What is a Psychologist?

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Because this topic is broad, the field of psychology includes dozens of subfields such as clinical, social, neuro-, school, developmental, and forensic psychology. Psychologists conduct research on these topics and apply research findings to improve human functioning.

What is a Licensed Psychologist?

Psychologists who provide services to the public must hold a valid professional license. Most licensed psychologists are mental health professionals who provide evaluation/assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic services to people with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and relationship problems. Licensed psychologists use a variety of approaches to help individuals, couples, families, and groups better understand and cope with mental illness, stresses, and complex life experiences. A small percentage of licensed psychologists work in human performance within business, organizational, and athletic settings. Many licensed psychologists also provide consultation, training, and supervision. The status of a psychologist’s license can be verified on the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists website.

What Type of Training Does a Psychologist Have?

After earning an undergraduate degree, psychologists attend graduate school and complete a doctoral degree. This degree includes 5–6 years of advanced coursework and closely supervised training. This training includes approximately 800 hours of direct contact with clients while in graduate school and a one-year, 2000-hour internship near the end of completing the degree. To be licensed in Georgia, a psychologist must also complete an additional 1500 hours of supervised training after completing their doctoral degree and pass four exams. To maintain licensure, Georgia psychologists must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years. Many psychologists pursue additional specialized training throughout their careers to maintain ethical and professional commitments to best practices.

What are the Different Degrees that Psychologists Earn?

Psychologists in Georgia must earn a doctoral degree. The most common are the Ph.D., Psy.D., and Ed.D. The Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees train psychologists to both conduct research and provide services to clients. The Psy.D. degree primarily prepares psychologists to provide services to clients while also being skilled consumers of current research.

What Kind of Services Would I Receive From a Licensed Psychologist?

Psychologists use diverse methods and techniques. In your first meetings with a psychologist, they often will use an initial interview and some brief tests (e.g., rating scales) to help determine the best approach. In some situations, a full evaluation or assessment may be needed to answer more complex questions. Such evaluations are sometimes called psychological testing, which can include psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations. In terms of treatment services, most psychologists can provide talk therapy, such as psychotherapy or counseling. There are different forms of therapy that are used based on best practice research and a psychologist’s specialized training. Some of these interventions include behavior modification, biofeedback, play therapy, and therapy delivered to groups, including couples and families. Psychologists strive to utilize techniques that have positive outcomes and are supported by research.

How Long Does Psychological Treatment Usually Take?

The length of treatment varies. Although clients often experience improvement shortly after starting treatment, many benefit from longer-term treatment that helps them more fully understand their problems and develop skills for managing their symptoms and lives. The duration of treatment should be discussed with your psychologist after the initial evaluation procedures are completed.

What if I Need Medication?

Although specially trained psychologists can prescribe medication in some states, psychologists in Georgia are not permitted to do so. If you and your psychologist decide that medication may be beneficial in managing your symptoms, your psychologist would refer you to a licensed, prescribing provider, such as a pediatrician, primary care provider, psychiatrist, physician’s assistant, psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner. In these situations, psychologists coordinate care within a biopsychosocial-cultural framework.

Will My Health Insurance Cover the Costs?

Mental health services provided by a licensed psychologist are often covered by insurance. To determine the extent of your insurance benefits, read the terms of your policy or call your public or private insurance provider. Be sure to get the answers to key questions such as (a) whether preauthorization is required, (b) what diagnoses and services are covered, (c) if there are limits on the number of sessions, (d) if there is a deducible, (e) if there are copays, (f) how the coverage works for in- and out-of-network psychologists, and (g) whether telehealth services are covered. Some psychologists do not accept insurance but can provide you with detailed billing statements that you may use to file an insurance claim or use with flexible spending accounts.

Will My Personal Information Be Kept Confidential?

Georgia law (§ 24-5-501) states that the communications between a licensed psychologist and patient are privileged. This means that as the legal patient, information you share with your psychologist cannot be shared with anyone else without your permission. There are exceptions to this in certain situations, which your psychologist should inform you about when you begin receiving services.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Other Mental Health Professionals?

• In addition to psychologists, there are four other licensed mental health professionals in Georgia. These five groups of professionals have much in common. All of them have knowledge about mental health and treatment, and often they work together to coordinate care. There are some services (e.g., therapy) that all licensed mental health professionals can provide with appropriate training. Despite their similarity, there are general differences to consider in how these professionals are trained that may affect the kinds of services provided.
• Psychiatrists are physicians (i.e., an M.D. or O.D. degree) with a focus on the medical treatment of mental disorders, including diagnosis and the use of medication to relieve and manage symptoms. 
• Professional counselors earn at least a master’s degree in an area of counseling (e.g., mental health, career) and tend to focus on providing treatment services that emphasize clients overcoming problems and accomplishing specific goals. 
• Marriage and family therapists earn at least a master’s degree in this area of study and tend to focus on providing therapy within the context of a family or relational system. 
• Clinical social workers earn at least a master’s degree in this area of study and tend to focus on providing services that address mental health issues, often with an emphasis on understanding the client in their social/situational context. 
  
  When choosing a mental health professional, it is most important that you find a licensed professional, who is qualified to help you with your specific problems, and with whom you feel comfortable.
  

How Would I Find a Psychologist? 

One option is to use the Georgia Psychological Association’s referral service and click on “Find a Psychologist,” where you can search based on several criteria. Your insurance provider can also assist in locating a psychologist who accepts your insurance. Visit the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for information about accessing public mental health services, including licensed psychologists. Psychologists also serve within the Department of Veterans Affairs by providing services to those individuals who have served. There are additional low-cost psychological services provided by several psychology training clinics across the state, such as Georgia State Psychology Clinic, Emory University Psychological Center, and the Georgia Southern Psychology Clinic.

What If I Think I Am Not Receiving Proper Treatment? 

If you feel safe doing so, then speaking directly with your psychologist about your concerns is recommended as a first step. If you believe your psychologist has been unprofessional or unethical in their interactions with you, then contact the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Their website contains information about the rules that licensed psychologists must follow, including ethical standards, and instructions for how to file a complaint.