What are the most common problems for which people seek help?
Depression and anxiety as well as relationship
problems and problems with food and other addictions top the list of emotional
problems. This answer will, in part, depend on who you ask.
What does it mean to be a psychologist?
Psychologist is a generic term that refers to a person who has trained in one of the many fields of psychology.
A psychologist is a scientist and/or clinician who studies the human mind and human behavior. For a more detailed answer visit the "What
is a ..." section of this website.
What is psychology?
There is no definition that will satisfy everyone. In general, psychology is the study of human behavior, mental processes, and how they are affected and/or affect an individuals
or group's physical state, mental state, and external environment.
Is psychology a science or really an art?
Academic psychology, experimental psychology, developmental psychology, and other areas can be considered science and are based on information that uses the scientific method. Psychotherapy, on the
other hand, often uses the scientific method but its application and the when and how of application are more art than science.
What are the major fields (specialties) of psychology?
Clinical psychology, as well as educational and school
psychology, and forensic psychology are often the most recognized fields. In addition to these there are many
other general and specialty areas. Currently the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes
13 specialty areas.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both
provide treatment to individuals with emotional problems. Psychology is both a profession and an independent scientific discipline. Psychiatry is a specialization within the field of medicine.
Typically, a psychologist will have a Master or Doctorate degree and a psychiatrist will have a Medical degree. Psychologists help people control and change their behavior as a primary method
of treating problems. Psychiatrists prescribe medication as a primary means of changing people’s behavior. Both psychologists and psychiatrists assume that complex emotional problems are likely to
be the result of both biological and psychological causes.
How do I select a psychologist?
Selecting a psychologist is similar to selecting any other professional. You should assess the psychologist's credentials, including both training and experience. Ask questions about the services that
will be provided, so you will not get something different from what you expected. If possible talk to the psychologist prior to the initial meeting to determine how comfortable you feel when interacting
with the psychologist. Finally, contact the state and national psychological associations to make sure the person is in good standing.
Who can I contact to check on a therapist's reputation?
Major organizations are theAmerican Psychological Association (APA), the Canadian
Psychological Association (CPA), the British Psychological Society (BPS), and the American Psychiatric
Association. The page Psych Associations lists every state psychological association and many national and international organizations.
How is a psychological diagnosis made?
Typically the mental health profession will conduct on or more interviews with the client and may also have the client complete psychological test(s). A diagnosis is then made
from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
How is mental illness different from a psychological problem?
The term mental illness is, historically, a medical term implying problems that may require medical treatment. The term mental illness can be used in reference to those psychological
behavioral problems such as schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, possibly bi-polar
disorder, sometimes severe depression, and occasionally severe personality disturbances.
Psychologists tend to not use the term mental illness to describe psychological problems because there is confusion about what the label really means. Some people have a false
impression that psychologists only treat mentally ill individuals, and if you just have a problem with anxiety, an addiction, or "everyday problems" you should see someone else. As a consequence,
some people may contact counselors, with much less training than a licensed psychologist, when they need help to resolve a psychological problem.
Rather than being concerned about the label, ask yourself if you have a problem that you are not able to deal with effectively. A psychologist can help you identify the thoughts,
feelings and behaviors that are creating problems in your life and can help you resolve these problems.
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
In practice, the distinction between these two terms is rather artificial. Some people try to draw the distinctions that that counseling is short term treatment and psychotherapy is
long term treatment, that counseling is for life adjustment problems, while psychotherapy is for psychiatric or psychological disorders, and that counselors are less well-trained. However, both counseling
and psychotherapy are used to help people change psychologically. Both can be effective and often the words can be used interchangeably.
While the distinctions are unimportant in applying the process to life management problems, note that many health insurance companies use a medical disease model, so insurance reimbursement
is for "psychotherapy" not "counseling."
What is psychoanalysis as opposed to psychotherapy?
Both of these therapeutic approaches, as well as several others, are explained in the section Types of treatment.
How often are therapy appointments scheduled?
