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When should I consider seeing a psychologist?
Many people experience one or more of the following problems: sadness, panic, stress, job conflicts, marital difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, and trouble with acting out adolescents. These are only a few of the anxieties and stresses of everyday life that can overwhelm you to the point that your life, your work, or your happiness is seriously impacted. When any of these situations occur, this is the time that you should consider talking to a psychologist, who is someone that can help.
How can psychology help?
Psychotherapy has demonstrated results in treating a variey of problems. For example, nine out of ten Americans surveyed by Consumer Reports said that therapy helped them. In another major national study, half the patients studied were making improvement after eight sessions of therapy, three-quarters after six months of therapy. Through a scientific base of knowledge, psychologists have contributed to understanding human behavior and alleviating pain and suffering.
What do psychologists do?
Psychologists are specially trained mental health specialists. Psychologists licensed to practice in the state of California have degrees in the following: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). In California, psychologists spend an average of 7.2 years on their doctoral degrees in addition to their undergraduate education. A year of supervised post-doctoral psychological training is required before taking a national written proficiency test and a state-administered oral exam to acquire a license to practice as a psychologist in the state. Psychologists are further required to take continuing education courses each year to keep their licenses current.
Psychologists conduct research, perform testing, and evaluate and treat a full range of emotional and psychological challenges. They admit, diagnose, and coordinate the care of their patients in both outpatient and hospital settings. In addition, psychologists may teach at the college and university level, consult with business and industry, and provide expert testimony to our judicial system. Among the many services that psychologists offer to the public, psychologists conduct individual and group therapy with adults, adolescents, and children. Psychologists specialize in many fields, for example, working with geriatric patients, those with chronic pain, and children/adults with attention deficit disorders.
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