Finding and reaching out for help can be overwhelming. You may already be struggling with low energy, little motivation, and difficulties making decisions, which makes that process feel like you are embarking on a drive from South Austin to Round Rock, on I-35, during rush hour. Then, once you start looking for help, how do you figure out what type of mental health provider to reach out to? My blog post today will explain the education and qualifications required to be deemed a ‘psychologist,’ and the specific ways in which a psychologist’s training sets them apart from other types of mental health providers.
A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in either clinical, counseling, or school psychology. Graduate training is typically between 5-7 years, and includes rigorous coursework in a variety of areas of psychology, research (though less of an emphasis for PsyD), training in assessment and treatment of psychological disorders, and completion of a year-long, full-time clinical internship. Following completion of the doctoral degree, post-doctoral supervised experience is required (typically 1-year) prior to becoming licensed to practice independently.
The licensure process differs by state, but Texas requires an individual possess the necessary degree, training, and clinical hours, as well as pass the Examination for Practice in Professional Psychology (EPPP) and a Jurisprudence exam (a test of state laws and rules psychologists must follow). They also previously required an oral exam, but did away with this requirement in 2017. After licensure, psychologists are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year to help them stay current on issues related to treatment, ethics, and cultural diversity in the field.
Does this sound like a long process? Well, that’s because it is! While the type and quality of training a psychologist receives can vary greatly, there are a few things that you can expect when working with a psychologist.
First, the primary thing that sets a psychologist apart from other types of mental health practitioners is training in assessment. This includes intelligence, cognitive, and personality testing, that is often used along with a clinical interview and self-report measures to establish diagnoses and make recommendations.
Second, psychologists are trained to diagnose psychiatric disorders. During graduate school, they take courses on the diagnostic criteria and interviewing skills. These areas are then put into practice during their practicum, where they see clients under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Lastly, psychologists are trained in psychotherapy. This includes ways to connect with clients and develop a strong relationship, as well as specific treatment approaches for different problems.
I’ve provided a link below that further explains the different types of mental health professionals. If the type of training a psychologist has sounds like a good fit for your needs and you live in the Austin area, please give me a call at 512-521-1531 or email me at laura@drlaurawahlstrom.com to discuss your situation and see if I may be able to help you.