatry
Psychiatrists may not receive in-depth training in psychotherapy as part of their medical training. As such, psychiatrists might not often practice therapy. Often, psychiatrists focus on the biology behind mental health and prescribe medication or utilize other medical interventions to treat specific mental health disorders.
Psychiatrists, as medical professionals, may also oversee diagnostic testing. For example, a patient with bipolar disorder may see a psychiatrist to receive medication and adjust dosages to stabilize mood and see a psychotherapist to address behavior patterns and become comfortable taking control of their mental health and overall living situation.
Therapy overview
Psychotherapy may help clients:
- Increase self-awareness
- Address underlying interpersonal issues
- Find validation, support, and coping methods for traumatic experiences
- Learn to improve communication or coping skills
- Copewith specific mental illness diagnoses using your own resources
Individuals may initially turn to psychotherapy to manage a specific symptom or mental health condition, such as eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, childhood trauma, or major life changes. Psychotherapy can be designed to look at behavioral patterns or recurring concepts within a patient's life that may have contributed to their symptoms. This process often investigates longstanding and complex issues or challenges that an individual may be experiencing. For example, a psychotherapist may help their clients change their thoughts and behaviors based on past experiences or underlying beliefs.
Some therapy approaches may focus more on problem-solving and teaching coping skills, while others may focus on the social and community functioning of groups. While licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers cannot prescribe medication, they may collaborate with another professional, like a licensed psychiatrist, who may prescribe medication for those interested in trying.
Types of psychotherapy
The term psychotherapy can be an umbrella term used to describe various techniques used to treat psychiatric symptoms, psychological difficulties, and mental health conditions. Some psychotherapists specialize in one or two types of therapy, depending on their practice. Others may take an integrative approach, combining ideas from multiple therapeutic techniques to uniquely treat each client. Some common forms and types of psychotherapy include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured, short-term treatment that can help clients change a behavior or thought. In this therapeutic modality, clients may learn to identify the relationships between thoughts and feelings and how those impact their actions. This kind of therapy is commonly used to treat eating disorders and other conditions associated with cognitive distortions.
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy: Psychodynamic approaches may help individuals recognize their unconscious thoughts and behaviors to change their circumstances.
- Humanistic therapy: Humanistic psychotherapy approaches may empower individuals to accept responsibility for their actions and recognize their capacity to overcome challenges.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is often utilized to teach clients mindfulness, emotional control, and distress tolerance skills through a workbook, assignments, and therapeutic support.
- Trauma therapy: Although there are many types of trauma therapy, many focus on supporting clients in overcoming trauma-related disorders as they heal from traumatic events.
- Interpersonal therapy: IPT gives tools for managing conditions that involve difficulties in everyday interactions with other people.
- Supportive psychotherapy: When emotional problems arise from environmental issues, like poverty, this form of therapy helps control emotions and provides coping mechanisms to treat challenges. This form of therapy is popularly used with certain forms of stress disorder.
When to see a psychotherapist
Some people living with a mental health condition may benefit from psychotherapy. However, it is not a requirement to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to seek treatment. Daily life can become overwhelming, and individuals may face challenges like life transitions, stress, substance use, and other life changes.
In some cases, individuals may seek support after experiencing a significant life change, like the arrival of a new baby, a career change, or the loss of a loved one. Therapy may provide individuals with the tools to overcome challenges, improve unhealthy reactions to conflict or stress, change behavioral patterns, make healthy lifestyle improvements, improve community functioning, and achieve goals. Other signs that you might need to see a psychotherapist can include:
Constant anxiety
If you have been feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and it’s interfering with your daily life, it can be a sign that you need therapy.
Difficulty coping with life changes
Change is constant. But if the weight of change is pulling you down and you have difficulty coping with major life transitions, a psychotherapist could help.
Unhealthy patterns or behaviors
Another sign that you need a psychotherapist is when you become self-destructive. You start developing unhealthy patterns and become dependent on vices to cope with life challenges.
Relationship struggles
If challenges are affecting your relationship with others, you might need the help of a psychotherapist. Psychotherapists can help you improve communication and conflict resolution skills, so you can better handle conflicts between you and your partner.
Physical symptoms
Depression and anxiety can also manifest as physical symptoms. For instance, chronic headaches, fatigue, and other physical symptoms. If you experience these symptoms with no medical cause, then try seeing a psychotherapist.
What to expect in therapy
Psychotherapy sessions may be performed individually, in a group, or for a couple. Sessions may last from 30 to 60 minutes, although group sessions may be longer. Often, these sessions include one therapist.
Your therapist may begin by taking inventory of your functional behaviors of concern to determine which strategies could be effective for you. The provider may also assign homework between sessions or offer challenges to complete. The first psychotherapy session may allow you to get to know your therapist and discuss your symptoms or concerns. During the first session, you might consider asking questions like the following:
- What type of therapy do you practice?
