Cost of psychologist visit by state

What is a psychology appointment?

A psychology appointment is a visit with a provider specializing in treating mental health. Psychologists can help with problems like depression and anxiety. During psychology appointments, you’ll be evaluated for ways to work through your problems and cope better in the future.

When should you visit a psychologist?

Psychologists can help when you have a problem impacting your mental health. You may want to see a psychologist if you experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship troubles
• Job loss
• Death of a loved one
• Stress
• Substance abuse
• Divorce
• Chronic illness

Whenever you feel you have trouble coping or feel overwhelmed, a psychologist can help.

What happens on your first visit to a psychologist?

During your initial visit with a psychologist, you’ll spend a lot of time talking. You’ll need to fill out standard office paperwork, and then you’ll meet your psychologist. Your psychologist will ask you detailed health history questions and learn about your medical and mental history. You will be asked about any family history of psychological problems. After obtaining historical information, your psychologist will begin to ask questions about your current reason for visiting. While you may not be quite ready to share everything, your psychologist needs to understand your feelings. It’s okay to tell the psychologist if you aren’t prepared to talk about certain things, and they should not push you. The psychologist may explore how your problem impacts your day-to-day life. Things like trouble sleeping and eating, or if you are having problems going to school or work. You’ll also be asked about your support system. 

It may take a few sessions for your psychologist to understand the nature of your problem thoroughly, but once they do, a treatment plan will be created to meet your needs. If the psychologist feels other problems need to be addressed, they may suggest you see a medical doctor to look for other causes of your symptoms.

What does seeing a psychologist do?

There are different types of psychotherapy, so what your psychologist does will depend on the model they follow. In some cases, you’ll spend most of your time talking to try to understand the cause of your problems. Other times your psychologist will give you assignments or tasks to practice that will help you develop coping skills. Often psychologists will combine techniques from various models, and you’ll spend time talking and trying strategies to improve your situation.

Is a psychologist or psychiatrist better for anxiety?

Whether you should see a psychologist or a psychiatrist for anxiety will depend on whether you need medication. Sometimes you may need to see both professionals. Psychologists will help talk through problems and develop skills to function more effectively. Psychiatrists prescribe medications in addition to therapy. Your psychologist may refer you to see a psychiatrist if they think you could benefit from medication to treat your condition.

Are therapist and psychologist the same thing?

Therapists and psychologists are not the same things. A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology and usually has completed a two-year internship. Psychologists are trained to study behaviors and mental processes. They diagnose and treat mental disorders. 

Therapists also treat mental health conditions; however, they hold a master’s rather than a doctoral degree. Therapists may have certificates or licenses in their specialty. Therapists provide counseling with strategies to address mental health conditions.

Both mental health professionals provide valuable services to those who desire to address their mental health and make behavioral changes.