An anxiety psychologist specializes in treating anxiety disorders using therapy techniques. They differ from psychiatrists who can prescribe medication. To become a psychologist, a bachelor’s and master’s degree is required, followed by a PhD or Psy.D and licensing in the state.
An anxiety psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders, which include but are not limited to panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias. Although “anxiety psychologist” is not a frequently used term, many general psychologists have experience in treating a variety of psychological problems related to anxiety. However, remember that a psychologist differs in some important ways from a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating mental illness, usually with an underlying biological or medical cause. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to patients. A psychologist, by contrast, is not a doctor and cannot prescribe medication, but uses individual or group therapy, counseling, and behavior modification techniques to treat patients. While this is clearly an oversimplification of the two fields, it is helpful to remember these differences when seeking treatment. In general, a consultation with a psychiatrist will require a referral from a general practitioner, whereas a psychologist will not.
An anxiety psychologist will likely see a number of patients on any given day. He or she may work in groups with other psychologists, own their own practice, or work in another setting such as a school, hospital, or rehabilitation center. In the first meeting with a patient, an anxiety psychologist will discuss the reasons for the visit and what the patient hopes to gain from a visit to a psychologist, ask some specific questions and may administer some psychological tests.
There are several reasons to visit an anxiety psychologist, but the most important one is obviously when anxiety starts to become overwhelming and interferes with everyday life. While anxiety as a reaction to stress is a normal part of life, it can become debilitating, and that’s when it’s time to seek help. An anxiety psychologist will offer specific therapy techniques, unique to your situation, to help you learn to cope with anxiety and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
To become a psychologist, it is necessary to have a bachelor’s and master’s degree. From there, some opt for a PhD. or a Psy.D. These degrees lead to different careers depending on your interests and should be carefully researched. Finally, to work as a practicing psychologist, it is necessary to become licensed in your state. A career in psychology is lucrative and rewarding, and chances are you won’t have too much trouble finding a job after graduation.
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