What do Clinical psychologists do?

Psychologists are mental health care professionals who provide psychotherapy that is aimed towards reducing distress while also improving your general mental health and well-being. They also conduct assessments which is critical in evaluating a person’s mental state and functioning, determine the nature and severity of problem, and identify personal characteristics and tendencies, all of which help determine the most effective course of treatment.

Therapy is conducted in various settings such as individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, who prescribe medication and focus on symptom management. On the other hand, clinical psychologists do not prescribe medicines. They primarily use various therapies and intervention techniques that are person-centered and designed specifically to help you better understand and cope with your emotions and other difficulties.

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment for problems of a psychological nature in which a trained person deliberately establishes a professional relationship with a patient with the objective of removing, modifying or retarding existing symptoms, of mediating disturbed patterns of behavior and of promoting positive personality growth and development.

Counselling involves helping with the development of a well-functioning individual primarily by helping him/her to utilize his/her potentials to the fullest and plan his/her future in accordance with his/her abilities, interests and needs. It includes but is not limited to academic and educational counselling, vocational counselling, career counselling, health counselling, life coaching, Gender dysphoria / sex reassignment counselling, and more.

You can decide to visit a psychologist if

  • you are worried about a thought, behavior, and / or feeling?
  • you are feeling worse in the past few weeks/months?
  • you are finding it more difficult to cope with things than usual.
  • you are having trouble concentrating at work or school.
  • your friends and family are concerned about you?
  • you are thinking of suicide / death?

Do you think it would help if you talked to someone like a mental health professional? Even if you don’t think your needs justify therapy, it can help

You may think or may have heard that “psychotherapy is for ‘psychos, mad, and crazy people’ and I am not a psycho, mad or crazy”. This is a dangerous stigma that may prevent you from getting a little help during a stressful time. Mental health care is nothing to fear. Therapy can help you when you are struggling with difficulties great or small.

Psychotherapy is most effective when individuals feel comfortable with their psychologist. Choose someone you feel may be a good match for you, and you can consider in the initial two or three sessions whether you continue to believe you can work effectively with this psychologist.

The length of treatment for psychological problems will vary from one individual to another, depending upon the nature and severity of the person’s presenting difficulties, type of treatment and treatment goals. Acute difficulties usually require fewer treatment sessions than chronic conditions.

Frequency of therapy appointments depends somewhat on the approach used in treatment, but often sessions are scheduled one to two times per week. Sessions may be scheduled more frequently in an acute crisis.

All clients are seen by appointment only between Monday to Friday. Appointments are not booked on phone or in person. Appointment can be booked online by clicking on the green colored “Book an Appointment” tab. You can view the available slots and select a date and time of your convenience, after which you will be asked to fill in your details and complete the (advance) payment process.

To ensure commitment from both the Client and the Therapist.

In case of any unforeseen circumstances you can cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. No refunds will be made for any cancellations made thereafter or on missing an appointment.

We recognize, respect and maintain an individual’s rights to privacy and confidentially. However, in situations where there is a threat to self or others, the therapist is required to breach confidentiality to ensure safety and security.

The psychologist and psychiatrist engage in a collaborative treatment and for proceeding with the treatment in a parallel and right direction, the necessary information will be discussed between the psychologist and the psychiatrist as both are helping the individual in attaining the same therapeutic goal.

The duration of the first session is 1 hour 30 minutes. A detailed history is taken during the first session, which will help in developing a treatment plan and establishing rapport. You should expect to be treated with respect, open-mindedness, genuine interest and empathy.

Please click on https://www.centerformentalhealth.in/work-ethics/