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Who are psychologists?

As per the American Psychological Association, psychology is a probe into the mind and how it functions and affects behavior. A psychology practitioner, i.e., a psychologist, treats patients with mental illnesses and helps them learn how to cope with life and relationship issues using psychotherapy or talk therapy. The treatment strategy focuses on assisting patients in making behavioral adaptations. 

Psychologists typically deal with abstract processes, such as memories, emotions, dreams, perceptions, etc., that do not manifest physically. They meet with patients, undertake assessments to identify causes of concern, and provide treatment such as counseling or psychotherapy. A psychologist may also refer to a psychiatrist, a mental health practitioner who can prescribe medications for more severe conditions that do not benefit from talk therapy alone.

Interestingly, psychologists differ from therapists, although both are often interchangeably used. A psychologist must earn a doctoral or master's degree in psychology. At the same time, therapist is a blanket term used to refer to many healthcare professionals, such as mental health counselors or licensed clinical social workers.

Psychologists can also obtain further specializations in forensic, social, cognitive, or developmental psychology. Besides offering treatments, psychologists can also conduct research studies, assess children with learning issues in schools, take workshops on anti-bullying, assist talent acquisition teams in companies, etc.

Types of psychological disorders

A clinically substantial impairment of a person's ability to think, regulate emotions, or behave is a common feature of psychological diseases. The most common psychological disorders are:

1. Depressive disorders: Experiencing changes in sleep, loss of appetite and energy, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, etc., can be signs of depression, especially if a combination of these symptoms persists for over two weeks. Depression can also occur postpartum, i.e., during or after pregnancy. Moreover, increased rates of seasonal depression occur during weather conditions with less sun, typically identified by social withdrawal, weight gain, improved sleep, etc.
2. Bipolar disorder: Alternating episodes of mania, i.e., intense high-spiritedness and depression, characterize this disorder. Bipolar I disorder results in at least a week of mania and severe depressive episodes that may last up to two weeks. However, people with this condition also experience neutral moods. Bipolar II disorder is less severe, with manic episodes that last for around four days and depressive feelings that are less severe. The least potent type of this condition is cyclothymic disorder, which is milder. Mental health experts can treat bipolar disorder through psychotherapy and medication.
3. Anxiety disorders: While everyone feels anxious to a certain degree, those feelings are not temporary for many. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent fear and worry that can worsen as time passes. These symptoms tend to interfere with how they lead their everyday lives, such as maintaining personal relationships, performing schoolwork, performing at their jobs, etc. Anxiety disorders can be generalized, i.e., experiencing feelings of restlessness, being on edge, irritability, tiredness, etc. Panic disorders are another kind of anxiety that include panic attacks (sudden or intense fearful feelings that come quickly and peak within a few minutes. Many people also experience anxiety due to phobias, where they are intensely terrified of a particular object or situation. These may include heights, water, darkness, etc. Other common forms of anxiety are social and separation anxiety.
4. Stress disorders: These disorders often include OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This long-lasting condition leads to people having recurring thoughts or behaviors that they need to keep repeating obsessively. Some examples include wanting to keep things in a particular order, constant cleaning, etc., which lead to disruptions in everyday life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another stress disorder that constitutes having intensely disturbing and distressing thoughts due to past events. These events are generally dangerous, scary, or shocking and can continue to cause stress years after. People with PTSD can have nightmares and flashbacks, avoid thoughts that remind them of the event or even suppress them, and experience hypervigilance or recurring guilt or shame. 
5. Psychoses such as schizophrenia are common psychological disorders, as are sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dissociative disorders such as amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, derealization, dementia, etc., are also commonly observed psychological disorders.

Is counseling the same as psychotherapy?

Although the words 'counseling' and 'therapy' are used interchangeably, there is an essential distinction between psychotherapy and psychological counseling. Counseling focuses on specific issues and typically helps an individual address a particular root problem, such as addiction or stress management. It focuses on problem-solving, learning better-coping mechanisms, and managing triggers. It is usually short-term, whereas psychotherapy is long-term, focusing on a broader range of issues. Psychotherapy focuses on resolving deep-seated concerns that have progressively worsened over time. These issues may relate to trauma, abuse, childhood neglect, body image issues, or debilitating insecurities. 

The underlying principle of psychotherapy is that an individual's thinking and behavioral patterns affect their interaction with the world. Irrespective of the method used, therapy aims to help individuals manage their stress, have healthy and satisfying relationships, and undo obstructive patterns that keep them from achieving personal goals. Psychotherapy also helps regulate thinking and emotional responses in stressful situations. 

For an individual with an acute mental health illness such as schizophrenia, psychotherapy addresses the impact of the condition on daily life, focusing on acceptance and management of the disease and its symptoms.

What are some common therapeutic approaches?

Based on their training and the patient’s concerns, psychologists might utilize one or more types of therapy. Some common therapeutic approaches include:

• Psychodynamic therapy: A long-term approach to mental health treatment, psychodynamic therapy’s basis lies in psychoanalysis. During your sessions, you would discuss whatever is on your mind. Your psychologist uses the information you share to uncover cognitive and/or behavioral patterns that might be causing you distress. They will also work with you closely to explore the link between your actions and your unconscious mind by assessing your relationships, emotions, etc.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term approach to mental health treatment, CBT addresses unhelpful or problematic thought patterns. Its focus is not on past events; instead, it deals with existing symptoms. During CBT sessions, you work on identifying negative thought patterns, understanding how they might affect you, and learning how to replace those patterns with positive and helpful ones. Subtypes of CBT include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT).

• Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy is an action-oriented approach to mental health treatment. According to behavioral theory, specific behaviors develop from things you learned in the past. Some of these behaviors might cause you significant distress. During your sessions with a psychologist practicing this form of therapy, you will focus on changing behavioral patterns that are causing you distress. Aversion therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding are subtypes of behavioral therapy.

