What is psychology?
Psychology is an experimental science that seeks to understand human cognition and behavior, including processes known as thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and so on. The American Psychological Association defines psychology as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior.
As such, psychology has many practical applications — ranging from developing educational programs to improving well-being. However, clinical psychology is a sub-branch that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Examples of such conditions are:
- Major Depression Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Educational background of psychologists in the U.S.
Most psychologists working in the clinical, counseling, and research domains need a doctoral degree in the U.S. The journey to becoming a licensed psychologist starts with a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or social science. After completing a bachelor's degree, students enter into a graduate program. While some doctoral programs require students to complete a master's degree, others accept a bachelor's. The doctoral degree generally takes five to seven years to complete.
A doctoral degree in psychology in the U.S. comes in two forms: a Ph.D. in psychology and a Doctor of Psychology degree. Ph.D. is a research degree, and the students must clear a comprehensive written examination at the end, conduct original research in their field of study, write a dissertation, and defend it. On the other hand, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree requires students to complete practical work in clinics and clear examinations. All psychologists practicing in schools, clinics, or counseling centers should include and finish a one-year internship during the doctoral degree.
The criteria to obtain the psychology license vary depending on the state in the U.S. However, most states require psychologists to complete a doctorate and an internship, have one to two years of supervised work experience, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. The certifying boards for psychologists in the U.S. are the American Board of Professional Psychology and the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (which only certifies neuropsychologists). While being board-certified is not compulsory, some hospitals and clinics require psychologists to have board certification.
Different branches of psychology
Psychology consists of a variety of subfields and branches. Some of the common branches of psychology are:
- Clinical psychology: Psychologists in this field deal with clients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety. The field concentrates on behavior, thoughts, or emotions that can be different from the typical spectrum and the factors causing them. Not any new or atypical behavior can be classified as a mental disorder. Instead, diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5) lay out guidelines for making a diagnosis.
Usually, to qualify as abnormal or disordered, the behavior must:
- Cause distress to the individual
- Be infrequent
- Be socially disruptive
- Affect the productivity or day-to-day functioning of the patient
Clinical psychologists rely on various psychological assessments and interventions to help improve their clients' mental health. Often, it may take several sessions before the client's problems can be recognized and solved. Clinical psychologists may also take on community health initiatives based on the data and insights gathered.
- Cognitive psychology: Cognitive psychology studies how the human mind processes information. This school of thought holds that mental disorders are due to negative thoughts and behaviors. For instance, a person with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) may have a bias toward processing stimuli. Put simply, such patients interpret neutral or ambiguous cues (such as facial expressions, greetings, or even actions) in a threatening way, according to cognitive psychologists. As a result, the therapist may help the patient recognize their biases and flawed thinking. For instance, they may point out that a perceived smirk may just be a friendly smile. Likewise, an email may not receive a reply because the recipient simply forgot about it — instead of thinking of the event as a humiliating slight or deliberate act of hostility. Interventions often focus on learning to recognize and correct such biases. The psychologist may also suggest small interventions in daily life, such as smiling first or sending a follow-up email in case the recipient forgets to reply.
- Personality psychology: Personality psychology investigates human personality and how it varies across individuals. It also seeks to explain the factors that shape one's personality. Such theories can also diagnose and treat people with personality disorders.
Understanding human psychology can also prove very useful in predicting how an individual might respond to new situations. For instance, the psychologist may assess the patient's profile and determine their risk of self-harm if left unsupervised.
- Child and adolescent psychology: Child psychology deals with feelings, emotions, and behavior across childhood. The study helps psychologists develop theories to use in practical situations to help children with behavioral or cognitive difficulties. Adolescent Psychology deals with the unique mental needs of adolescents, which may include help navigating puberty (sexual maturity) and newfound independence. Many adolescents may also struggle with drug issues or illegal behavior, and adolescent psychologists are the best placed to handle these problems with tact and professionalism.
Psychologist vs psychiatrist vs therapist
In the world of mental health care, we often hear people using the terms psychologist, psychiatrist, and therapist interchangeably. However, each of these professionals has an important role when it comes to helping people with mental health issues. Let's break down what makes psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists unique in their work.
- Psychologist: Psychologists are highly skilled in comprehending human behavior and emotion. They acquire deep expertise through extensive study and advanced degrees, typically a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology. They possess substantial expertise in understanding the complexities of cognitive and emotional functioning, enabling them to address mental health concerns effectively. The psychologist might use "talk therapy" to help you. They discuss issues and use different techniques to help people understand their problems. They work in many places like hospitals, schools, or private offices. While they can't prescribe medicine, they team up with psychiatrists and others to ensure that people get the best care possible.
- Psychiatrist: Now, psychiatrists are medical professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses. After completing medical school, psychiatrists undergo specialized training in psychiatry during their residency. Through this training, they can comprehend various factors that lead to mental health illnesses. The big difference that sets them apart is that they can prescribe medicine. Therefore, in cases where medication is deemed necessary to aid in managing mental health conditions, psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe appropriate medications. While they may also engage in therapeutic interventions occasionally, their primary emphasis lies in overseeing medication regimens and ensuring their efficacy in promoting the well-being of their patients.
- Therapist: The term therapist encompasses various mental health professionals with diverse specialties. These professionals may include social workers, counselors, family therapists, etc. They all have in common that they're trained to talk with people about their feelings and problems and help them find ways to feel better. Typically, therapists hold master's degrees in counseling or related disciplines, equipping them with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in various therapeutic modalities. Therapists work with all sorts of people, like individuals, couples, families, or groups. They create a safe and supportive space where people can explore their thoughts and emotions and learn how to handle tough situations better.
