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Who are psychologists? What are they trained to do?

A psychologist is a specialist who studies a person's behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social processes. They help treat mental health problems and offer guidance through therapeutic means. They receive extensive training to identify emotional patterns and behaviors, diagnose disorders, and create treatment plans for patients, including counseling and psychotherapy or talk therapy. 

Psychologists generally practice out of various settings, like private clinics, hospitals, community health care centers or rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and prisons. Not all psychologists, however, deal with patients. Some only conduct research in their respective fields.

Before acquiring full membership in the American Association of Psychology, psychologists undergo years of training in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Overall, they study for around four to six years after the undergraduate program, followed by internships under the supervision of senior psychologists and sub specializations of their choosing.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes the following specialties of psychology:

• Clinical neuropsychology: This practice focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior.
• Psychoanalysis: This area focuses on treatments based on the unconscious mind.
• School psychology: It focuses on the emotional needs of students, parents, and teachers.
• Clinical psychology: This area deals with mental and behavioral health problems.
• Child and adolescent psychology: It focuses on helping children of all ages, including infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents.
• Counseling psychology: This field focuses on various problems related to the emotional, social, work, health, or academic life of individuals. 
• Organizational psychology: This area studies human behavior in workplaces and organizations.
• Couple and family psychology: It focuses on individuals, couples, and families in relationships.
• Geropsychology: This field focuses on helping older people and their families.
• Sleep psychology: It deals with sleep and its associated disorders.
• Serious mental illness psychology: This area helps people with severe mental problems such as schizophrenia or personality disorder.

Psychologists conduct scientific research and studies on behaviors and the brain's functioning. They regularly observe and interview individuals to get an in-depth understanding and diagnose psychological disorders, emotional issues, organizational problems, and social behaviors. They study such patterns and prepare treatment plans to help patients recover and enjoy well-balanced, fully functional, and healthy lives.

Are psychologists and psychiatrists the same?

No, however, psychologists are often mistaken for psychiatrists or vice versa. Although psychologists and psychiatrists specialize in mental health problems, their areas of expertise and treatment methods differ.  

Psychologists are professionals who specialize in human behavior. They study the mind scientifically, how people perceive and behave in social situations, and their emotional and cognitive processes. Psychologists cannot prescribe medicines in most states. They primarily treat behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, mild anxiety, depression, and stress.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with expertise in treating biological and neurological conditions. They can also prescribe medication for the same. Complex disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and psychotic disorders can be treated with medications first and then through therapy. However, psychologists and psychiatrists can work together and refer to each other during treatment.

There are also differences in the education and training psychologists and psychiatrists undergo. To become a psychologist, they must complete a postdoctoral fellowship before acquiring their license and treating clients. In all, it takes around eight years to become a licensed psychologist.

To become a psychiatrist, one must attend medical school and complete a residency for four years before obtaining a license. The entire education and training procedure takes up to 12 years. Psychiatrists study anatomy, biology, disease, neurology, and pharmacology. 

Both are equally equipped and capable of assisting individuals to enhance their mental health and well-being and live healthy lives. They are experts in their respective fields of specialization.

What are the signs you should consult a psychologist near you?

Anyone can experience mental health concerns at any point, irrespective of age or gender. A psychologist can help navigate the root cause of your troubles and guide you on ways to deal with them. Therefore, you can consult a psychologist if: 

• You are feeling overwhelmed with everything around you
• You are experiencing excessive fatigue and stress
• You are unable to control your emotions, such as anger or crying
• You often worry and feel anxious 
• You have lost interest in everyday activities, hobbies, and happenings of the world around you
• You have lost all hope, motivation, and desires
• You have withdrawn yourself from social groups 
• You are not performing well in school or at work 
• You do not sleep or eat as well as before 
• You are struggling to keep up with your current relationships
• You have undergone a traumatic experience such as sexual abuse or physical assault
• You are grieving because of the loss of a loved one, divorce, or breakup 
• You have some type of phobia, such as a fear of heights, spiders, or crowded public places 
• You are struggling with alcohol, drugs, or smoking addiction 
• You want to improve your overall quality of life 

How can one improve one's mental health?

