How to choose a Therapist?

Part 1

When it comes to choosing a therapist, the first step is to decide what kind of therapist is right for you. There are a number of different professions that come under the banner of mental health professionals. The most common are psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and social workers. There are a number of aspects that differentiate these professions eg. educational pathways, practice frameworks, fees and rebates and clinical approaches. A psychiatrist, for example, is trained as a doctor and works within a medical framework and therefore prescribes and monitors medication. Psychiatrists often tend to clients with a mental illness at the more serious end of the spectrum; they diagnose mental and illness and devise a prescribed treatment plan. Psychologists are trained for a number of different applications including counselling. To access Medicare rebated sessions (limited number per year) a GP needs to write a referral as part of a mental health plan. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are thoroughly schooled in the knowledge and skills needed to provide professional clinical services. Their sessions are not Medicare rebated but many private health funds such as Bupa and Medibank Private cover a portion of the fee with the right cover. There is no need for a mental health plan, a referral or limiting the number of sessions. A social worker, like a psychologist, is trained for many types of professional applications including counselling. Those that have additional qualifications as a mental health social worker are also eligible for Medicare Rebates.The right fit between client and therapist starts with choosing the kind of therapist that might be most suited to your needs. In part 2 I will talk about the pathway to choosing a specific therapist, some important considerations when making first contact and scheduling an appointment.