It is not possible to answer this question without considering the person and the nature of the problem. There are many approaches
(or schools of) psychotherapy. The most frequently being cognitive therapy, behavior
therapy, reality therapy and psychodynamic
therapy. The frequency of psychotherapy appointments depends somewhat on the theoretical approach of the therapist and on the nature and severity of the problem. Frequency typically varies
from 1-3 sessions per week, with the average being once per week. The length of treatment sessions varies with each therapist but is usually between 30-50 minutes long.
How many treatment sessions will be needed?
The length of treatment depends upon several variable including the nature and severity of the problem, the treatment goals selected, and the approach of the therapist. A national
research study found that 50% of psychotherapy clients had made improvement within 8 sessions of therapy, and 75% showed improvement after 6 months of therapy. However, remember that improvement is not
the same as successfully completing treatment. More serious problems, including recurring chronic depression, substance abuse, personality problems,
and ongoing stress responses often require treatment for longer than 6 months.
Is the information discussed in psychotherapy confidential?
In most states communication between a psychologist and their client is protected by law, comparing it to attorney-client privilege. However, there are generally recognized exception to this confidentiality
protection. Psychologists have a "duty to warn" if they learn that a client plans to harm themselves or another person, and psychologists are also legally obligated to report child abuse.
It is important to note that if you request insurance reimbursement for psychological services (or any other health service) confidential information is communicated to the company to process the claim
and manage your account.
Why does therapy cost more than a visit to my family physician?
Part of the cost of treatment is related to the personal attention and individual treatment you receive. Sometimes at your family physician, you are seen
by a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant, instead of by the physician. When you visit your family physician for a problem, you might receive between five and fifteen minutes of one-on-one
attention from your physician during an office visit. However, psychotherapy appointments typically are for 45 to 50 minutes.
Does health insurance cover the cost of psychological treatment?
The simple answer is yes, at least in part. Health insurance plans typically cover medically necessary treatment for emotional problems. However, some plans, especially managed care plans, may narrowly
define what is “medically necessary.” Most of the time, depression, anxiety problems, and other common mental health issues are covered by health insurance. But, there are times when your insurance
company may hesitate to cover, or may limit the coverage, for mental health treatment. Also, many plans do not cover couple counseling and others avoid paying for family treatment.
What percentage of the fee is covered by insurance?
Many insurance carriers cover psychological and psychiatric treatment. After the deductible is satisfied, the insurance may pay a percentage of the fee, and you will be responsible for the balance. The
typical plan pays between 50%-80% of the UCR (usual and customary fee) and you are responsible for the balance. Note that this UCR is often less than the amount charged by the professional. In a managed
care plan, there is sometimes a deductible, but often there is no deductible; however, you must use a network provider to receive any coverage. Only treatment that is approved will be covered, and you will
be responsible for all non-authorized treatment costs. You are also responsible for a co-pay.
What is the difference between neurosis and psychosis?
The professional use of these terms has decreased significantly over the last few decades. It is now more appropriate to talk about a particular problem rather than a person being
neurotic or psychotic. In a very general sense, where a neurotic has a firm, if troubled grip on reality, the psychotic is out of touch with reality and may experience hallucinations, delusions,
and other non-reality based thinking.
What does it mean to be Board Certified in psychology.
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is one of the highly regarded professional associations.
The ABPP serves the public need by providing oversight certifying psychologists competent to deliver high quality services in various specialty areas of psychology. Board certification (awarding of a Diploma
in a specialty) assures the public that specialists designated by the ABPP have successfully completed the educational, training, and experience requirements of the specialty, including an examination designed
to assess the competencies required to provide quality services in that specialty. Currently there are 13 specialty areas of certification including Educational,
Forensic, Clinical, and School
Psychology.
What is depression, bi-polar disorder, ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia, etc?
This website, Psychologist Anywhere Anytime, has a special section, Emotional problems and Behavioral
problems, that will give you information about many of the most common mental health related behavior problems.
Who has been the most influential person in the field of psychology?
Probably the best know are Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers and B.F. Skinner, but that does not mean they have made the greatest contributions to psychology. Each of the Famous
Psychologists discussed on this website have made very significant contributions.
Where can I learn more about Dr Berger?
There are several pages on this website that will answer this question. Visit each of the links to find out About Dr Berger's background and training, Who
he helps, How he can help you, the Fees charged, and how to Contact
Dr Berger for an initial free consultation. | 
