QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. When Should You Consider Seeing a Psychologist?

2. What does a psychologist charge?

3. What is depression?

4. What is anxiety?

5. What are the different types of therapists?

6. Disclaimer

When Should You Consider Seeing a Psychologist?

The decision to see a psychologist is a very personal decision.  Many times, people choose therapy during times of stress and emotional pain, and it may also be when you want to grow and mature.

The following are issues or experiences during which you might seek therapy:

·     Stress and anxiety

·     Depression or mood swings

·     School problems or employment issues

·     Loneliness

·     Difficulties in relationships

·     Life events: marriage, divorce, death, parenthood, blended family issues, retirement, aging process, adolescence, etc.

·     Problems following traumatic events such as accidents, childhood abuse, etc.

·     Problems with domestic violence or other forms of abuse

·     Stress in the face of chronic or terminal illness or other health problems

·     Constant worries or obsessions

·     Excessive anger, frustration, or guilt with no resolution

·     Problems with drugs or alcohol

The decision to call a psychologist may be a difficult one but is viewed as a strength—not knowing the answers to all your life questions is normal.  Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, a psychologist will listen to your concerns and help you decide upon the most appropriate course of action.  Please call one of the psychologists listed in the directory to discuss this issue further.

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What does a psychologist charge?

Psychologists’ fees differ.  The range may be from $90.00 to $120.00 in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Other psychotherapists will charge different levels of fees and the fee may be dependent upon the skill level, the training, and the experience of the therapist.  It is recommended that you ask the therapist about the financial responsibilities.  By the end of the first session, you should know the financial responsibility and obligations.  Many employers provide a mental health insurance benefit, to help defray the cost of these services.  In most cases, there may a co-payment of between $10 and $35, and sometimes higher.  The psychologist may be able to help you determine if you have mental health benefits.  Please call one of the psychologists in the directory to inquire about this benefit.

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What is depression?

Depression is a clinical description for feelings of worthlessness, sadness that will not go away, lethargy, lack of interest in outside activities, etc.  Depression is very treatable and the recommended form of treatment is psychotherapy and possibly medication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a clinical description of feelings of nervousness, edginess, inability to relax and to sit quietly easily, and obsessive thinking about issues, people, and things.  The recommended form of treatment is psychotherapy and possibly medication.

 

 

 

 

 

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What are the different types of therapists?

Psychologists:  Must complete a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD), a pre-doctoral supervised internship, and one year of supervised post-doctoral experience. They must also take national and state licensing exams which may include both written and oral examinations.  Psychologists may practice many different types of psychotherapy, but many specialize in psychological testing and evaluations.  Please see the directory for names, addresses, and telephone numbers of psychologists.

Licensed Independent Social Workers: Must complete a two-year  master’s degree in social work and two years of supervised post-degree training, and pass a written examination.  They may be trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches.

Marriage and Family Therapists: Must complete at least a two-year master’s degree, two years of supervised post-degree experience, and pass a marriage and family therapist examination.  Therapists with other licenses may also be qualified to conduct marriage and family therapy.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors: Must complete a two-year master’s degree in counseling, 4500 hours of supervised post-degree counseling, and pass a written examination.  They may be trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches.

Psychiatrists:  Must complete four years of medical school (MD or DO), one year of medical internship, and three years of psychiatric residency.  Child psychiatrists must have an additional two years of training in their specialty.  All must take an examination by the end of internship to become licensed physicians.  An additional examination is required to become board-certified in Psychiatry.  Psychiatrists are specifically trained in the biomedical aspects of emotional problems and mental illness.  They have the privilege to prescribe medication.

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Disclaimer:

This website provides contact information for licensed psychologists, provides information about their specialties, and contains information for the consumer to use to evaluate information.  The psychologists supply all of the information.  Consider these listings as an Internet equivalent to the telephone “Yellow Pages” which list any psychologist requesting a listing.  Each individual listed is a member of the Cincinnati Academy of Professional Psychology.

This website is provided as a public service to assist individuals and groups seeking information about psychologists and psychological services in the Greater Cincinnati area.  A listing of this directory does not constitute an endorsement or referral recommendation to any of the listed psychologists.

Any member psychologist can request a listing in this Directory, free of charge.  We cannot verify the license of all psychologists requesting a listing, and even if that were possible, we would not be able to maintain an up-to-date record of the credentials of all of the psychologists listed in the directory. 

We recommend that consumers verify the psychologist’s license, degree, training, and experience, before beginning treatment.  Consumers may also contact the Board of Psychological Examiners in each state to determine if there have been any complaints or charges of professional misconduct against any specific psychologist.  Consumers are urged to make an informed choice/decision when selecting a psychologist for treatment or professional services.

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