In a nutshell, psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists each have their unique skills to help people with mental health issues. While the psychologist near you might seem the same as the other professionals, knowing the differences can help people get the appropriate aid they need for their mental health.
What to expect during your therapy session and what you can discuss
If you are seeing a mental health professional for the first time, sharing your personal thoughts and feelings with an unknown person can be daunting. However, feeling apprehensive or awkward is normal. Knowing what to expect during your first psychotherapy session and familiarizing yourself with potential questions or topics you might discuss can empower you to engage more openly. Before you begin your appointment, you may have to complete some paperwork regarding your insurance, a questionnaire of your symptoms, a therapist-patient services agreement, medical history, and current medications.
Typically, the first therapy session is where you and your provider get to know each other. Communicating honestly with your therapist about your experiences will help them understand you better and give you more meaningful insight and advice curated to your specific needs. Note that it may take a few sessions for you to understand if your psychologist or therapist is the right fit.
Your first session may begin with a structured interview or a free-flowing conversation. Your psychotherapist will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, why you wanted to start therapy, if you have a family history of mental health issues, what you hope to achieve during the course of therapy, your childhood, and relationships with your family, friends, and partners.
It's common to feel like you've run out of things to say at therapy. Here are some topics you can discuss with your therapist or psychologist near you, either during the first appointment or for future visits:
- Discuss your goals with your therapist. Help your therapist understand what you would like to change in your life or yourself. Stating your personal goals and desired outcomes will help your therapist design a treatment plan aligned to those preferences.
- Talk about your current feelings, patterns, and behaviors. You may write down these thoughts in a journal. For example, if there are certain situations where you feel insecure or embarrassed.
- You may want to explore past experiences and trauma. Events from childhood or adulthood can significantly shape your emotional well-being, beliefs, attachments, and values. Discussing these experiences with your therapist can help you understand how they relate to the challenges you are currently facing. Even experiences that you believe were minor or not particularly serious can still impact your behavior today. For instance, difficulties in your current relationship may stem from traumatic experiences in previous relationships or the dynamics of your parents' marriage.
- Talk about ways you can regulate your emotions. Your therapist can help you identify specific situations that trigger an emotional response and how they manifest physically. Your psychologist may recommend techniques like breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness exercises. They may also create a specific action plan if you find yourself in a challenging situation.
- You can also discuss interpersonal challenges such as family dynamics, romantic relationships, friendships, and interactions at your workplace. These relationships can be a source of stress. Therapy can help you develop empathy as well as listening and communication skills necessary to navigate complex relationships.
- You can also talk about challenges like childbirth, moving to another state or country, and grieving the loss of a loved one.
Finding the best psychologist near you in Orlando, FL
The ideal psychologist is a friendly and patient professional who accepts your insurance. However, consulting such a psychologist in Orlando can seem challenging — given busy schedules, thousands of overlapping insurance networks, and the variety of specialties and subspecialties in clinical psychology.
However, with Zocdoc, you can effortlessly search for the top-ranking psychologists in one place. Enter a symptom ('anxiety') or therapy ('cognitive-behavioral therapy'), and our powerful algorithms will display the best matching providers. You can also sort providers based on location, hospital affiliation, etc.
Are you worried about the budget? Zocdoc lets you search for in-network providers: simply type in your insurance carrier's name, and we will display the top-rated psychologists who accept your insurance. If you do not see your specific insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, you can upload your insurance card. Zocdoc will then scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note that this service is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need assistance uploading your medical insurance card or any other query, you may reach out to Zocdoc's service team, available 365 days a year via chat or email. If you have other insurance-related questions, go ahead and check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
All Zocdoc providers have a tailored profile; here, you can learn more about their experience, training, board certifications, clinical interests, and cultural background. Best of all, you can browse through verified customer reviews and ratings. The provider profile is another great way to understand your psychologist better. With Zocdoc, you will be making an informed choice.
All bookings are safe, secure, and free!
Mental health in Orlando, Florida
According to the Florida Behavioral Health Association, Florida's mental health services rank is among the lowest in the USA. Around 61.4% of adults with Any Mental Illness (AMI) reportedly did not receive treatment in Florida; this is 5% higher than the national average.
Similarly, regarding access to mental health care, Florida again ranks low: it is one of the 6 U.S. states with the lower ranking. This is reflected in the number of suicides in Florida each year. Among people between 25 and 34, suicides are the second leading cause of death. In 2019, 3,227 people died in Florida by committing suicide; the rate of suicides in the state for every 100,000 population was 13.95. According to a report published on mental health titled "The State of Mental Health in America," 535,000 adults in Florida had serious thoughts of suicide in 2019, constituting 3.34% of adults in the state.
When considering adults with alcohol, substance, or illicit drug abuse disorders, Florida ranked 14 in the whole of the U.S. in 2019. 1,176,000 people had a drug or alcohol problem in Florida, accounting for 7.35% of the population.
Sources
Mental Health in Florida (Florida Behavioral Health Association
American Psychological Association
Verywell Mind[3]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas
Integrated Care Clinic
Myriad Genetics, Inc
Verywell Mind[1]
Verywell Mind[2]
GoodTherapy
Psychology Today
Healthline
