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What does a clinical psychologist do?

A clinical psychologist helps diagnose and treat mental health-related illnesses & disorders. With years of specialized training, typically holding a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in clinical psychology, these professionals offer invaluable support to individuals facing a variety of challenges. A clinical psychologist can assist people with the following: 

• Short-term problems, such as the grief associated with the death of a loved one or job dissatisfaction, associated symptoms often go away on their own
• Chronic conditions like substance dependence, OCD, anxiety, etc., have a more long-lasting impact; patients may require psychological intervention to manage their symptoms.

Your psychologist may rely on various assessments and tests to reach a diagnosis.

What tests and treatments does a psychologist use?

Psychologists use various diagnostic tools like other practitioners (who prescribe blood work or CT scans). These include standardized questionnaires, psychological tests, and clinical interviews to gather information for further assessment. In addition, they may collect details using the patient's medical history documents or by interviewing close relatives or friends. Together, these tools enable the psychologist to gauge the cause and severity of a patient’s disorder.

Next, the psychologist will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan that best suits their needs. A standard method is psychotherapy (i.e., talking to the patient to mitigate the impact of stressful situations — like childhood trauma, physical disease, phobia, or grief — on their mental health). According to the American Psychological Association (APA), individual therapy, group therapy, or family therapy may be recommended either individually or in combination, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual or family seeking treatment.

APA recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, bipolar disorder, parenting, marriage, or work-related issues. Research indicates that psychotherapy can help relieve substance abuse and eating disorder symptoms. The psychologist may also work with psychiatrists, physicians, or pediatricians to provide the treatment.

Is a clinical psychologist considered a medical doctor?

A clinical psychologist is different from a medical doctor. While they hold doctoral degrees such as a Ph.D. or a PsyD, they do not possess medical doctoral degrees like Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

Clinical psychologists primarily specialize in evaluating and treating mental and emotional disorders through psychotherapy and counseling. However, they do not engage in medical practices such as performing medical procedures or surgeries. In contrast, medical doctors employ both invasive and non-invasive surgical techniques as part of their treatment modalities to diagnose and treat a spectrum of physical illnesses. 

Who is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist?

A clinical child and adolescent psychologist focuses on providing psychological services tailored to children and adolescents within their unique social environments. 

Specialized expertise: Specialized expertise in this field necessitates a deep understanding of the primary needs of children and adolescents. Furthermore, it involves understanding how family dynamics and other social contexts influence socio-emotional adjustment, developmental psychopathology, behavioral adaptation, and the health status of the younger population.

Areas of focus: Clinical child and adolescent psychology focuses on examining, evaluating, and treating a wide range of challenges children and adolescents face. These include, but are not limited to:

• Handling psychological, cognitive, emotional, and developmental concerns and domestic issues
• Recognition of biological vulnerabilities
• Trauma and loss management
• Managing health-related problems
• Assisting with stress and coping mechanisms linked to developmental changes
• Treating disruptive behavior disorders like conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder
• Helping in the assessment and treatment of learning disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication disorders, dyslexia, and autism

Forensic assessment techniques: Clinical child and adolescent psychologists employ forensic assessment tools to evaluate various risks, including general violence, family violence, and sexual abuse. 

Mental health evaluations: These psychologists perform mental health evaluations with the goal of identifying mental illnesses and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

When should you see a psychologist?

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in four adult Americans faces mental illness in an average year. Approximately 9.5% suffer from disorders such as depression or dysthymia.  

Taking the first step to seek care can be difficult. However, if you feel helpless or notice other symptoms in response to a 'trigger,' consider consulting a professional. Common reasons include the following:

• Familial conflicts
• Marriage related problems
• Death of a loved one
• Maladjustment at work
• Worries related to sexuality 

In some cases, disorders like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or disordered eating can also be the cause. If any of these issues affect you, you can book an appointment with a clinical psychologist now. They may help you:

• In an overwhelming situation where you feel unable to make decisions
• In preventing your emotional health from deteriorating
• In deciding if your condition needs medication or another treatment 

In most cases, you can talk to a psychologist near you directly. But, in some situations, you may need a referral through state-owned psychological associations, your family doctor, or another health professional. Notably, the length and number of psychotherapy sessions differ on a case-to-case basis.

Is psychological treatment covered under health insurance?

Government health insurance plans like TRICARE or Medicare cover psychological consultation costs at different levels. The law in many states requires private health insurance providers to include a mental health benefit as a part of health policies. 

However, you may need to check with your insurance executive to learn if (and to what extent) mental health consultations and medication costs are covered. Alternatively, you can reach out to friends for advice or get in touch with a provider.

In some cases, corporate organizations also have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) — which provide counseling sessions to their employees at zero or negligible costs. In such cases, you may want to consult with your employer to learn more. 

