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Psychologists and their role in healthcare

Psychologists are mental health professionals. They help people with alcohol and substance abuse disorders as well as diagnose and treat various mental health disorders. In addition to their undergraduate degree, they have almost seven years of education and training, including working under supervision in hospitals and other healthcare settings. To practice independently, a psychologist must have a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or PsyD) and complete a minimum of two years of clinical service under supervision.

According to the American Psychological Association, almost 22% of adults (18 and above) in the US suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder—roughly affecting one in every five adults in the country. 

The primary goal of a psychologist is to understand their patient's mental distress and help them cope with it. Psychologists conduct various diagnostic tests to understand a patient's condition and provide psychotherapy. They can detect and assess the course of a medical condition to check for any improvement or decline in the patient's normal functioning. 

Psychologists provide psychotherapy, a form of treatment that involves counseling patients and treating their mental, emotional, and behavioral discomfort. In many cases, psychotherapy is considered equally as effective as drug therapy. Psychotherapy, alone or in combination with medication, helps treat a range of mental disorders, including:

• anxiety disorders - panic, obsessive-compulsive, and post-traumatic stress disorders
• depression 
• substance or alcohol abuse
• disorders that can devastate an individual's personal, family, social, and work life

Psychotherapy is beneficial for elderly patients and people with chronic diseases because it prevents overmedication and side effects of various drugs or their interactions.

What are the different types of psychologists?

Psychologists can further specialize in different areas, focusing on various aspects of mental processes and human behavior. There are many types of psychologists, with a few common ones mentioned below:

• Clinical psychologists:

Clinical psychologists have a thorough knowledge of various areas of psychology. They provide comprehensive behavioral and mental healthcare for families and individuals. They work in multiple settings, including community organizations, counseling centers, schools, hospitals, and clinics. Moreover, clinical psychologists may specialize in specific areas like geriatric mental health, substance abuse treatment, and child mental health.

• Cognitive psychologists:

Cognitive psychologists specialize in investigating a person's thinking capacity, such as problem-solving and decision-making skills. They focus on learning disabilities, attention, language development, and memory. They work in various settings, including private practice, government agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, research centers, and universities. Their range of duties includes working with patients and conducting research.

• Health psychologists:

Health psychologists focus on how biology, psychology, behavior, and social groups affect illness, wellness, and overall health. They collaborate with their clients to improve physical and mental health. Their duties include educating clients about healthy behaviors, teaching them coping strategies, and conducting psychological assessments.

• Counseling psychologists:

Counseling psychologists focus on helping clients address their physical, social, and emotional triggers. They provide psychotherapy to overcome stress, emotional difficulties, behavioral problems, psychological disturbances, and related issues. They often use various therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual needs of their clients. These can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches.

• Forensic psychologists:

Forensic psychologists work with the law to provide psychological evaluations and psychotherapy services expertise. They work in civil disputes, criminal cases, or child custody scenarios. They also offer counseling to crime victims. Their primary duties include evaluating competency to stand trial, working with child witnesses, assessing offenders for risk of recidivism, and providing professional testimonies in a court of law.

How do psychologists help in chronic disease management?

Psychologists frequently provide services to patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes and conditions resulting from obesity, in primary, acute, and long-term care settings. These treatments include a variety of psychological therapies for individuals, groups, and families that successfully treat depression, anxiety, pain, and coping with a chronic condition. Psychologists assist patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses such as coronary artery disease and cancer in managing pain, dealing with medical interventions and their adverse effects, and offering assistance to address family issues and both tangible and intangible aspects of illness.

• Obesity- Obesity is currently recognized as a severe national medical problem due to its prevalence in adults and children and its influence on mortality, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. Psychologists assist in the fight against obesity by providing behavioral interventions and counseling services.
• Diabetes- According to the president's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, those with depression are more likely to experience diabetes problems than those who do not have depression. Psychologists give numerous therapies to people who are dealing with diabetes. For instance, psychologists use psychotherapy to assist diabetic patients in maintaining their diet and insulin routines.
• Heart Care- Psychosocial factors substantially influence coronary artery disease. Psychologists are qualified to assist individuals in lowering their risk of developing cardiac disease and experiencing heart attacks. Additionally, psychologists aid in the recovery of heart attack victims. There are significant financial and clinical advantages to including psychological therapies like stress management in the overall management of cardiovascular disease.
• Cancer- Cancer psychologists participate in interdisciplinary teams that treat cancer patients. They work intimately with patients and their families to personalize decisions, manage symptoms and treatment side effects, improve communications, offer support, and hasten recovery.

