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Who are psychologists, and what do they do?

Psychologists are mental health experts who use psychological evaluations and talk therapy to assist people in coping with relationship issues, life, and mental health conditions. Some might visit a psychologist because they've experienced depression or anxiety or have struggled with self-confidence for a prolonged period.

Others might see a psychologist because of short-term issues they want help with. These issues can include feeling overwhelmed by a new job or struggling with a loved one.

Psychologists usually take part in the comprehensive care of people suffering from medical conditions. For example, they help people with sleep difficulties, eating disorders, or people coping with a chronic illness.

Education and training of a psychologist

The education of a psychologist typically begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a connected field, followed by a master's degree and, finally, a doctoral degree in psychology. The doctoral degree is usually a Ph.D. or a PsyD and can take 5-7 years to complete. During this time, psychologists-in-training receive extensive education in the theories and practices of psychology, including research methodologies, psychological assessment, therapy and counseling, and the ethical and legal aspects of psychological practice. They also gain practical experience through internships, supervised clinical work, and research projects.

After obtaining their doctoral degree, psychologists must complete a period of supervised professional practice, known as a pre-doctoral internship, before becoming licensed. The licensing exam is designed to test the psychologist's knowledge and skills and is crucial to becoming an independent practitioner. Psychologists must also stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field.

What are the common conditions psychologists treat?

Through talk therapy, psychologists can understand a person's symptoms and identify one or more mental health conditions. Some commonly diagnosed mental health disorders include- 

• Anxiety disorders: Such disorders, including phobias, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can evoke repetitive feelings of panic and fear. These disorders may also involve physical indications such as rapid breathing, sweating, or heart palpitations. 
• Eating disorders: These can be identified by persistent disturbances in a person's eating behavior or pattern. Eating disorders are often associated with distressing emotions. Some well-known eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. 
• Sleep disorders: Examples of such conditions are sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia, which prevent a person from getting proper sleep. A psychotherapist may recommend a sleep schedule, regular exercise, and managing temperature and lighting in your bedroom to treat sleep disorders. 
• Mood disorders: Mood disorders like depression are characterized by sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities, frequent mood changes or irritability, and loss or gain in appetite and anxiousness. Severe depression can lead to self-harming or a decline in physical health.  

When should you visit a psychologist?

If you find yourself struggling with the following symptoms, consider visiting a psychologist near you- 

• If you're experiencing relationship problems or are in an abusive relationship
• If you're dealing with significant life changes, such as losing a family member, close friend, or pet.
• If you have faced a traumatic event like a near-death experience or an accident 
• If a serious health issue or a chronic condition is affecting your mental health 
• If you are often fatigued and feel depressed
• If you're unable to get proper sleep 
• If you have family issues or work stress 
• If you struggle with body image issues, confidence, and low self-esteem 
• If you're dealing with drinking or smoking addiction and these are interfering with daily life activities, responsibilities, and relationships.
• If you have specific phobias, such as agoraphobia or sitophobia. These are unlike regular phobias of heights or spiders. Some phobias can prevent individuals from performing routine activities and substantially affect social aspects of their lives. 

Types of treatment provided by psychologists

Psychologists provide a range of treatments to individuals, and each technique has a different approach to addressing issues. Some of the most common types of treatments include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on diminishing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals identify and modify negative opinions and beliefs contributing to their emotional difficulties.
• Psychodynamic therapy: It's a form of therapy that explores the unconscious mind. Psychodynamic therapy can help individuals understand their unconscious motivations and conflicts and how these contribute to their emotional difficulties.
• Humanistic therapy: It emphasizes the importance of the individual's self-awareness and personal growth. Humanistic treatment seeks to help individuals understand their feelings and thoughts and how they affect their behavior.
• Mindfulness-based therapies: These therapies focus on developing mindfulness skills, like meditation and deep breathing, to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Family therapy: A type of therapy that involves the whole family during treatment. It can help families resolve conflicts and improve communication and relationships.

In conclusion, the type of treatment a psychologist provides will depend on the individual's specific needs and the psychologist's areas of expertise. Psychologists often use a combination of therapy to create a personalized treatment plan for each individual. Working with a psychologist you trust and who has the knowledge and experience to give you the finest care is crucial for anyone seeking therapy as it helps them address issues that they struggle talking about.

Things to consider before consulting with a psychologist

Before booking an appointment with a psychologist, it may be best to think about what problems you would like to address. Concerns such as distress for long periods, inability to detach from traumatic situations, strained social and emotional relationships, anger issues or mood swings, anxiety, and fear are common starting points. 

It would also help to consider what you want from the sessions before making an appointment and reviewing your psychologist's areas of expertise. The first few sessions with your psychologist are spent getting to know you and your concerns. The offices may require the patient to complete a comprehensive form stating their issues and what they hope to get out of the visit. The psychologist may outline the types of therapy they can provide once the session begins.

You choose options to pick from, depending on your needs and requirements. You may be able to address your life goals and therapy expectations in the coming sessions. 

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy when attending counseling sessions with a psychologist. While some people may require a few sessions, others may require continuing assistance to get through a difficult situation.

Finding top-rated psychologists near you in Atlanta, GA

It is reasonable to be nervous before beginning your journey toward mental health. Perhaps you're unsure what to expect during consultations or want to start therapy but aren't sure where to start. Allow Zocdoc to assist you in searching for the top psychologists in Atlanta, GA.

With over a thousand doctors on board, Zocdoc is leading the charge to make healthcare more accessible. The website generates a list of specialists in and around their areas who accept the patient's preferred insurance networks using powerful and thorough algorithms. Patients can also read reviews made by other patients following their medical visits. Users can learn more about their provider's educational qualifications, board certifications, licenses, professional interests, and hobbies by reading a carefully curated bio on their Zocdoc website.

With Zocdoc, you can make appointments with qualified psychologists near you with no hidden fees. It's easy to use, safe, and completely free!

Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Atlanta & Georgia

Mental Health America (MHA) studied data from 725,949 people who took a depression screening test in the United States in 2020 and 2021. According to its findings:

• Nearly one-third (32%) of the patients evaluated had severe depression symptoms.
• The percentage of people with moderately severe symptoms increased to about 62%, nearly two-thirds of the total sample population (455,207). 
• Georgia was among the top 20 counties in the US, with the highest percentages of residents expressing regular thoughts of suicide or self-harm and severe depression symptoms.
• Out of 233,397 persons who took the screening test in Georgia, about 3,362 were severely depressed. At the same time, 6,649 persons were found to be moderate-to-severely depressed. 

In the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area, 

• About 622,000 people aged 12 and up used illicit drugs yearly in 2009. It equates to nearly 14.8 percent of the MSA's population, comparable to Georgia's about 14.0 percent and the United States' about 14.7 percent.
• Marijuana use was around 11.6 percent in the previous year, higher than Georgia's but similar to the national average.
• Nonmedical use of prescription-type pain medicines was about 4.3 percent in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta MSA, similar to rates in Georgia and the United States.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic[1]

The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences

Mental Health America[1]

Mental Health America[2]

American Psychiatric Association[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Psychology Today

Alvernia University

Pepperdine University

Saybrook University

Mayo Clinic[2]

Mayo Clinic[3]

Mayo Clinic[4]

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

American Psychiatric Association[2]

GoodTherapy

Healthline

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.