Mental Health Professionals In Florida Offer Important Services To The Public

By Marla Mills


Certain individuals receive necessary help from mental health professionals in Florida. Those who have never required such assistance before often have numerous questions concerning the best ways to find a practitioner to suit their specific needs. Due to the fact that the selection process is somewhat overwhelming for certain patients, the tips outlined below should be followed by individuals looking for such a practitioner 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.

The majority of mental health professionals treat and diagnose numerous disorders. However, psychiatrist and psychologists require a Master's degree in a related field, while state certification is typically all that is required for therapists and counselors to practice. This is another reason why considering one's disorder is an essential part of choosing a practitioner. For instance, someone who has a serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia is best served by a psychiatrist. On the other hand, someone with emotional problems or post-traumatic stress syndrome may discover that the services of a licensed counselor or therapist are adequate.

Even though numerous practitioners in the mental health field offer assistance to patients suffering from various conditions, a specialist may be needed in certain cases. For example, a behavioral therapist will likely be the best choice for someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Those suffering from unexplained pain for which no medical reason exists may be best served by a psychologist. Those who have a history of abuse may discover that speaking to a counselor is the most advantageous course of action.

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.

Deciding whether medication, counseling, or both are necessary is also important. This is because not all professionals have a license to prescribe drugs. For this reason, it is typically a good idea for one to first talk things over with a family doctor to receive guidance concerning the kind of care 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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