| Dr.
Weston
Dr. Melfi
Dr. Crain |
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Psychologists
are mental health professionals who hold a doctorate (Ph.D. or
Psy.D.) Their training and education includes graduate study
for at least six years in human
behavior, therapeutic treatment of emotional problems,
theories
of personality, psychological test construction and
administration, experimental research, statistical analysis
of
data, as well as a clinical internship. Clinical
psychologists
have the most rigorous graduate training in
theories and
techniques of psychotherapy. Among mental health
professionals, only psychologists can administer and report the results
of
psychological tests.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.s) whose training and education includes medical school and at least four additional years of clinical training. Because of their medical training, psychiatrists bring to their practice an understanding of medical as well as emotional issues. Psychiatrists generally possess an in-depth knowledge of medication, its effects and limitations as a treatment modality. Among mental health professionals, only psychiatrists evaluate patients for a specific medication and only they can prescribe drugs. The term "psychotherapist" refers only to that fact that one is engaged in the practice of psychotherapy. It does not refer to any particular educational discipline, training, or license and, in fact, anyone can call themselves a therapist. Both psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders. The therapist you select should hold a professional degree in a particular field of mental health and be licensed in the state of practice.
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