The psychologist Daniel Goldstein once stated, “I think the problem with the word ‘happiness’ is that it sounds fluffy. It sounds like something trivial that we shouldn’t be concerned with.” So many people think that seeking happiness somehow means that they’re self-absorbed or selfish. But if you want to change the world, you have to have a solid foundation of mental health and wellbeing. Individual happiness doesn’t just affect you; it can affect everyone around you for the better.
The licensed psychologists at Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL are experienced in the art of happiness. They know that it isn’t fluffy at all. In fact, it’s hard work. Happiness involves positive relationships, solid coping skills, the ability to manage adversity, and so much more. At Thriveworks, mental health providers use compassion, expertise, and exceptional insight to help clients achieve their happiness goals.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist?
Someone who is checking out the mental health field for the first time may be confused by all the different kinds of providers available. At Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL, clients can choose from a wide range of mental health professionals. Here’s a thorough guide to who these providers are:
- Psychologists. Counseling psychologists and clinical psychologists (usually holding doctorate degrees like PhDs or PsyDs) are trained in a variety of psychotherapy (talk therapy) approaches that help clients examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in-depth. Psychologists can treat people with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, though they cannot prescribe medication.
- Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who can diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health conditions that are interfering with a person’s success. Psychiatrists can prescribe psychotropic medications like antidepressants, and they are also trained in some psychotherapies.
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). PMHNPs can also treat mental health conditions with prescription medication.
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Mental health counselors provide solution-based counseling for specific problems.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). LCSWs provide therapy/counseling services and social services support.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). LMFTs provide relationship support through couples counseling and family therapy.
Some clients find that they make the best progress by seeing a psychologist for regular sessions, and seeing a psychiatrist for short medication management appointments. It just depends on the client’s individual needs. The team at Thriveworks can help match new clients to the right providers.
What Can a Psychologist Help With?
The licensed psychologists at Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL can help clients with a vast number of difficulties and life issues. They can assist with mental health conditions like the following:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mood disorders
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Specific phobias
Psychologists at Thriveworks can also support clients with non-psychiatric issues like the following:
- Life transitions
- Grief
- Burnout
- Stress
- Relationship conflicts
- Insecurity
- Attachment issues
- Behavioral problems
- Body image issues
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
A clinical psychologist uses evidence-based methods to help clients achieve their goals. At Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL, approaches include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Strength-based therapy
- Person-centered approaches
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive restructuring
- Mindfulness
- Existential therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Motivational interviewing
- Rational emotive therapy
- Humanistic/client-centered counseling
- Behavioral activation
- Lifestyle interventions
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Narrative therapy
- Affect regulation
Is a Therapist Able to Diagnose You with a Mental Illness?
The word therapist is a general term for anyone who performs psychotherapy. A licensed psychologist can be a therapist. And yes, psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. To do this they first need to give a new client a thorough assessment that might include a personal and a family medical history (many mental health disorders have genetic components). A full evaluation may also include a comprehensive discussion of symptoms like the following:
- Excessive fears and worries
- Obsessions and fixations
- Repetitive behaviors
- Mania
- Sleeping problems
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or sadness
- Problematic eating behaviors
- Panic attacks
- Addictions or substance abuse
- Attention difficulties
Meet with a Premium Psychologist at Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL
The psychologists at Thriveworks in Tallahassee, FL are able to meet with clients in-person at the modern, brick and mortar office in Tallahassee. They can also conduct online counseling sessions at the client’s convenience. Both modes of session are of equal length and quality. And Thriveworks clients can access their provider between sessions by email or phone.
Thriveworks accepts most forms of health insurance coverage and offers competitive self-pay rates. Thriveworks also recruits mental health providers from the top 4% of applicants. Together, these benefits help ensure that clients get premium care at the most affordable prices.
Call Thriveworks today and meet with a licensed psychologist as early as tomorrow. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to happiness.