San Diego County provides behavioral health services for uninsured people who cannot receive treatment via a primary care physician. You may avail of this service if you are with Medi-Cal or belong to a low-income/no-income household with no health insurance. In addition, you must also fulfill one or more of the following criteria:

• You suffer from a severe mental issue or an emotional disorder.
• Experience mental deterioration or dysfunction in daily life. In the case of children, normal social or psychological development is stagnant.
• The treatment proposed will prevent or mitigate a further decline in your physical health. Or, in the case of children, it will support their development.
• A condition that may not be treatable through primary physical treatment.

Different types of psychologists

There are various subspecialties in psychology. Depending on your problems, the doctor may refer you to specialist psychologists for optimum care. Some of the standard subspecialties include the following:

Cognitive and perceptual psychologists

Cognitive and perceptual psychologists study human thinking, memory, and perception. For instance, how humans produce and understand language and how the mind sees or defines reality. Cognitive and perceptual psychologists collaborate with behavioral neuroscientists to study the biological fundamentals of cognition or perception. They also work with researchers to understand cognitive bias among people suffering from depression.  

Counseling psychologists

Counseling psychologists help people identify their inner resources and strengths to cope with or manage serious adversity and daily problems. They conduct teaching, scientific research, psychotherapy, or counseling sessions with people of all ages, organizations (hospitals, schools, businesses), and families. Counseling psychologists help people understand their behaviors and how it affects their quality of life and environment.

Forensic psychologists

Forensic psychologists apply the principles of psychology for legal purposes. Their expertise is most useful in the judicial system. They can analyze the defendant's mental ability to face a trial and help the judge give the proper judgment. They can even help decide the custody of a child in divorce cases. Forensic psychologists also research eyewitness testimony and jury behavior. Some forensic psychologists may receive training in both law and psychology to serve the judicial system.

Developmental psychologists

Developmental psychologists focus on the psychological development of human beings throughout their lifespans. Earlier, they mainly focused on the formative years of human beings: childhood and adolescence. However, as life expectancy improved beyond 80 years, developmental psychologists began focusing on the behavioral, mental, and physical aspects of aging. They help older people lead an independent life as much as possible. 

Health psychologists

Health psychologists focus on how psychological, social, and biological factors affect human health and illness. They study why some patients don't follow medical advice and how some handle their mental state during an illness. It helps them develop effective ways to change poor habits and manage chronic pain in patients. They develop treatment plans to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Psychologists can help you understand and cope with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues and help you lead a good quality of life. But how do you find a trusted and qualified psychologist from endless online profiles, websites, and directories? The answer is simple: Zocdoc.

Find the right psychologist in San Diego, CA

Finding the right psychologist in San Diego, California, can be challenging, but Zocdoc offers a convenient solution. Go to the Zocdoc website, and enter your preferences, including the type of specialist you need, location, and insurance plan. Zocdoc will display a list of the best psychologists based on the search criteria, all from the comfort of your own home. You can refine your search as per the specialist's gender or spoken language. 

Before deciding upon a psychologist, you may also consider the following: 

• Is the professional licensed?
• How long have they been practicing?
• What are their areas of specialization?
• Have they had any experience in treating your issue or disorder?
• What is the payment matrix? Is it a sliding scale format or an up-front payment?
• Are they part of the network of doctors provided by your insurance carrier?
• Will their services be covered under your insurance scheme?
• Do they take video consultations?

You can compare the profiles of various licensed practitioners — complete with information regarding their specialization, testimonials, and reviews and choose accordingly. Investing in your mental health, like treating any other disease, can be expensive; therefore, Zocdoc connects you with the best matching psychologist whose services are covered under your health insurance.

All bookings are safe, secure, and free!

Mental health statistics in San Diego, California

Recent reports have shed light on the mental health outcomes in San Diego. According to one source, approximately 5% of the resident population suffers from severe mental disorders. 8% of people from low-income households in the county have experienced the same. In other words, low income seems to be a risk factor for reporting mental health issues.

Mental health concerns also have a disproportionate impact on women. According to a mental health fact sheet released by the California Department of Public Health, at least one out of five expecting and new mothers show signs of depression. The California Health Care Almanac states that 4.3% of adults face Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI). And 7.5% of children face Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED).

Based on findings from a California Health Care Almanac report, in 2019, approximately one in 26 individuals in California encountered a serious mental illness, which significantly hindered their ability to perform major life activities. Furthermore, about one in seven adults grappled with a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, constituting what is termed as any mental illness. Nearly one in 14 children experienced a serious emotional disturbance, potentially affecting their familial, educational, and social interactions.

Sources

American Psychological Association[1]

American Psychiatric Association

Illinois Psychological Association

San Diego County.gov

California Department of Public Health

John Hopkins Medicine

American Psychological Association[2]

American Psychological Association[3]

Cleveland Clinic

Healthgrades

California Health Care Almanac

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.