Stress and mental health

Stress can cause or increase mental health discomforts. We encounter many stressful situations in our daily lives, but we often do not know how to cope with them. Moreover, the pandemic has brought substantial changes in terms of novel health concerns, financial challenges, job loss, and the well-being of friends and family, among many more. These stressors have contributed significantly to poor mental health in the majority of the population in the United States. Due to the lockdown and social distancing, some people have developed a sense of isolation and social anxiety, making them vulnerable to mental illnesses. 

Stress is our body's response to pressure. Our minds can feel pressure in different situations and life events, such as bereavement, divorce or separation, job loss, or unexpected financial problems. Work-related stress can affect mental health negatively. If the stress is long-lasting, it can seriously affect a person's sleep, memory, and eating habits. They may also feel less inclined to exercise.

How to cope with mental health stressors?

While many external stressors may continue to prevail during challenging times, including simple self-care practices and habits in your routine can help you navigate life's challenges. While consciously taking a step toward recovery, it is possible to seek help from a psychologist near you or other mental health practitioners to guide you and enhance your well-being.

• Include regular exercise

Doing exercise and physical activity as a part of your daily routine can assist in regulating your anxiety symptoms and generate a sense of well-being. Inculcating yoga, tai chi, dance, walking, and jogging can significantly reduce stress and ensure a healthy flow of emotions. 

• Get enough sleep

Maintaining a proper sleep routine is one of the ordinary yet most beneficial habits that can help you stay healthy. Sticking to a sleep routine and planning your day can help you feel rejuvenated and less overwhelmed or stressed. 

• Limit time spent on media

Limit your time on social media to avoid being exposed to rumors and misleading information. Remember that you do not have to feel inundated after watching the news. 

• Eat healthy food

Following a balanced diet ensures perfect physical and mental health. Avoid caffeine as it could aggravate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also advisable to avoid substances such as drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, as they are harmful in the long run.

• Make connections

Make use of technology to connect with your loved ones. Pick out activities to do with your family and friends via video chats or face-to-face interaction. 

• Seek professional help

Do not hesitate to seek help when needed. Reach out to your family members and let them know you need extra support, and if you feel the need, connect with therapists or psychologists near you to gain professional help. 

Find top-rated psychologists in Boston

Taking the first step toward recovery can be daunting, mainly due to the social stigma surrounding seeking mental health treatment; however, finding the proper help does not have to be challenging. When seeking mental health care, patient and provider relationships matter the most. Therapies tend to deal with sensitive aspects of one's life, so ensuring a good rapport with your mental health care practitioner is essential. 

Zocdoc can help you choose among the top-rated psychologists in Boston in a matter of seconds. It is a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Zocdoc curates a list of verified psychologists near you based on your area-specific search. It includes a detailed description of the provider's expertise, educational background, licensure, and experience, along with reviews from previous patients, empowering them to make an informed choice. Not only this, but Zocdoc can also help you find providers who accept insurance. 

Zocdoc is your one-stop for safe, secure, and free bookings!

Mental health in Boston

According to the 2016 report published by the Boston Medical Center, approximately 12% of adults residing in Boston have reported feeling persistently sad/hopeless every day for more than 15 days. Among these individuals, the percentage of females reporting persistent sadness is higher at 14% than males at 10%. In most cases, people have reported experiencing excessive stress, which manifests in physical symptoms in their bodies. 

Meanwhile, a considerable number (20%) of Boston residents have reported experiencing persistent anxiety every day for more than two weeks. As per the quantitative data collected between 2009 and 2013, Boston reported a suicide rate of 6.7 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Sources

American Psychological Association

Verywell Mind

Mayo Clinic

Boston Medical Center

WebMD

Verywell Mind

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.