Psychologists treat problems with mental health and practice psychotherapy. Services can vary from helping with severe problems to preventative measures. Psychologists generally deal with conditions including anxiety, depression, stress, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, eating disorders, bipolar disorders and family problems. There are less common conditions that psychologists deal with as well, such as schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder and phobias.
For those that can afford it, regular appointments can act as preventative measures or maintenance for mental health. However, unlike psychiatrists, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. During the first appointment, psychologists will usually listen more than they talk as they glean information about a patient’s life, personal history, medical history, and current problems a patient might be having. At the end of the first appointment, if both the patient and therapist decide they are a good match, the psychologist will often come up with a therapeutic plan and appointment schedule. If the therapist determines that prescription medication is necessary, there could also be a referral to a psychiatrist.
Psychologists can also do work beyond working just with individual patients. Psychologists often perform research as well to analyze behaviors. They can do this research on individuals or groups, and can be published for educational or clinical purposes. Methods for research can include experimental, observational, descriptive, case studies, and surveys. As with other types of human testing, there are ethical guidelines that must be followed to ensure the patients’ protection.
If a prospective patient is looking for a reputable psychologist, there are many ways to go about it. Asking friends and family for referrals or looking at reviews online are common tactics. Another is to see if there are schools nearby that could provide well regarded therapists. If a patient was looking for a Psychologist in Wichita KS, for example, they could go to the psychological clinic at the University of Kansas. The patient looking for a Psychologist in Wichita KS could contact them for either direct help with services, or for a referral. Other universities and colleges also provide community help with these types of issues, even for non-students. For those without insurance or coverage problems, these institutions can sometimes aid in providing services at a lower cost, or work with the patient to find a solution.
