What is a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a professional who specializes in helping people change their behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Clinical psychologists generally have six or more years of advanced schooling in addition to a bachelor's degree. During their advanced education, they focus on how to provide therapy for people with psychological problems. They receive classroom training as well as practical experience. At the end of their doctoral program, they spend a full year providing therapy under the supervision of experienced clinicians.

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What are the differences between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a social worker, and a marriage and family therapist?

The primary differences are in the training and focus each type of professional.

A psychologist receives six or more years of training beyond a bachelor's degree. This training focuses on the psychological causes of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, how to conduct psychotherapy, and how to help people who are dealing with psychological problems. Psychologists are licensed by the state, and they do not prescribe medications. Only people with the requisite training and licensure have the legal right to call themselves psychologists.

A psychiatrist, in contrast, is a medical doctor with a specialization in the medical and physiological underpinnings of human behavior. Because of this, a psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are also licensed by the state.

A social worker is someone who has a masters degree in social work (MSW), which typically takes three years of training beyond a bachelor's degree. Social workers often, but always, look at the patient's problems in the greater context of the social entities around him or her. Social workers are also licensed by the state.

A marriage and family therapist (MFT) is someone who has a masters degree in the area of marriage and family therapy, which also typically takes three years of training beyond a bachelor's degree. MFT's are also licensed by the state.

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Ok, then what is a counselor or a therapist?

The term "counselor" or "therapist" is a title that is not associated with any particular training or background. Anyone can refer to themselves as a counselor or therapist. This can be confusing, because often times mental health professionals such as psychologists will refer to themselves as "therapists." However, remember that only people with appropriate training and licensure can refer to themselves as psychologists. Thus, if you are ever confused about someone's credentials, feel free to ask them if they are a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a social worker, a marriage and family therapist -- or none of these.

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Why should I seek out a licensed professional?

The state of California licenses professionals to ensure the safety of the public. When you see a licensed psychologist, you know that that person has a doctoral degree and has passed specific tests that examine their expertise. Furthermore, because the state has the authority to revoke licenses, you know that a licensed professional has not had severe disciplinary action brought against them.

If you want to check the standing of any particular psychologist's license, you can do so here. (Dr. Poirier's license number is PSY #18292.)

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What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction refers to the medical term by which some sexual problems are known. Although not all sexual problems can be easily categorized, there are some problems that have specific names and common symptoms. To read more about sexual dysfunction, click here.

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Can I have a sexual issue without having sexual dysfunction?

Absolutely. Many people have sexual problems or issues that are not sexual dysfunctions. For example, some couples have difficulty communicating about sex. Other people find themselves dealing with difficult feelings and thoughts surrounding past sexual assault or abuse. Yet others are worried about how their sexual behavior reflects on who they are as people. All of these issues, as well as others, can be addressed through therapy.

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The contents of this website and the links associated with it are solely informational and are not intended to provide or replace professional services.

Copyright 2007 Jennifer Poirier Ph.D. All rights reserved.