When thinking about therapy, most people think of individual therapy. Making the decision to enter into individual therapy is important, and being an educated consumer can help you to feel confident that you are making a decision that will work for you. Please take the time to read over the staff bios to decide which person's work seems to fit most with your perspective and needs. While noting their areas of special interest might be a good starting place, also consider the reactions that you have as you read. The person that you feel drawn to might be a better fit. Before scheduling your first appointment, you will be given the opportunity for a free 15 minute phone consultation with a clinician to ask questions about treatment. At the first appointment, pay close attention to how you feel before, during, and after your session. We welcome the feedback and communication at all times.
Sometimes the terminology for mental health practitioners can be confusing. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are searching for someone to see.
Sometimes the terminology for mental health practitioners can be confusing. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are searching for someone to see.
- A Licensed Psychologist in the state of Kansas means that the person has completed a doctoral level degree from an accredited university. The person with a license has completed the appropriate clinical hours with supervision through their doctoral training and even after they earned their degree (one year of supervised experience after earning the degree is required). Psychologists are trained in therapy and are not qualified to prescribe medicine in the state of Kansas.
- A Psychiatrist is trained in medical school and became a physician before specializing in psychiatry. Their principle form of intervention for mental illness is medication, though some provide therapy as well.
At Manhattan Mental Health Services, we are psychologists. There are times when we refer clients to psychiatrists and other prescribing professionals for the purposes of medication. When this happens, the client is asked to fill out a release of information for the coordination of care. It is helpful for the prescribing professional to know someone is also meeting regularly with a treatment provider as we typically have more regular visits.
