Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Types of Treatment Providers for Anxiety

When looking for help to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), there are a variety of professional providers. Each type has a different training background, philosophy of treatment, and professional responsibilities. The following is a brief guide to help you determine who is right for you, and how you can tell the difference between providers.

Psychologist
A person must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and have a license in most states to be called a “psychologist”. They generally have the most intense training experience in delivering psychotherapy and other psychosocial interventions, and they work in a variety of settings from community mental health centers to private practice and hospitals. The main organizational body for psychologists is the American Psychological Association. Alprazolam Medication Without RX

Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician (M.D.) who completed medical school and specialized in psychopharmacology and mental disorders. They are the only practitioners on this list that prescribe medication, which is generally their focus on treatment. The main organizational body for psychiatrists is the American Psychiatric Association.



Counselor
People that have Master’s degrees (M.A. or M.S.) in counseling, family therapy, or a related field generally refer to themselves as counselors. Their training typically focuses on psychotherapy and other psychosocial interventions, and they are employed in a wide variety of settings. The main organizational body for counselors is the American Counseling Association.

Social Worker
Similar to counselors, social workers that treat GAD focus on psychotherapy during their training and have Master’s degrees (MSW). These professionals also focus on how the surrounding social and cultural systems affect individuals, and they are employed in a wide variety of settings. The main organizational body in for social workers is the National Association of Social Workers.

Others
There are a handful of other types of professionals that can provide treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but are often held to less formal training standards. Other types of therapists, coaches, and guides can provide some meaningful support, but are not often relied upon for complete treatment of GAD. You may want to read on PanicAnxietyDisorders.com

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