What is a Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker and what is psychotherapy?
Licensed Psychologists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers are highly trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral change. These professionals work with patients to change negative thoughts, feelings and attitudes so clients can develop healthier, more effective patterns of dealing with life’s problems. Psychologists and clinical social workers use scientifically validated procedures to help people cope more effectively.
Psychologists and Social Workers utilize psychotherapy as a means of treatment. It is a collaborative effort between an individual, couple or family and a psychologist or clinical social worker. The process of psychotherapy provides a supportive environment where clients can talk openly and confidentially about their concerns and feelings. Licensed Psychologists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers consider maintaining your confidentiality extremely important and will answer your questions regarding those rare circumstances when confidential information must be shared.
What does research show about the effectiveness of psychotherapy?
Research suggests that psychotherapy effectively decreases depression, anxiety and related symptoms. Additionally, research increasingly supports the idea that emotional health and physical disorders are often closely linked and that psychotherapy can improve a person’s overall health status and sense of well being. There is convincing evidence that people with emotional distress who have even a few sessions of psychotherapy are far better off than untreated individuals. Psychotherapy with children and adolescents is similar in effectiveness to psychotherapy with adults.
What behavioral health insurance plan do I have?
Most insurance plans have some mental health provision though there are many differences in what is included. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of psychotherapy for yourself or another person on your insurance plan, review the information on the back of your health insurance card for specific information about mental health or behavioral health benefits. There is usually a phone number for benefit information and/or preauthorization of services if it is required. Some insurance plans are more complicated than others. For example, in some instances, healthcare plans may have behavioral health insurance benefits provided by an insurance company that is different from the main insurance company identified on the front of the insurance card. If you need specific information about your plan, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Sometimes your prospective Psychologist or Social Worker can help you with this too. In the unlikely event your mental health needs are not covered by your insurance company, self-pay is always an option.
