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Frequently
Asked Questions
WHY
SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?
Clinical
Psychologists are highly trained professionals who help diagnose
and
treat
a variety of human problems. Some of these problems, such as
depression,
anxiety and relationship difficulties, are clearly psychological
in
origin.
Other problems seem more physical, but may be caused or made
worse
by
psychological factors. These include chronic pain, high blood
pressure, and
sexual
dysfunction. A third group of problems that may be helped with
psychological
interventions are health-threatening behaviors such as smoking
and
over-eating.
WHAT
SERVICES DO PSYCHOLOGISTS PROVIDE?
Psychodiagnostic
services refer to the types of assessments made by Clinical
Psychologists
for the purpose of diagnosing a psychological problem. These
assessments
involve detailed interviewing of the client and, when appropriate,
the
client's family and significant others. In addition, the client
may be given
formal,
standardized psychological tests. These services are generally
concluded
with a complete reporting of findings and recommendations to
the
client
and authorized professionals.
Psychotherapeutic
services are treatments given by Clinical Psychologists that
involve
various forms of talking therapy or psychotherapy. Clinical
Psychologists
typically conduct an assessment before getting started in
psychotherapy
to help establish the suitability of this treatment. If other
kinds
of
treatment are indicated, the appropriate referrals are made.
HOW
DO YOU FIND A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST?
Probably
the best way to find a competent Psychologist is to ask friends
and
family
members who may have had a positive experience with someone.
Secondly,
you can ask your physician or insurance carrier for the names
of
network
Psychologists in your area.
In
Connecticut, you may call the Connecticut Psychological Association
at
1-860-586-7522.
Staff will take your call and provide the names of three
Psychologists
from your area that are likely to be able to provide the kind
of
help
you are seeking. Any one of these Psychologists will in turn
assist you by
providing
names of additional health care professionals as needed.
In
addition to the search you are now doing on the internet, you
may also
search
the directory of the Yellow Pages under "Psychologists".
HOW
CAN YOU BE ASSURED YOU WILL RECEIVE COMPETENT
CARE?
All
Psychologists in the United States must be licensed by the respective
public
health
agency in the state in which they practice before they can legally
call
themselves
licensed Psychologists. In order to become licensed, candidates
must
first possess a doctoral degree in psychology, have received
supervised
post-doctoral
training, and pass a written examination. Most important, they
must
agree to abide by certain ethical principles and standards of
practice. If
you
have concerns about the services you are receiving and you are
unable to
resolve
these concerns with your Psychologist, you may contact your
state's
Psychological
Association or the American Psychological Association.
HOW
DO YOU PAY FOR THE SERVICES OF A CLINICAL
PSYCHOLOGIST?
Clinical
Psychologists may be thought of as working in either public
institutions
or
private practice. Those employed in public institutions such
as universities,
hospitals
or agencies are generally paid a salary and do not charge their
clients.
In contrast, Clinical Psychologists in private practice are
paid an hourly
rate
(a clinical hour is usually considered to be between 45-50 minutes),
and in
most
cases collect payment directly from their clients. Most often,
your medical
insurance
policy will pay most of the fee except for a specialist copayment.
When
all else fails, Psychologists will sometimes agree to either
reduce their
fee
or waive it altogether.
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