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Are psychologists doctors?

Psychologists are medical professionals trained in addressing mental and psychological concerns. Poor mental health can appear in several forms, ranging from insomnia to panic attacks. If you are troubled by such symptoms, it may be time to consult a psychologist. The most common signs and symptoms of poor mental health include the following:

• Trouble at the workplace or difficulty holding jobs
• Difficulty in forming and sustaining interpersonal relationships — such as a long-term romantic partnership
• A general state of dissatisfaction, irritability, or low mood
• Crippling forms of anxiety, including social anxiety
• Postpartum depression (prolonged periods of low mood following childbirth)
• Grief after an accident or loss of a loved one

Psychologists usually have a doctoral degree — such as a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. (Doctorate of Psychology). In most states, clinical psychologists must obtain a medical license before practicing. Using the title "Licensed Psychologist" is a crime unless you have undergone all the required training and examinations. Therefore, you can rest assured that your psychologist has the proper training and advanced education to meet your healthcare needs. 

Most psychologists combine their training with clinical experience and standard guidelines (such as the diagnostic manual DSM-5). Their advice often assists other mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, make better treatment decisions. For instance, you may receive regular cognitive-behavioral therapy, even as a psychiatrist oversees your medication.

However, not all psychologists practice as clinical psychologists. Many work in related fields, such as counseling, community therapy, and school therapy. In such cases, a Master's degree may be enough to practice. Depending on the mental health issues or problems you might be facing, you can determine what type of psychologist will help you the most.

Types of psychologists

Psychologists study the relationship between our brains, behavior, and the environment. They apply their learnings in different ways, but their main goal is to improve our interaction with the world around us. Based on where they use their learnings, psychologists near you mainly fall into one of the following three subfields of psychology:

• Applied psychologists- use psychological principles and related research to tackle real-world problems. Some examples are aviation psychologists, engineering psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and human factors psychologists.
• Research psychologists undertake investigations and experiments on humans and animals. They typically work for universities, private companies, or government agencies. Their research may emphasize a variety of specializations within psychology, such as neurology, cognition, personality, development, and social behavior.
• Mental health psychologists- work with individuals suffering from mental illnesses or psychological distress. They usually work in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, government offices, or private practices. Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and school psychologists are examples of mental health psychologists.

How can consulting a psychologist help you?

Psychologists can help you overcome setbacks. Modern-day therapies are backed by scientific evidence that often originates in two schools of thought:

• Cognitive psychology focuses on identifying and correcting thought patterns or emotional biases that might prevent you from leading a healthy, fulfilling life.
• Behavioral psychology aims to use the conditioning of behavioral patterns and responses to treat mental illness — for instance, the conditioned response of fear of spiders or the cravings for a drug.

A common misconception is that only people diagnosed with a severe condition (such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, or schizophrenia) benefit from psychotherapy. However, even anxiety or low mood can persist for years without treatment for some patients. In such cases, a mental health intervention is the best path forward.

These trends may have worsened due to Covid-19. The impact of pandemic-related measures, such as social distancing, can be seen in Americans' mental health. The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health indicated that about 1 in 5 Americans suffers from mental health issues every year. The researchers relied on various measures of anxiety and depression. They also found that nearly 5 % of the U.S. adult population each year suffered from severe mental illness.

As trained and licensed professionals, psychologists use medical evaluations to assess your state of mind and get to the root of your problems. In doing so, they may also identify and suggest appropriate modifications in your behavior to lead a more satisfying and stress-free day-to-day life.

Psychologist vs. psychiatrist vs. counselor

A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They have the authority to prescribe drugs and other medical treatments. A psychologist holds a doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD) and usually has substantial training in research or therapeutic practice. Psychologists use psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat mental health conditions. A psychologist cannot typically prescribe medicine.

Psychiatrists treat more complex mental health issues than psychologists, particularly those requiring medication or medical therapy. In other words, psychology studies the mind, emotions, and behavior, whereas psychiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating mental health problems.

A counselor (sometimes known as a therapist) possesses a master's degree in a mental health-related subject such as psychology, counseling psychology, or marriage or family therapy. A counselor is trained to assess a person's mental health and to apply therapeutic procedures such as talk therapy.

A psychologist holds a doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD) and often has significant training in psychological research or therapeutic practice.

What to know before visiting a psychologist?

No preparation is necessary before consulting with a psychologist near you. After all, your session is not meant to test your self-awareness. However, thinking through your main issues beforehand is advisable. This way, you will make the best of the consultation. You can also jot down a list of the main things troubling you.

After all, losing sight of one's main symptoms is easy. Some distance and time, in such cases, will help you. For instance, grogginess, irritability, and inability to concentrate are all possible symptoms. However, the real problem may be with the quality of your sleep. Therefore, remembering to discuss all the symptoms plaguing your life will help advance the diagnostic process. 

