What do you think of psychologists?

I can't do a poll but I wanted to know how people view psychologists.

Are they viewed as therapists, researchers, scholarly wannbes, or whatnot? Just a random question for a random day.

most of my parents friends are/were either shrinks or psychologists and they are/were all complete and total head cases.

I'm sure there are good and bad examples of both but I couldn't trust my head to either.

To answer the actual question though I'd say they're closer to therapists than anything else

Think they serve a purpose for those who need someone to whom they can talk safely and freely, about anything without fear of being judged.
That alone can help some people work out problems.

Two very different schools of thought with some overlaps.

I have quite a lot of respect for the field of Psychology. There is a lot of valid and valuable research from that community. Social Psych, Developmental Psych and Neuropsych have a lot to offer.

I am leery of the field of Psychiatry because it is more Freudian and deficits based. But there has also been some valuable research from this community.

IMO, the best research is multidisciplinary.

My Uncle is a psychiatrist (MD) and my sister is a Psychologist (PhD).

i have a damn good opinion of them :)


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

(a Ph.D.) and who probably know quite a lot about their particular field. It isn't easy or quick to get a Ph.d., BTW. Beyond that, I see them mainly as therapists. Unlike psychiatrists who can prescribe medications (they are MD's with the psychiatic focus), the psychologists can only use therapy techniques to help their clients. I don't know if psychologists do research, but probably they can, esp. if they are attached to universities or colleges.

to get medications prescribed if you're in treatment.

Licensed PhD Psychologists and Licensed CSWs of course

prescribe meds. My cousin in a licensed PhD in Pa. and cannot.

social psychologists
counseling/clinical psychologists (licensed)
school psychologists (licensed)
experimental psychologists
industrial/organizational psychologists
sport/health psychologists
developmental psychologists

Some are in academia, some are in practice settings, some are in business/entertainment settings
Some are licensed by states to practice psychotherapy (counseling/clinical/school), some are not licensed

So which "kind" are you asking about?

.

They often get a bum rap from people who expect miracles. I think they do terrific work. The fact is that it is still a very new profession which is in its infancy comparatively speaking, in a very subjective field, and the failures of psychology (often pharmaceutical failures) get punted around all over the place while it's successes are usually unremarkable.

People forget that they are called in when someone is already in trouble. You don't call in a plumber when your pipes are running smooth. The psyche is more complicated and inexact than plumbing though. If the results are less than desired, the psychologist is often blamed for not being able to do more. We don't blame the physician when a cancer patient succumbs to cancer, we understand that physicians don't have all the answers. Psychologists don't always get that understanding.

They are doctors. However, there are a number of different schools of thought in psychology, and the field is not as precise as, say, heart surgery. When the patient and the doctor are able to establish trust and a rapport, they can be quite effective.

The funny thing is that many of them are personally a little crazy themselves. Many of them see other psychologists.

but I wouldn't go to see one if I felt severely depressed. I've heard family members complain about their patients often enough that I wouldn't want to risk being one of the patients who was complained about in someone else's family!

The doctor may get one to open up but it is the patient who has to do the work.

I think a lot of patients with non-physiological issues don't understand that THEY are the ones who have to do the work. People rely too much on meds these days IMHO. Handy, until you come off the meds and find you're stuck with the same problems.

Or they go to a therapist (psychologist), talk about their problems for an hour a week, and don't do anything the rest of the time. They think the weekly session is enough. It isn't.

If you're willing to help yourself, to really buckle down and work on coping skills and behavior modifications every day, and you've found a good psychologist to guide you, the results can be literally life-saving.

If I had a problem, I doubt I would go to a therapist! I don't like the idea of the sick patient/Dr. relationship. Too often people don't take responsiblity and end up in dependent relationships with their therapists, rather than developing their own coping skills.

I also agree that meds are WAY over prescribed. I've always thought that many Dr.s have big stocks in pharmaceutical companies.

I've had friends that had good experiences with therapy but it was usually group therapy, like grief groups. That's a lot different than the Dr/patient relationship. I think these types of groups could be very helpful.

It helps a patient realize they aren't alone in what they're feeling/experiencing, which is often a driving force in and of itself with depression. And of course it also provides a great support network. But at the end of the day, when the problem is non-organic, you still have to do the personal work yourself. Some people just do better knowing others who are in the same boat as they are, and there's nothing wrong with that!

Meds are a big problem. A lot of doctors/psychiatrists prescribe them right off the bat before determining the source of the trouble. Then it's all about tweaking the dosage. This is bass-ackwards. Like you suggest, it's good for them and the drug companies, but what about the patients? I've watched my brother go down this hole. No self-work and he'll probably be on Prozac -- and play the victim -- for life. Senseless.

My advice to friends has long been to shop around for a therapist. Find that rapport with someone who spends an extended amount of time delving into their trouble. A good psychotherapist won't dispense meds just to tide a person over...they'll make the patient do the work!

on the mark. Pretty amazing analysis, and the bottom line is, we have a lunatic running the country.

I haven't read the book.

, megalomania, but i think he avoids labeling him as a "sociopath". That could probably be left for the sane portion of society to figure out, and make the call. There's also quite a bit of revelation on how untreated alcoholics act out (something most of us have witnessed in people with the disorder).

This is a breakdown of the day to day activities of mental health professionals

Psychiatrists -- MD with 3-5 year residency, mostly do drug management, have some training in testing and counseling, and may do more depending on practice style and location. Also works with very sick patinets, performs elctro-shock and other medical procedures. Finally, they are very familiar with Neurology and often will do some work in this field in a small community. Bills insurance/Medicare for services.

Psychologists (APA Approved program) -- Ph.D. w/ 1 yr internship, licensed to provide diagnostic and psychotherapy services, mostly do testing. In Louisiana and New Mexico can percribe psychopharmaceuticals w/ physician supervision. Although some provide therapy, most either work with groups or perform testing. A lot of research is common, including publishing and development of tests, etc. Bills insurance/Medicare for services.

Clinical Social Worker -- Known also as BCSW and LCSW. Has a master's degree and 2 years supervised experience. Provides counseling only, with no advanced testing. Bills insurance/Medicare, usually at 75% of normal.

Psyciatric Nurse Pratitioner -- Master degree in nursing with additional training. Can perscribe drugs and often does drug maintenance management working with a psychiatrist. Depending on the state may not be able perscribe controlled substances, and may have to have a percentage of charts reviewed by a physician or have supervising physician meet with patient every so often. Billis insurance/Medicare at 85% reimbursement.

Psychologist (non-APA approved program) -- Ph.D. w/various training. The most numerous of these are educational psychologists, who may do testing for learning disabilities in school environments. Also includes industrial psychologists and others who mostly do research.

Licensed Professional Counselor -- Master degree in psychology with additional training. Does therapy, can occasionally bill insurance, but not Medicare or Medicaid due to politics with social workers. Lincesed Marrige and Family Counselors also fit into this.

Psychometrist -- Master level in psychology. Does testing under the supervision of a psychologist. Cannot work independently.