- What approach do you take to treatment?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Do you assign homework?
- How do you determine if therapy is working?
After you have undergone psychotherapy for a few sessions, you may have an easier time understanding it and be able to determine if a therapist is a suitable fit for your needs.
How much does this therapy cost?
The cost of psychotherapy varies based on the type of provider you see and whether they accept insurance. Forbes states the average cost of in-person talk therapy within the US is $100 to $200. Some providers also accept insurance plans. Therapists who don't accept health insurance may work on a sliding (income-based) scale or offer payment plans. You may also find affordable therapy online.
Counseling options
If you are interested in meeting with a therapist, you might feel concerned about the price or availability of providers in your area. In these cases, you might consider online psychotherapy through a platform like BetterHelp.
Online therapy can offer increased convenience and affordability compared to in-person therapy options. Sessions can be attended from the comfort of home after regular business hours, which may make it easier for busy individuals to fit therapy into their weekly schedule. Clients may also be connected with a licensed counselor quickly and avoid the extended wait time of an in-office visit.
The American Psychiatric Association states that cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness in modern formats such as telehealth. Research on online therapy methods like internet cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) confirms that online therapy may be as effective as in-person therapy for mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), adjustment disorder, and substance useReviews
Takeaway
Mental health providers can support individuals with mental health challenges, including licensed counselors and social workers. If you seek mental health support, consider identifying the type of psychotherapist you'd like to meet with and the types of therapy that stand out most to you. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional for further guidance and support when ready.
What techniques are used in therapy?
Several approaches to psychotherapy can be utilized. Among the most prominent are psychoanalysis, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, and holistic therapy. Other therapies include creative arts therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, animal assisted therapy, supportive therapy, and play therapy. A therapist may utilize different approaches depending on their expertise and the specific mental health conditions of the person receiving treatment.
What is the definition of therapy?
The American Psychological Association defines psychotherapy as "any psychological service provided by a trained professional that primarily uses forms of communication and interaction to assess, diagnose, and treat dysfunctional emotional reactions, ways of thinking, and behavior patterns."
What type of therapy is best for anxiety?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most widely used and successful forms of psychotherapy for treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a short-term therapy that helps individuals overcome challenging thoughts or situations, though it can be conducted on a long-term basis if beneficial or desired.
Research by mental health professionals has shown CBT can be effective for treating individuals with panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and depression, as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Evidence-based variants of cognitive-behavioral therapy, such as group therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, may also be effective at treating certain conditions.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist often uses talk therapy to treat individuals for emotional issues, life challenges, and mental health disorders. Psychotherapists can be psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage therapists, mental health counselors, or social workers. The treatment plan and the number of sessions individuals attend with a therapist may depend on the presenting problem.
How long should therapy last?
The length of time a person attends psychotherapy varies significantly depending on the type of therapy performed and the individual's progress. The therapeutic process adapts to each individual's needs and goals. A psychotherapist may check in throughout the therapeutic process to allow clients to recognize progress, reassess goals, and collaboratively decide how to move forward. Unless an individual is in mandated psychotherapy treatment, counseling can be discontinued at any point.
What is the success rate of psychotherapy?
Studies on the long-term effects of talk therapy confirm it may be highly effective over time. Specific success rates can vary based on the type of therapy, the psychotherapist's skill level, and the individual being treated.
What makes an efficient psychotherapist?
The ideal therapist can vary from one person to the next, as different personalities and types of psychotherapy work better for different people and concerns. But, generally, an effective therapist will be one who has a strong background and training in the area of concern, has strong communication skills, and connects well with the client.
What are the different interventions this type of therapist can use?
A psychotherapist can use a variety of different interventions depending on the individual and their concerns. Some common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, but the exact interventions used can vary by situation. For instance, a licensed mental health professional might use an intensive form of therapy to treat mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or personality disorders, but then use very different approaches for relationship problems or conflicts between family members.
In addition, therapy and counseling services can be conducted in an individual or group setting, and take place in different places, such as in clinical settings like a therapist’s office or remotely through telemental health services.
What are the major goals of a psychotherapist in cognitive behavioral therapy?
The specific goals for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can depend on the individual and what brought them to therapy, but common goals can include helping a person identify and process painful emotions, cope with mental health problems, find healthy ways to express emotions, and improve overall mental well-being.
Why is choosing the right psychotherapist important for mental health?
Finding the right therapist can be a vital part of effectively addressing and coping with mental health concerns, as different approaches benefit different people, and the therapeutic relationship is a key aspect of successful treatment. For some people and conditions, seeking support from other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists (who attend medical schools) or psychiatric nurses who can prescribe medications, may also be an important part of treatment. If cost is a barrier to care, you may be able to find resources from local health and human services offices and counseling psychology nonprofits.
- Previous Article
- Next Article