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Who are psychologists, and what do they do?

A psychologist is a mental health professional focusing on helping individuals of all ages understand and cope with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They use scientific methods to study human behavior and cognitive processes. They apply that knowledge to help people overcome emotional difficulties, improve their mental health, and achieve their goals.

Psychologists use various techniques to help their clients, including psychotherapy, counseling, and psychological testing. Psychotherapy involves talking with a psychologist to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to work on changing negative thinking and behavior patterns. Counseling often focuses on problem-solving and decision-making, helping people better understand and manage their emotions. 

Psychological testing involves administering standardized tests and assessments to help diagnose mental health conditions, assess cognitive abilities, and identify strengths and weaknesses. In addition to providing direct patient care, psychologists conduct research, consult with other healthcare professionals, and teach in academic settings. They play an essential role in the mental health care system and contribute to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Moreover, psychologists use a psychological evaluation to understand an individual's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall functioning to make an accurate diagnosis and prepare a treatment plan.

Education and training of psychologists

Psychologists take about 8-12 years to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to start professional practice. They start their education by obtaining a 4-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Then, they enroll in graduate school to earn a 4-6 year Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. During that time, they also complete a 1-year full-time internship. Finally, they clear the required examinations and complete at least a year of supervised practice to receive their professional practice license. 

Some psychologists also undertake additional training and complete a post-doctoral fellowship to specialize in a specific area within psychology, including: 

• Clinical neuropsychology
• Clinical health psychology 
• Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychology
• School psychology 
• Clinical psychology
• Clinical child and adolescent psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Behavioral and cognitive psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Couple and family psychology
• Geropsychology
• Police and public safety psychology
• Rehabilitation psychology
• Group psychology and group psychotherapy
• Serious mental illness psychology
• Clinical psychopharmacology
• Psychoanalysis
• Addiction psychology
• Sport psychology
• Biofeedback and applied psychophysiology

Psychologists also participate in workshops, conferences, seminars, online courses, webinars, and research programs. This way, they stay updated with the latest developments in their field. 

What is clinical child psychology?

Clinical child psychology is a specialty that involves applying scientific knowledge to provide psychological aid to children and adolescents. It studies conscious and subconscious thoughts and behavior from prenatal development through adolescence. 

Mainly, clinical child psychology deals with understanding the basic psychological needs of children and adolescents. They study how the family and other social contexts influence behavioral adaptation, socio-emotional development, health status, developmental processes, developmental psychopathology, and behavioral and mental disorders of children and adolescents. 

The following are the mental health concerns that clinical child psychology deals with in children and adolescents:

• Poor cognitive development
• Trauma or grief
• Coping with developmental changes
• Eating disorders
• Health problems
• Disruptive behavioral disorders
• Mental and emotional issues (loneliness, depression, and anxiety)

What do child psychologists do?

Child psychologists' responsibilities include conducting research, administering examinations, and providing therapy to children, families, and organizations. Child psychologists usually work with organizations such as government institutions, schools, and hospitals and are involved in private practices. 

Owing to the differences in age, maturity, and cognitive levels, psychological treatments for children are often very different from those for adults. Thus, child psychologists may incorporate other techniques in their therapy that better suit each child's condition and age. These techniques may include cognitive behavioral therapy, child trauma therapy, art therapy, music therapy, child-centered play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and group therapy, among many others. 

Some areas that child psychologists mainly focus on are:

• Cognitive development

A child's intellectual learning and reasoning processes are called cognitive development. It involves the child's ability to analyze and comprehend the world, problem-solving, memory, language learning, and how they employ their basic reasoning and imagination. The environment and genetics of the child greatly influence these factors.

• Physical development

Your pediatrician can use a child psychologist to help them observe your child's physical growth and see if any abnormalities could signal developmental irregularities. Child psychologists will monitor your child's progress toward developmental milestones to ensure that they usually grow.

• Socio-emotional development

Socio-emotional development refers to a child's ability to express, feel, and understand their emotions. It also includes a child's ability to empathize with and understand the feelings of others. Many children find it challenging to regulate and express their emotions appropriately. A child psychologist can assist your child in better understanding and expressing their feelings healthily and pleasantly.

When should you see a child psychologist near you?

Children and adolescents often require therapy when they are affected by situations but cannot cope alone. In most cases, parents or teachers may notice specific behavioral or emotional changes signaling distress in children that could indicate a need for professional intervention. 