Besides seeking therapy, enhancing one's mental well-being involves a multifaceted approach, including a positive mindset and holistic self-care practices. You may consider adopting the following practices to improve your mental well-being. These diverse strategies can help create a comprehensive foundation to foster resilience and maintain overall well-being.

1.Maintaining a positive outlook: This is crucial but doesn't mean suppressing negative emotions. Striking a balance between positive and negative feelings allows you to navigate challenges effectively. Acknowledge and experience negative emotions, yet avoid dwelling excessively on past hardships or worrying about the future.

Cultivating positivity involves:

• Cherishing moments of joy
• Practicing gratitude daily
• Taking breaks from harmful information, such as limiting exposure to distressing news or social media
• Engaging with online platforms for support but exercising caution to avoid unnecessary conflicts or detrimental comparisons with others

2. Prioritizing physical health: This is also integral to mental well-being. Regular physical activity not only reduces stress and depression but also enhances mood. Ensuring sufficient and quality sleep is equally important, as sleep directly impacts mood and long-term mental health. A well-balanced diet contributes to physical wellness and alleviates anxiety and stress. Adequate nutrition, including essential nutrients, can play a role in preventing certain mental illnesses.

3. Maintaining and investing in interpersonal relationships: Human connection is the foundation of mental health. You must foster meaningful relationships with friends and family and be involved in the community. You can also diversify your connections by volunteering or engaging in shared hobbies. Establishing a sense of purpose and meaning in life through work, learning, or spirituality also contributes significantly to overall well-being.

4. Equipping yourself with coping skills: This is essential for managing stress. Meditation, encompassing mindfulness and transcendental techniques, provides a centered focus and enhances self-awareness. Additionally, relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation and guided imagery, promote the body's natural relaxation response, reducing tension and stress.

5. Recognizing when professional help is needed: Therapy and medication can effectively treat mental disorders. If you need help finding where to seek mental healthcare, start by consulting your primary care provider. They can make a referral or suggest practitioners. You can also rely on Zocdoc. Read on to learn how Zocdoc can assist you in finding a psychologist who matches your needs.

Where can you find the best psychologist near you in Houston, TX?

Finding the right specialist for yourself can take a lot of work. Recognizing your needs and contacting an experienced specialist for your care is essential. Whether you are looking to work out an internal conflict, trying to mend a relationship, or need to be heard and express yourself, seeking professional help through counseling and therapy is a good idea. Don't let the stigma of speaking to someone stop you from getting the necessary care from a specialist.

Zocdoc can help you find the right psychologist near you. All you have to do is search for Zocdoc on your browser, enter the specialty and your city, and you will receive a list of specialists near you. On the Zocdoc platform, you can go through the practitioner's educational background, see their ratings and reviews, and book an appointment with the specialist of your choice. You can also choose between an online consultation and an in-person consultation.

Booking with Zocdoc is safe, secure, and 100% free!

Mental health statistics in Houston and Texas

Children fall prey to mental health problems due to several reasons, and most of such cases go undetected. The most common issues young children and adolescents face are anxiety, behavioral disorders, and lack of attention from family. Schools in Houston work with the local government to ensure children get the help they need in time. There could be various reasons for poor mental health, like the environment in which a person lives, genetics, lifestyle, and biological factors.

One out of every five adults experiences mental health challenges every year in America. About 50% of adults have a diagnosable disorder at some point in their life, and half of them would have developed these conditions by the age of 14 years. Citizens of the Greater Houston area face mental health illnesses. According to a record by the University of Texas School of Public Health, more than 30% of people from Houston suffer from severe mental illness or are in close contact with those who do.

Identifying and addressing issues is essential for healing, especially among children and young adults. In Texas, for every 450 students, schools have one counselor. In Houston, nearly every 1,604 students have one counselor. A report by Mental Health America of Greater Houston recorded that around 65.4% of the youth of Texas have untreated depression. Approximately 10.1% of children don't have access to mental health services in Texas. Harris County Mental Health Services for Children and Families reported that about 2 in 5 youth face mental health and substance use issues. Texas ranks 50th in mental health availability in the workplace, with the provider-to-person ratio being about 960:1.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Mental Health America of Greater Houston

Healthline

WebMD

MINDLER

Forbes

GoodTherapy

American Psychological Association

Medical News Today 

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.