Unit 13: Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Therapists  Psychologists: Most psychologists have a Ph.D. in psychology. Many licensed psychologists (L.Psych) have an M.A. or M.Sc. in psychology.  Clinical psychologists typically work with psychological disorders.  Counselling psychologists typically work with everyday behavioural and relationship problems  There is a great deal of overlap in the clinical and counselling fields.  Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) who have specialized in psychiatry, the branch of medicine which deals with mental illness.  Psychiatrists tend to treat more severe psychological disorders than would a psychologist. As medical doctors, they are able to prescribed drug therapies.  Other Mental Health Professionals  Social workers normally have an M.S.W. (though some only have a B.S.W.) and work in a wide range of mental health capacities, including counselling.  Psychiatric nurses normally have a B.N. (though some do not have a degree) and have special training in psychology. They provide a wide range of mental health services, including counselling and both inpatient and outpatient nursing.  Other counsellors typically have a master's degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.Ed., M.S.W.) and specialize in such areas as education, drug addiction, marriage, or grief counselling.  Talented therapists are found in all these professions.