• Humanistic therapy: This therapeutic approach examines how your worldview impacts your choices, especially the ones causing distress. It centers on believing you are the best person to understand your needs and experiences. Unconditional positive regard is a crucial principle in humanistic therapy. It means your therapist will accept you completely, even if they disagree with you on certain things. This way, they help you cope with perceived or real negative judgment from others.

When should you see a psychologist near you?

People can seek a psychologist's expertise for a variety of reasons. The most common ones are:

• Feelings of sadness, anxiousness, and helplessness
• Frequent bouts of worry and stress that may be overwhelming
• Dealing with a significant life change such as relocating to a new place, changing jobs, losing a relationship, etc.
• Facing trouble falling asleep
• Coping with a traumatic event like abuse or the passing of a loved one
• Increased reliance on maladaptive mechanisms such as drug or alcohol use
• Finding it hard to concentrate or complete day-to-day activities

A psychologist can subsequently reach a diagnosis based on these symptoms and your medical and family history. Often, people seek psychological intervention to improve their lives in a way that may or may not entail a mental illness. For example, consider meeting with a psychologist near you if you struggle to meet your goals, feel unfulfilled, seek more happiness, or desire to better yourself or your relationships.

What to expect from your first appointment?

Before your first psychologist visit, it is best to know what you expect from the session to communicate your wants and goals to your psychologist. Be honest and open during your session for the most effective results.

The first session will feel like a game of 20 questions as your psychologist will want to know about you and the reason behind your visit, just like you would like to know about the duration of sessions, the cancellation of sessions, and your treatment plan. At the end of the session, your psychologist may suggest immediate action, such as medication, physical therapy, or seeing a physician, to rule out any underlying medical condition. 

Thus, after your visit, you will likely have an improved understanding of your problems and a treatment plan to assist you in working through your ailments.

How to take care of your mental health?

Here are some practices you can explore to keep your mind healthy:

Practice gratitude

Take a moment each day to appreciate the good things in your life. They don’t have to be big—simple joys like pleasant weather, reconnecting with an old friend, or completing a task count too. Writing them down can help you revisit these positive moments whenever you're feeling low.

Acknowledge your feelings

It’s okay to not feel the way you think you “should.” You’re human, and your emotions are valid. Don’t suppress or ignore them. If you feel emotionally overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust or seek professional guidance.

Prioritize sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for your mood and overall mental health. Stick to a regular sleep routine and minimize habits that disrupt rest, such as screen time before bed.

Stay active

Physical activity helps release stress and negative emotions, even if it’s just a short walk each day. Regular exercise can also improve focus, boost your mood, and sharpen decision-making.

Eat a balanced diet

Nutrients like vitamin B12 play a role in mental health, and the deficiencies can contribute to conditions like depression. A healthy diet can reduce anxiety as well as stress while improving your overall mood.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration supports mental focus and energy levels throughout the day. 

Make time to relax

Explore relaxation methods that resonate with you, such as yoga, meditation, journaling, breathing exercises, or listening to music. Feel free to switch things up to keep it engaging and effective.

Remember, mental health care is personal—choose the approaches that fit your needs and lifestyle.

Finding the best psychologist near you in Englewood, NJ

Since you now know when to visit a psychologist, your next move must be to pick one with whom you feel comfortable. 

Don't worry; Zocdoc has got you covered! You can find the best psychologist near you by entering your location or symptoms on Zocdoc's easy-to-use interface.

You can browse the bios of numerous practitioners and read about educational qualifications, experience, areas of expertise, licensure, etc. You can also learn about their ratings, accreditations, and the insurance plans they accept. 

You can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and book appointments using one insurance plan at a time. If you have multiple plans, you can note your secondary carrier and plan in the provider's notes section during the final step of booking. If the provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you’ll have the option to add your secondary insurance while filling them out online. For more questions about insurance, visit Zocdoc's insurance page.

After you've narrowed down your choices, you may make an informed decision by examining the reviews left by previous patients, which Zocdoc constantly verifies.

You can book an appointment once you've decided upon the best psychologist near you. Zocdoc allows you to do so directly on its platform and at no additional cost. You can opt for in-person or virtual consultations as per needs. 

With Zocdoc, finding the best psychologist near you becomes quick, free, and secure.

Prevalence of mental disorders in Englewood, New Jersey

As per a May 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, there were 330 practicing psychologists. This means that for every 1,000 people working in the state, 0.8 were practicing psychologists. In the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, 530 psychologists were practicing as of May 2021, placing it in the third rank nationally.

The Kaiser Family Foundation data demonstrates that between September 29 and October 11, 2021, 28.6% of people experienced anxiety or depression symptoms.

While many may attribute these rates to the coronavirus pandemic, the Foundation's study revealed that 16.4% of the adults in New Jersey were battling a mental illness between 2018 and 2019. This is just marginally lower than the 19.9% national average.

According to U.S. News, 11.2% of adults face frequent mental distress in Bergen County, where Englewood is. The numbers also indicate that 28 adults per 100,000 people in the county die deaths of despair, i.e., they lose their lives to suicide, drug overdoses, or alcoholism. New Jersey Department of Children and Families' Bergen County Needs Assessment 2020 concluded that 69.91% of the respondents considered behavioral and mental health services for children to be the top service Bergen County needs.

Sources

American Psychological Association

WebMD

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kaiser Family Foundation

U.S. News & World Report

STAT

New Jersey Department of Children and Families

Medical News Today

Verywell Mind[1]

Verywell Mind[2]

Healthgrades

Doctors Hospital of Manteca

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.