The following are some common signs to consider while deciding to seek mental health evaluation or treatment for your child:

• Bullying and other social difficulties

Bullying can significantly affect a child's self-esteem and subject them to a great deal of stress. However, a psychologist can help children cope with these social difficulties. 

• Problem adjusting to changes

Significant changes or traumatic life experiences, such as the loss of loved ones, parental divorce, or changes in cities and schools, can be challenging for a child. 

• Grief or signs of distress

Signs of distress are normal responses to traumatic events, which could hamper a child's well-being. As a parent, if you notice that your child's performance in school or during routine activities is getting affected, it may be a sign to seek help.

• Unexplained physical symptoms

Many stressors usually manifest as unexplained physical symptoms in our bodies. It is imperative to look for such signs as they could indicate an underlying anxiety disorder.

What happens in a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is a thorough assessment of an individual's mental health. The evaluation typically begins with a detailed clinical interview. The psychologist gathers information about the individual's medical and psychiatric history, current symptoms, and relevant personal and family history. The psychologist may also ask the individual to complete questionnaires or self-report forms to gather additional information about their symptoms and functioning.

In addition to the clinical interview, the psychologist may also use psychological testing to gather more information about the individual's cognitive abilities, personality, and emotional functioning. It might include measures such as intelligence tests, memory tests, and personality tests. 

The psychologist may also use behavioral observation to gather information about the individual's behavior and mannerisms. They will use the information collected during the evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. They will then discuss the evaluation results with the individual, explaining their diagnosis and treatment recommendations and answering any questions the individual may have.

A psychological evaluation is essential in seeking help for mental health issues. By gathering comprehensive information about an individual's mental health, the psychologist can help them begin their journey toward improved mental health and well-being.

Ten tips to improve and maintain your well-being

You can take various steps to cope positively with everyday challenges, boost your mental health, and enjoy a good quality of life. If you do not know where to begin, here are ten things you can do right now to live your best life:

• Stay connected with your family and friends over messaging, phone calls, and meet-ups. 
• Focus on your physical health by eating well-balanced meals, staying hydrated, exercising daily, and improving your sleep. 
• Quit bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, mindless social media scrolling, and eating excessive junk food. 
• Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation into your daily schedule. 
• Practice activities that bring you joy, like listening to music, watching movies, reading books, and cooking, among many others.
• Spend time in nature, such as taking a stroll in a park, connecting with animals, or signing up for environment protection activities. 
• Give back to the community in any way you can, such as donating money, volunteering, or doing random acts of kindness. 
• Write a gratitude journal daily. 
• Join a class or club to learn a new skill: cooking, playing an instrument, painting, or birdwatching. 
• Reach out for professional support when you need it. 

Find the best psychologist near you in Chicago

Every individual has their own unique experiences and situations that require special attention. Hence, finding a psychologist who can understand and work with you to bring positive changes is crucial.

With Zocdoc, you can find the best psychologist near you using our area-specific search. The platform hosts a list of verified profiles, including important information regarding the provider's experience, licensure, expertise, and educational qualifications. Not only this, but Zocdoc also allows you to gain insight into reviews of previous patients, thereby empowering you to choose the right mental health care practitioner. 

Are you seeking therapy/ treatment with an insured psychologist near you? Zocdoc lets you find psychologists who accept insurance using simple steps. Rest assured, bookings with Zocdoc are secure, easy, and free!

Mental health in Chicago

According to the quantitative data published by The Samuel R. Myers Foundation for Suicide and Mental Health Awareness, more than half (53%) of the child population between the ages of 3 and 17 in the United States suffer from developmental, emotional, or behavioral conditions. At the same time, approximately 35-40% of children will most likely be diagnosed with mental health and behavioral disorders. 

As per city-specific statistics, half (50%) of the adolescent population residing in inner-city Chicago have exhibited symptoms of depression. Moreover, a significant number of adolescents (34%) living in Chicago have reported experiencing depression every day for more than 15 days, which has disrupted their ability to perform routine functions. 

According to Chicago Health, the youth population in Chicago between 18 and 24 has demonstrated severe eating symptoms and disorders aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The age group has signaled a rise in youth struggling with bulimic and anorexic thoughts and behaviors.

Sources

American Psychological Association[1]

American Psychological Association[2]

Western Washington Medical Group

Verywell Mind

Rivier University

KidsHealth

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

Nevada Hospital Association

The Samuel R. Myers Foundation for Suicide and Mental Health Awareness

WebMD

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Everyday Health

Mind

MedlinePlus

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.