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Mental Health Professionals In Florida Provide Essential Services To Patients

By Marla Mills


Mental health professionals in Florida provide valuable services to certain individuals. People who have never needed the services of such a practitioner before may have questions about how best to locate a professional who suits their individual needs. Because the selection process overwhelms certain individuals, the following steps should be taken by those who are searching for such a doctor for the first time:

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 practitioners who work in the field of mental health diagnosis and treat numerous conditions. However, therapists and counselors may be state licensed or certified, while psychiatrists and psychologists must earn a Master's degree in order to practice. This is another good reason one should give thought to the kind of disorder for which he or she is seeking treatment. For example, those with serious illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist, while those suffering from posttraumatic stress syndrome or other emotional issues may find that a licensed therapist or counselor will offer appropriate services.

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.

A marriage therapist or family counselor is the best choice for those with domestic or marital problems. Professionals of this type do not usually give advice. Instead, they assist their patients to talk about their problems without becoming overly emotional, angry, or resentful, and thus sabotaging their own treatment.

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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