It is common to bring a friend or family member to the meeting. For instance, if the patient is a young adult or a child, accompanying people can share information about their mental and physical life. You may also carry details of your past diagnoses and any current medications you are taking.

What to expect during your first appointment with a psychologist near you?

Starting therapy, especially the first session, can sometimes feel nerve-wracking. To ease any concerns, here’s an overview of what to anticipate during the process.

In your initial session, you'll collaborate with your therapist to discuss your issues and establish goals for treatment. The therapist may ask various questions to understand why you're seeking therapy, your lifestyle, and any past experiences with mental health care. If specific topics feel uncomfortable to address, you're encouraged to communicate your boundaries; therapy is supposed to be a supportive environment where you can proceed at the right pace.

You are also welcome to ask questions to understand the therapy process better or learn more about your therapist. It's helpful to inquire about their qualifications, experience, fees, insurance coverage, and treatment approaches. Popular therapeutic methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, humanistic therapy, eclectic therapy, and creative therapies like art and music therapy.

During this initial meeting, your therapist may provide you with an "informed consent" form that you must review and sign. This document outlines details, such as the therapist's credentials, practice policies, fees, a proposed therapy plan, and information on confidentiality and patient rights. You might also be asked to complete forms about your medical and mental health history. Honest responses are essential, as they help your therapist better understand your situation.

After the first session, therapy sessions are weekly, but the frequency can change depending on individual needs. Some people may benefit from more frequent sessions, while others prefer biweekly or monthly appointments. Additionally, your therapist may assign tasks or exercises to work on between sessions to enhance your progress.

What type of psychologist is best for me?

Mental health issues occur across people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Additionally, the type of symptoms present can vary greatly. Therefore, licensed mental health psychologists often specialize in specific patient groups or disorders (e.g., addiction disorders).

Based on their specialization, mental health psychologists are of the following types:

• Clinical psychologists
• Community psychologists
• Counseling psychologists (such as CBT psychologists)
• Neuropsychologists
• Child psychologists
• Geriatric psychologists (for people of old age)
• Substance abuse psychologists

Sometimes, psychologists offer therapy or counseling sessions based on their psychological assessment. Being medically trained in such evaluation, they will use the most suitable form of licensed psychotherapy to resolve the root cause of mental health issues. Some of the common types of therapy offered by psychologists are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Therapy (ITP)
• Psychoanalysis
• Supportive therapy 
• Group therapy and family therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Animal-assisted therapy

Researching your symptoms may help you decide the best psychologist to treat them. For example, some psychologists are better trained in addressing signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, or personal dilemmas. In contrast, others specialize in more serious issues such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Most importantly, you should feel at ease with your psychologist. It allows for more open and honest communication. It will also help your psychologist make an accurate medical evaluation for you and thus suggest the most effective treatment or guidance.

Best psychologists near you in Pittsburgh

Finding the best psychologist in Pittsburgh can be challenging. However, Zocdoc offers the best options if you are looking for clinical psychologists and psychotherapists in Pittsburgh. 

On our platform, you can choose from different options to find a top-ranking psychologist in Pittsburgh based on your problems, concerns, and comfort level. For instance, CBT psychologists in Pittsburgh can accurately evaluate and help you overcome mental blocks and patterns that are impeding your success and happiness in life.

If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, a specialist in mood disorders may be advisable. You can find the best-suited doctor by entering your query in the search bar. Alternatively, you can check out the provider profiles of the leading psychologists in your neighborhood. All Zocdoc providers have a detailed profile; here, you can learn more about their education, training, clinical experience, awards, publications, cultural background, and much more! Zocdoc also lets you find an in-network provider easily. Enter your insurance carrier, and we will find the best psychologists in Pittsburgh who accept your insurance. 

If you prefer not to share your insurance information when booking an appointment on Zocdoc, you can choose to acknowledge that you’ll be paying out-of-pocket. However, some providers may require insurance details to confirm an appointment. If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it for a specific appointment, Zocdoc makes it easy to search for and connect with other providers who align with your preferences. You can contact the Zocdoc service team if you encounter any issues during the process.

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Psychologist statistics in Pittsburgh

As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), ~39.8 % of adults in Pittsburgh and the rest of Pennsylvania reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in February 2021. A recent increase in the numbers may be attributable to social distancing measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, about 25.7 % of the affected people could not get the medical attention they needed — such as psychological assessments and therapy. 

Relatedly, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health by SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, found that nearly 13.4 % of the population in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area (aged 12 years or older) uses an illicit drug or substance every year. Psychologists can help address substance abuse disorders and other conditions that might drive people toward such decisions. By consulting a suited and licensed psychologist, you will choose a path of happier living and mental well-being.

According to the 2019 National Center for Health Statistics report, 8.1% of adults in the U.S. exhibited symptoms of anxiety disorder, and 6.5% had symptoms of depressive disorder.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WebMD

Verywell Mind

Cleveland Clinic

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Psych Central

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.