Mental Health Professionals In Florida Offer Important Services To The Public

By Marla Mills


Valuable services are provided by mental health professionals in Florida. Many individuals, however, may have many questions about how to find an appropriate therapist or practitioner, particularly if they have never required such services in the past. Below are some tips that will help make the selection process less overwhelming for certain patients, especially those who are scheduling a first-time appointment.

Prior to selecting a practitioner one should consider why he or she is seeking services of this type. This is because the mental health field employs a broad range of professionals, including counselors, licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers. A professional that may be perfect for one individual may not be the best choice for another.

All mental health practitioners diagnose and treat various conditions. However, psychologists and psychiatrists must have a Master's degree in a related discipline, while counselors or therapists may simply hold state certification. This is another reason why it is important to consider the type of disorder for which one is seeking help. For example, someone with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder will be best served by a psychiatrist, while a person with posttraumatic stress syndrome or emotional problems may find the services of a therapist or licensed counselor adequate.

Even though numerous professionals in the field of mental health offer treatment for a broad range of disorders, in certain cases the services of a specialist are required. For example, those with obsessive-compulsive disorder may find that a behavioral therapist offers the best help. Someone who is suffering from phantom pain that cannot be diagnosed by a medical doctor may need the help of a psychologist. Those with a background of abuse may discover that counseling provided by a therapist is the best option.

Those who have marital or family problems should consider speaking to a family therapist or marriage counselor. Such individuals do not typically offer advice. Rather, they are trained to help individuals to work out their differences without becoming sidetracked by resentful or angry emotions.

Services of this type are generally provided on an outpatient basis. In some instances, however, an individual may need intensive treatment and thus require hospitalization. Individuals who fall into this category include those who are suicidal, or people suffering from severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia.

It is also essential to determine whether talk therapy, drugs, or both are necessary. This is because some practitioners can write prescriptions, while others do not have a license to do so. It is often helpful for prospective patients to speak to their family doctor first to acquire guidance with regard to the kind of treatment that is required.

It is also important to speak to a representative at one's medical insurance company to find out if such care is covered, and if so, if the patient will be responsible for co-pay. Most insurance companies offer lists of in-network practitioners to their clients in order to ensure that the patient's cost will be minimal. In certain instances, Medicare or Medicaid may pay for an person's treatment. Those who feel they may benefit from the services of mental health professionals in Florida should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.




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