Answers to Common Questions People Ask Psychologists, Therapists and Other Mental Health Professionals
If you are considering therapy, there are likely some questions that are running through your mind. What will happen in therapy? How do I know if therapy is right for me? Will my therapist judge me? These are all common questions that people ask when considering mental health treatment. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions that people ask psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals.
It's 100% Ok to Ask Your Therapist Questions Directly
First of all, I have to point out that if you're already seeing a therapist of your own it is completely ok to ask your therapist directly these questions. Their responses might differ a bit from mine and that's ok. My answers are just that-my own. But hopefully they'll give you a bit of information that may be helpful. Just know that in therapy, we aim to create a safe and open space for you to explore whatever is going on in your life. This includes any questions that you may have about the process or your therapist's approach. Asking questions shows that you are engaged in your treatment and want to get the most out of it. You should never feel like you can't ask your therapist something.
What is Therapy Like?
This is a difficult question to answer because therapy looks different for everyone. It depends on the therapist's approach, the client's needs and the therapeutic relationship. In general, therapy is a space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It is a place to learn more about yourself and how to cope with life's challenges. Therapy can be short-term or long-term. When you first start therapy, your therapist will usually develop a treatment plan with specific goals and what types of interventions (i.e. therapeutic techniques) they think they will use to help you reach those goals.
Can a Therapist Prescribe Medicine?
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No, in most cases psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals cannot prescribe medication. If you are seeking medication, you will need to see a physician or other prescriber. In general, we recommend people see a psychiatrist a psychiatric nurse practitioner for medications related to mental health concerns. Some of our clients do get basic mental health medications such as an antidepressant from their family doctor and that's ok. However, psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialized in mental health. They are able to provide a more comprehensive approach to your mental health and may be more versed in the nuances of specific types of medication for mental health concerns. Similarly, psychiatric nurse practitioners have specialized training in mental health and are able to prescribe medication under the supervision of a physician.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist, Therapist, Social Worker and Psychiatrist?
This is another question that gets asked a lot. And again, the answer can vary depending on who you ask and what state you're in. In general, psychologists have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. In addition to providing therapy, psychologists are trained to conduct research and provide psychological testing and assessment.
Additionally, therapists can be social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists or other type of mental health professional. They usually have a master's degree (MA or MS) in their field.
Can a Social Worker really provide counseling or therapy?
In short, yes. Some people are surprised to learn that Social Workers can provide therapy. Social Workers who provide therapy have a Master's degree and are trained to help people with a variety of issues including mental health. In their degree program they learn about how to diagnose and treat mental health concerns. Many Social Workers who now do clinical work such as counseling chose a track in graduate school that focused on the skills used in counseling. Additionally, social workers doing therapy and counseling will usually get a clinical license.
In Missouri, we offer two levels of licensure for social workers doing clinical work. The first is an LMSW. This means the social worker has completed their school work, taken a test (which includes questions about things like diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues) and is now under the supervision of a fully licensed clinician. In fact, our state has a lot of requirements for the clinical supervisor including that the supervisor has at least 5 years of experience as a fully licensed social worker and that they've taken a class in providing this sort of supervision. Then, a "fully licensed" social worker in Missouri is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who has met additional requirements and is now able to provide therapy without supervision.
Do Therapists Judge People?
No, therapists do not judge people. A therapist's job is to help you understand and work through whatever it is you're struggling with. In order to do that, the therapist needs to have a non-judgmental attitude.
Can a therapist see two members of the same family?
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This is a tricky question with a complicated answer. In general, it is not recommended for therapists to see two members of the same family. However, there are some circumstances where it might be ok. For example, if two siblings came in to see a therapist for different reasons and the therapist didn't think their work would overlap, it might be ok.
Or if there is a reason the two members of the family would have difficulty accessing different therapists. For example, we have a therapist at our practice who provides counseling services in Spanish. There aren't a lot of therapists in Missouri who are native Spanish speakers so there have been times where it's made sense for her to see more than one member of a family.
In other scenarios, one family member might finish therapy and down the road another member of the family may decide they want to start therapy. In that case, the original therapist would use their own professional judgment and may or may not be able to see the second family member.
In other words, there are a lot of factors that come into play. You're always welcome to ask. Just know, the therapist may want to consult with colleagues or think through the circumstances before readily agreeing to see the second family member.
Can a therapist treat someone they know?
In general, it's not a good idea for therapists to treat someone they know. There are a few reasons for this. First, it can be difficult to remain objective when treating someone you know. Second, there is a power differential when treating someone you know. Third, there is the potential for a conflict of interest. For these reasons, the code of ethics within our profession won't allow a therapist to treat someone they know.
That said, while therapists will try to avoid dual relationships (meaning the therapist has some other relationship with the client outside of being their therapist), it's not always possible to avoid. For example, sometimes in a small town someone may have to see a therapist they know a little from somewhere else just because there aren't many mental health professionals in town.
Can counseling make you feel worse?
It's possible that counseling could make you feel worse before you start to feel better. Especially if you've spent a long time avoiding emotional pain. It's important to trust the process and your therapist. Just because you feel worse or cry in a counseling session doesn't mean counseling isn't working. In fact, it might mean the opposite. It might mean you're finally starting to deal with some stuff that's been buried.
If you start to feel worse, talk to your therapist about it. They can help you understand what might be going on, discuss ways to cope right now and give you some idea what the normal process is for the kind of therapy you're participating in.
Can I go to therapy without a diagnosis?
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Yes, you can. However, it's important to know that you'll most likely have to pay out of pocket if you don't have a specific diagnosis. That's because insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to pay for therapy.
How Much is Therapy in Missouri?
The cost of therapy in both our Kansas City area and Columbia area can vary depending on several factors, including the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and the type of therapy offered. On average, therapy sessions in Kansas City, and Columbia can range from $80 to $200 per session. Some therapists may offer sliding scale fees, or accept insurance, which can help make therapy more affordable. It’s important to discuss payment options with your therapist before starting therapy to ensure that it algins with your budget and financial situation.
What other questions do you have about counseling, therapy or mental health treatment?
Let us know in the comments. We're always happy to answer questions, and if we get a few we may put together a "round two" blog post answering more questions in the future!
Counseling & Therapy at Aspire Counseling in Missouri
If you're looking for a therapist in Missouri, we hope you'll consider Aspire Counseling. We have counselors and therapists in Columbia and Kansas City/Lee's Summit who work with people in person. In addition, we offer online counseling to anyone in Missouri. As a practice, we specialize in anxiety treatment & trauma therapy with counselors who also specialize in depression, grief, life transitions, OCD, DBT, eating disorders & other concerns. To schedule a free consultation with a therapist, please call 573-328-2288.
