How do I know what kind of therapists to work with?
Therapists are professionals who are trained to help you with your issues. Feel free to “shop around” until you find one that works for you.
You probably want to start by seeing some type of Master’s-level therapist, often once a week. The therapist can refer you to a psychologist as needed for a complete evaluation and/or to a psychiatrist for meds. A psychiatric APRN who is working with a doctor may also prescribe meds. You may also have a case manager to help coordinate services for you.
Whether you have public or private insurance, you can access an online database of therapists near you. Most databases provide info such as whether the therapists have any specialties, like focusing on certain diagnoses, working with LGBTQ people, trauma training, or speaking a foreign language.
“My therapist will help me unpack the baggage. She’ll be the person I see for an hour once a week, and she’s the person that I work with on my coping skills and my symptom management in terms of my behavior and managing goals.”
Types of therapists
The terms counselor, therapist, and clinician can be confusing.
A counselor may have a mental health background, such as if they are a Licensed Professional Counselor—in which case they’ll have LPC after their name. But “counselor” is a generic title that doesn’t always mean the person has a particular degree or training.
A therapist or clinician can be an LPC, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). They are licensed by the state and have a Master’s level background. They are certified to do counseling.
A pastoral counselor is a therapist who integrates theology with his or her training in the behavioral sciences. In Connecticut, to receive a license, a pastoral counselor must have an LMFT or LMHC degree.
A psychologist can also provide counseling.
Choosing a therapist is usually based on factors like what your insurance covers, who referred you, and how close the office is to you. Whether it’s an LMFT, an LCSW, or a psychologist, the therapist will be able to listen to you and provide counseling. You should probably meet a couple of therapists and decide based on which one you “click” with better.
“My clinician was great. She really wanted me to do well, she really had higher hopes for me, so I started getting better.”
Psychologist
A psychologist has an advanced degree in psychology and is Board certified. A school psychologist has to have a Master’s degree; a clinical psychologist has to have a Doctoral level degree. Psychologists can do assessments and evaluations and can diagnose mental illnesses. They can also provide counseling.
“We have a treatment plan where we come up with what goals I have for the next 3-6 months of treatment and what will it look like when I’m ready to be discharged. What are my standards for that? How will I achieve the goals that I’ve set? What do I need to do on my own and what do we need to do in session?”
Psychiatric APRN
A psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is a nurse with at least a Master’s degree in nursing. Psychiatric APRNs who are in a collaborative practice with a doctor can prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist will work with you primarily on managing your medication—making sure that the meds are working, seeing if they’re helping your symptoms and if you’re having any side effects. You might only see the psychiatrist once or twice a month.
“I personally like my psychiatrist because he talks to me like I’m a normal person, like ‘so, do you think these meds work for you?’ So many people say “you’re taking this pill, no questions asked,” but he asks me questions and I answer him. I’m like “I don’t feel comfortable with this med” or “I want to up my meds” and he’s really in tune with that.”
Case Manager
A case manager helps organize people with multiple life issues. Your case manager may work with both you and your family. He or she can help you with coordinating and monitoring your therapy, nutrition, education, employment, etc.