Often my first contact with a potential client is by a telephone call or email. This is a time I would like to hear about their problem and let them know if I can help or not. That is what I wish to hear. What I really hear is, “Do you take my insurance?” Insurance is a big thing but it’s not the most important thing, is it? Is it more important that I can help you with XY or Z?
The insurance triangle. It’s a lot like the Bermuda triangle. It’s easy to get lost and never return. The conversation about insurance leads us down a hole. Am I on your provider panel? Have you met your deductible (most people don’t know). What is your co-pay? Do you want to file insurance knowing that your information will not be confidential (as in for my ears only). Some parents opt to pay out-of-pocket so their children will not have a “history.” Thinking of running for public office? Will your office visit for marital problems somehow “leak” out?
Confidentiality is sacred. Counselors treat it as such. That said, everyone knows about HIPPA laws from clerks, payers, and the ones filing claims.
The Difference between Counselors and Psychiatrists. I wish people knew the difference between counselors and psychiatrists. I am a licensed professional counselor with a PHD in Psychology. I am trained to conduct psychotherapy sessions, to listen, help people heal from trauma, set and achieve goals and more.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with a specialty in the brain. They understand neurology, neurotransmitters, those “chemicals” in the brain, and the brain functioning. They are not trained in listening. So, when I get a call and the person says “I need to talk. I need a psychiatrist” I think they don’t know the difference or perhaps they actually do need both. That would not be unusual. Psychiatrists are experts in pharmacology. They know medication and the desired effect. If the client comes to me and can barely talk because they are severely depressed, I refer the client to a psychiatrist because we know an antidepressant will lift mood and make it easier for the client to talk about what is bothering him/her.
Social Work Versus Therapy / Counseling. I sometimes testify in court as an expert. Judges and lawyers can get confused about what expert does what. I remember a lawyer asking me, “Did you go to the home?” Answer: “No, I’m not a social worker.” One difference between therapists and social work is where work takes place. Social workers go to the person receiving help. It is either in an office or a place called “in the field” meaning outside the office. “In the field” can mean a client’s school or usually the client’s home. An office is usually a private place where therapist and client meet that is maintained by the therapist. Therapy is done at the therapist’s office. These days it is a virtual office.
Educational Background. I wish clients knew to ask about educational background. I don’t mean asking about passing or failing grades but whether or not I attended an accredited university and whether or not I am licensed. Becoming licensed is an arduous process. Most professionals holding themselves out to the public have made the effort to do the work and pass the test and pay dues every year. We must keep up on learning new things, comply with ethical standards, and contribute to our professional community’s support. Not all therapists are created equal.
Oh yes, one more thing. Please don’t ask your counselor their birthday, who they voted for, or their religious beliefs. We are ethically bound to our privacy. The focus of counseling is always about the client, and we are legally bound to keep it that way. So, please know that we like you and appreciate you, but we cannot share private things because it’s unethical for us.
I hope this helps unravel a little bit of what you may not learn from a referral or clinic about your options. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to me!