Month: November 2012

Finding a Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida?

In the quest for Finding a Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida there are several things to keep in mind.  It is important for that person to be experienced, knowledgeable and sensitive to you and your individual situation.

In Finding a Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida keep in mind how many years of experience do they have?  Do they see adults only, or also kids and adolescents on a regular basis?  Are they comfortable with those specific populations?  How often does the Psychiatrist see patients with a condition similar to the one you seek help for?  All of these serve to reassure you that the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida you choose has seen, treated and hopefully helped others with your condition.

When looking for a Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida there are some things to keep in mind, regarding knowledge.  Is the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida a foreign school graduate or a qualified medical school graduate from a US medical school?  Has any action been taken against that person from a state medical board?  Is the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida Board Certified in one specialty or more than one specialty?  Does the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida contribute to the community such as a Fellow or even a Distinguished Fellow of a Psychiatric Society?  Does the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida stay current and up to date with modern practice methods?  Does that person exchange ideas with other peers on a regular basis?  What is there local reputation when several people in the community are asked?  This is a way to gauge whether this person is respected by his/her peers and others in the community?  These are all factors that point to a knowledgeable Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida.

Equally as important is sensitivity.  What is the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida like?  This is subjective, because like with everything else psychiatrists have different personalities and you need to find someone who is a good fit with you.  Is the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida friendly, personable, and easy to talk to?  Does he or she listen to you, put you at ease and answer your questions?  Are they able to explain things to you in a comfortable way you can easily understand?  Do they spend time with you so you don’t feel rushed or are they in a hurry to see the next person?  Does the Psychiatrist in Boca Raton Florida make you feel like you are a partner in the treatment or do they tell you what you will be doing with minimal regard to your own opinions and feelings?  Is this person someone that you can trust with your most intimate and private matters? Is this person someone you could refer to a family member or friend?

Lastly, but very important to many individuals is the office atmosphere.  What is the office like? Does it feel warm and welcoming like a home, or cold and distant like a clinic? Is the staff friendly?  Is it private, so that you won’t run into anyone else, especially someone you may know?  What is the office environment and appearance like? Is it easy to schedule appointments?  Do you have to wait long to see the doctor?   All these factors must be considered in you search for the psychiatrist who is the right fit for you.

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

In considering the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist very commonly the words Psychiatrist and Psychologist are used interchangeably as if they are two words that mean the same thing, but this is not the case.  Simply put the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist is that Psychiatrists have MEDICAL training.  The main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist is that psychiatrists have gone to medical school to be a medical doctor and as such are licensed to prescribe medication.

In exploring the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist it is important to keep in mind why you are seeking professional help.  This doesn’t mean that one is better than the other as a whole, but they may be better in specific areas that you may be looking for.  So knowing the difference can be helpful depending on your situation.

So let’s take a look at the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, perform evaluations, do therapy and even do psychological testing.  Psychologist can do all of those, except prescribe medication, since doing so without going to medical school would be very dangerous.  So if you feel you may need medication see a Psychiatrist.

Another difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist is in the amount of training between them.  To become a Psychiatrist you need to complete four years of college/university, four years of medical school and a minimum of four years of a psychiatric residency.  A total of twelve years after high school.  If they are specialized, such as a Child Psychiatrist, even more training (another 2 years) is required, bringing the total training years to 14.  A psychologist can have as little as eight years total.

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist?

In considering the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist it is important to note that all Psychiatrists can be therapist, but not all therapist are Psychiatrists.

Simply put the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist is that Psychiatrists have MEDICAL training (a doctorate degree), while therapist have only a masters degree.  Many things need to be considered in the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist.  One extremely important one is that psychiatrists have gone to medical school to be a medical doctor and are licensed to prescribe medication in addition to providing therapy.

In exploring the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist it is important to keep this in mind when you are seeking professional help.  If you want someone that can provide you with complete care, medications (if needed) and therapy, you may want to see a Psychiatrist.

So let’s take a look at the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, perform evaluations, do therapy and even do psychological testing.  Therapist can only provide therapy.  So if you feel you may need medication see a Psychiatrist.

Another difference between a Psychiatrist and a Therapist is in the amount of training between them.  To become a Psychiatrist you need to complete four years of college/university, four years of medical school and a minimum of four years of a psychiatric residency.  This is a total of twelve years after high school.  If they are specialized, such as a Child Psychiatrist, even more training (another 2 years) is required, bringing the total training years to 14.  A therapist can have as little as six years total.  Four years of college/university, and then an additional two years to get a masters degree, in their chosen area of specialization.

What Should I Expect to Share in Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a type of counseling that helps family members improve communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflicts.  It can often serve as a powerful tool for both individuals and families to improve their lives and bonds between them.  For many people, family therapy can be intimidating and thought of as invasive at first, especially if they have no prior experience in therapy.  Therefore, it is important for those individuals considering family therapy as a solution to understand how they can best contribute to the process.  At Proliance Center in Boca Raton, we place a great deal of value on the process of family therapy and see it as a means to an improved family life.  Our goal is always for the family to have the most successful outcome possible.  In order to do this, we stress some of the same concepts that we teach through counseling.

The most important aspect of family therapy to ensure success is an open line of communication with your family therapist.  During an initial family therapy session, or even when scheduling your first appointment, be open and descriptive about what it is you are seeking.  A good family therapist can best treat you when they have a solid understanding of the problem.  Much of this is often discovered in the initial family therapy session.  Work with your family therapist to paint a clear and honest picture of the presenting concerns.  Also, allow each individual to share their own unique experiences as a member of the family.  With each account, your family’s story will become more detailed and accurate to your family therapist.
Another concern of those seeking family therapy is whether or not to share openly in sessions.  Honesty is a key component of the family therapy therapeutic process and although it can seem uncomfortable at first to share your thoughts and feelings with a family therapist who you have known for only a short period of time, it is the best way for the therapist to assess and address the issues at hand.  If at any time you feel uncomfortable sharing information in the family therapy setting, you can communicate this discomfort with your family therapist, who will guide you and help you decide how to address the issue.

Whatever your concerns with family therapy may be, an open line of communication with your family therapist is the most important factor to ensure you and your family’s success in treatment.  Come prepared, share openly, ask questions, and voice concerns as needed.  Not only does this give your family therapist the best and most informed picture of your needs, but it strengthens the relationship with your therapist to reach the best possible outcome.

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