|
|
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
|
|
When does a person know that they need counseling or therapy?
|
| |
A person often seeks counseling
as a way of addressing the life stressors both good and bad that they
are experiencing. Some life stressors include: work, family, adolescence,
depression, anxiety, divorce, births, deaths, etc… Counseling
is used in clinical social work and with other professions as a way
to guide individuals, families, groups, and communities by such activities
as giving advice, delineating alternatives, helping articulate goals,
and providing needed information and resources. Therapy is a term
used to describe the process and activity to remedy, cure, or abate
some form of disease, disability, or problem which exists. Therapy
is often described as psychotherapy by mental health professionals
or "talking therapy". |
| |
|
| What does "psychotherapy"
involve? |
| |
Psychotherapy involves
talking with a trained professional who helps you look
at your life and your life situations in an effort to
help you understand why some of your problems occur. The
therapist will conduct a biopsychosocial assessment at
your first session to determine what forms of treatment
would best address your needs or concerns. Once this assessment
is complete, a therapist will work with you to help you
look at your attitudes, relationships and behaviors and
how they can be changed to help increase your functioning
or relieve your distress. In many cases, therapy will
focus on finding practical solutions to issues, as well
as learning new coping strategies for future problems. |
| |
|
| Who should I select
as a therapist? |
| |
Many different types of mental health professionals are referred
to as "therapists". You should realize that not all "therapists"
share the same education and training. In general, however, they
utilize the same forms of talking and/or behavior therapy as treatment
modalities. The following lists the differences among some of the
most common mental health professionals.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.'s) who have special
training in mental illnesses and emotional problems and are the
only ones who can prescribe medications for the treatment of emotional/mental
illness.
- Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they usually have
an an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology)
their approach involves the use of psychometric testing to help
develop a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan. They can not
prescribe medication.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) have a master's degree
in social work with advanced training in assessment and treatment
of mental disorders and conditions. Social workers often focus
on the individual and family relations present with the individual
in developing their treatment plan and goals. They do not do testing
or prescribe medications.
|
| |
|
| How do I select a "therapist"? |
| |
In today's society
of managed care, your mental health benefits are likely
to be separate or "carved out" of your medical
health insurance. You should check with your medical insurance
carrier regarding your "nervous and mental"
benefits and/or substance abuse benefits. These are often
separate as well. If you have a preferred provider panel,
you should request 3-4 names of clinicians to consider
for treatment. You should also inquire about pre-certification
of services to be sure you do not need a referral from
your physician. Not all insurance covers social workers
as independent clinicians. Once you select a therapist,
you should meet with them a couple of times before you
deciding if there is a good fit for you and your family. |
| |
|
| How long will I be
involved with therapy? |
| |
Generally, most problems can be
managed with a short term treatment regime of 6-12 sessions. If after
that time you do not feel you are making progress, you may decide
to try another therapist. You must remember a Therapist CAN NOT FIX
you! Only you can fix your self. A therapist is your guide or coach
in the therapeutic process. |
| |
|
| When do I know I need medication? |
| |
A trained mental health professional
will review treatment options with you which include medications,
talking and behavioral therapies. They will work with your current
physician or refer you to a physician with whom they have a working
relationship. |
| |
|
| What if I do not have health care
insurance and cannot afford private care? |
| |
Within most communities there are services which were
founded as a direct result of The Community Mental Health
Centers Act passed in 1963. These facilities were designed
to serve persons with mental illness and mental retardation
and were an effort to decrease the institutionalization
of persons suffering from mental illness and/or mental
retardation. You can often find a facility listed in
the yellow pages under mental health or counseling.
These services are now funded by state and local dollars
which change based on legislation, and the fees vary
with each facility.
In the Memphis Area, we also have two agencies which offer a sliding
scale fee schedule based on the ability to pay. Below are the names
and addresses of these facilities:
| Family Services of The Midsouth (2 locations) |
| 2430 Poplar Avenue |
2851 Stage Village Cove |
| Memphis, TN 38112 |
Bartlett, TN 38134 |
| Phone: 901-324-3637 |
Phone: 901-377-5182 |
| |
|
| The Samaritan Counseling Center |
| 35 S. Auburndale Street |
| Memphis, TN 38104 |
| Phone: 901-729-3900 |
Additional information about local support groups, social service
programs, and specialized treatment programs is also available through
The Memphis / Shelby County Public Library and Information Center
at 901-415-2700. This agency maintains a publication which you can
purchase or which is available for review at the Main Library. You
may also contact your local branch library for further assistance.
"Mental Illness Knows NO Boundaries"
Support the
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
|
