January 11, 2002, Newsletter Issue #22: Therapy Information

Tip of the Week

PSYCHIATRIST -- A person with specialized training in the science of the human mind. Holding a medical degree, this person is able to write prescriptions for medication and can make official medical diagnoses. The services of a psychiatrist are often covered by health insurance.

PSYCHOLOGIST -- A person with a university degree (Ph.D) in the field of psychology (the study of the human mind, mental states, processes or behaviour). Psychologists are not medical doctors, and do not have the authority to write prescriptions for medication. While some insurance plans will cover part or all of the costs of appointments with psychologists, the services offered by psychologists are usually not covered.

SOCIAL WORKER, THERAPIST, COUNSELOR -- Social Worker, Therapist and Counselor are titles that are used broadly for individuals who provide treatment and rehabilitation. It is important that the person seeking help asks for an explanation of the professional´s title and qualifications (i.e. their clinical training and experience with: sexual abuse, child development, psychology, offender dynamics, family dynamics, and community, legal and social system issues).

Make sure you research the credentials of all individuals you may wish to visit and become involved with. Knowing credentials, their gender (some people do not feel comfortable going to a certain gendered professional and that is definitely okay), their specialty area and any other information you feel is important is definitely worth it! By knowing this, you can gear your healing journey to what you feel you need. You can always change the professional you go to and by seeing more than one you can get different kinds of information and knowledge and help. For example, you may wish to see a psychiatrist in order to gain access to certain medications or diagnoses, and you may then wish to frequent a counsellor or therapist to work through the issues that come with being abused.

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