Many career options are available for psychology majors such as psychiatry, counseling therapy, and obviously psychology to name a few. Because of the negative "shrink" stigmas declining, more people are becoming more open to seeing psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors and therapists at this day and age without feeling shameful, thus bringing a brighter outlook on jobs in the market.
The common question that really concerns prospective clients is "What is the difference between these professions and how will I know which one will best assist me?"
All of these professions can overlap in some ways and have many subcategories and fields within themselves.
- Psychiatrists are medical professionals that diagnose and treat mental illnesses and prescribed medications to patients.
- Psychologists can also prescribe medications and diagnose mental illnesses but they are known mainly for conducting field research studies that cater to the specific field they are affiliated with. (social/behavioral)
- Therapists are licensed and state certified professionals that treat people with mental illnesses, disorders, and disabilities with the absence of prescriptions. They treat clients through different remedial or recreational types of services.
- Counselors are often interchangeable with therapists, and their main difference depends on certain certifications,degrees, and licensures they have obtained. Counselors "counsel" and guide their clients through difficult or troubling times in their life, i.e Family and Marriage counseling.
Do you believe these careers are useful or just another gimmick to take your money?
Would you ever consider visiting one of the professionals above or would you feel too ashamed?
I like the way you posted this information that clears up the areas of what psychologist do. I would visit a counselor because they do not appear to be as "doctory" (for lack of a better word) than psychologist who proscribe medicine. I work with counselors and they work in the area of marriage and family. They appear to a little more laid back and I think that is what their clients like and what makes them more approachable.
ReplyDeleteI am a Psychology major and this is my last semester as a undergraduate at GMU. You are right that the field of psychology is a vast sea to navigate. It is often difficult for some to know exactly what they want to focus on. Most people do not even know that there is a difference between Psychiatrists and Psychotherapists. I for one, am planning to attend graduate school, hopefully GMU, and puruse a PhD in Psychotherapy. Wish me luck.
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