[x123]

I've started calling some names listed by my insurance company.

I just called a clinic that has only licensed professional counselors. My insurance listed some psychologists at that clinic, but they apparently have left the clinic (fired, quit, ..)?

I don't have serious problems, but a few years ago I had a psychotic episode. I didn't think I was having serious problems before that happened either. The last few weeks I've started waking up from audio hallucinations, so I am a little bit concerned about another psychotic episode. But mostly I have depression and brain fog.

My other option is the state university hospital, but it is nearly impossible to even talk to a human being on the phone. They treat you like a hot dog on a conveyor belt at the hot dog factory.

I don't know what is wrong with me psychologically. I think it is a lot of little things that have turned into big things because I have ignored them all my life.

What do you guys think about "licensed professional counselors"?

[ThisWayOut]

It depends where you are, but LPC's are generally masters-level clinicians, while psychologists are PhD or PsyD's. I have worked with both MA-level clinicians and Doctorate-level clinicians. Some at each level were great, and some sucked. Neither can prescribe at this time in the US...
I would concentrate more on the connecction with the person and their comfort-level in dealing with your issues than their degree.

[elaygee]

Connection/chemistry is better than a degree typically.
Unless you need a certain service that only a PhD can provide.

[x123]

Thanks, I looked closer at the clinic, and it seems to be a county non-profit to help with relationships in families.

I tried the state university hospital. After going through all the automatic prompts and getting disconnected once, I finally reached a person who told me I need a referral from my regular doctor.

I remember this last time that I tried to get psychotherapy. They make it very hard to get treatment for some reason.

[ThisWayOut]

sadly, yes, it can be very difficult. I would suggest calling hte clinic also and speaking to a live person. It may be that they specialize in family therapy but also offer individual.

Also, can you keep looking through your insurance to find a provider? If they cover private practice clinicians, that may be a better choice than the community clinics (less hassel to get in to see someone, though they may also have a waiting list). I know when I was going through insurance, I had to call a good 40+ clinicians only to get a single call-back. Now that I don;t have any real insurance, I have to go through community clinics that have sliding scales or are grant-funded. They can have horrid waiting lists. I did find a few local options though. Some parts of the country are just really difficult areas to secure services.

I hope you can find someone.

[Lauliza]

Yes LPCs (or LMHCs in some states) are Masters level clinicians and are just as qualified to treat you in therapy as a psychologist. So is a social worker (LICSW). A psychologist is only required if you need specialized psychological testing. If you need medication then a psychiatrist or psych Nurse Practitioner will be necessary.

What Lauliza said. It depends on what kind of service you're looking for.

If it's counseling, a licensed mental health counselor is just as good as a psychologist--it's not the degree but the therapist's experience, therapeutic approach and "fit" with the individual.

If it's medication, then a psychiatrist. But even if you do that, it would be worth also having a counselor because psychiatrists are usually ***hats and it's nice to have a human to talk to.

[x123]

Thanks, everybody. My town is low income and the medical school/hospital drives-out private competition. I went through the entire list of psychologists and psychiatrists and there was exactly ONE private psychologist (for our town of 50,000 people). Everybody else either works for the medical school or some government subsidized service like drug rehab or family counseling.

O.k. enough complaining. At least I feel pretty good right now. Actually I don't even feel like I need psychotherapy, but I know that won't last forever.

[x123]

To clarify, I don't mind going to a government therapist, but my problems are so small that I think they will not want to waste time helping me. That's my worry. I'm not addicted to drugs, harming myself, harming others. I just have little problems.

[Petra5ed]

I see an LPC and think he's great. I've seen PHD psychologists before and honestly like my LPC better. IMHO experience is better than education level when it comes to therapists, I recommend finding someone with 2+ decades of experience if possible.

[ECHOES]

My LMHC is a psychoanalyst, which is what I wanted. Best therapist I've ever had!
I also do not use my insurance, which makes things much easier.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by x123

To clarify, I don't mind going to a government therapist, but my problems are so small that I think they will not want to waste time helping me. That's my worry. I'm not addicted to drugs, harming myself, harming others. I just have little problems.

If you occasionally have psychotic breaks and are worried because you are having auditory hallucinations at the moment, I would not call that "small" or not worth someone's help/time, etc. Do you have a regular, primary care doctor? I'd go get a full physical checkup and see what options you could come up with together, get support of that sort behind you and ability to give referrals, etc.?

[x123]

Thanks, everybody. I just left a message with the one non-government clinical psychologist. I will see what happens. Coincidentally my insurance company called this morning, and twisted my arm to schedule a free wellness exam at a medical doctor next week. I'm depressed again, so it is hard to be enthusiastic unfortunately.

[WrkNPrgress]

The Ph.D. is no guarantee for any better treatment. Just find someone you feel good with. Be open minded and trust your own judgement.

For what's it's worth I have three friends who are Ph.D. in psychology fields. Two of them practice and one teaches. The teacher knows she hasn't got the gumption for practice but she's a great teacher. Of the two that practice, one of them, I'm pretty sure would be an awful therapist. I've heard his stories from the other side and he's a bit of a mess personally speaking and has hella countertransference issues. For a while he was too arrogant to even see a therapist himself. I'm surprised that he's able keep any clients.
The other friend is a wonderful & compassionate woman who I'm sure does a good job. They're both all about "the studies show..." but they have different approaches and personalities.

Personally, I see an LPC and she's perfect for me. Sometimes I sense that she has a certain tool box that she's comfortable with but when her tools are lacking, I lend my own and together we figure out whats works for me. I don't know if I would have that kind of relationship with a more 'scholarly' therapist.

[Lauliza]

I don't see why your resistant to seeing a licensed counselor, especially when there is such a shortage. There is a mutual respect among psychologists and masters level therapists and have never heard someone who's actually in the field make any kind of judgement about which is "better". Usually that comes from people unfamiliar with the field who are lured by the title. I would be careful of that because although you may find someone good, you might miss out on someone better. Relying too heavily on a title is akin to preferring an Ivy League T over one from a state university. It looks nice on paper and is a status symbol, but has little to do with actual quality.

[x123]

Thanks I have an appointment for Thursday. The person I called no longer accepted insurance, but she referred me to somebody. I believe the person I'm seeing is a LPC. She sounded nice on the phone.