Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who have specialized training in treating mental health issues and mood disorders with medication. Some psychiatrists may occasionally provide therapy but they primarily prescribe medication. Clinical Psychologists have Doctorate degrees (PhD or PsyD) in the study of the mind and human behavior. They have specialized training in diagnoses and treating patients through psychotherapy by listening, talking, and applying different theories (i.e.: cognitive, behavioral, attachment, psychodynamic) and evidence-based treatment modalities to help intervene and promote change. Clinical psychologists are specifically trained in researching scientific psychological studies and applying those findings to their practice with patients. Also, clinical psychologists receive specialized training in psychological assessment to assess functioning (i.e.: neurological, emotional, personality), clarify mental health diagnoses, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make treatment recommendations.
Is psychotherapy right for me?
People have many different motivations for seeking psychotherapy. Some are facing transitions or unexpected changes in their lives (i.e.: death in the family, divorce, new job, etc.), or are having difficulty managing stressful circumstances. Working with a clinical psychologist can help provide insight, encouragement, clarity, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Psychotherapy can help address many types of issues including anxiety, depression, conflict, grief, family, and general life transitions. It can also help with personal growth, stress reduction, improving the quality of relationships, and the attainment of personal or professional goals. Psychotherapy is right for anyone who is ready to meet the challenges in their lives and interested in getting the most out of their lives by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working toward making positive changes in their lives.
Do I really need psychotherapy?
You might be thinking, “I can usually handle my problems. Isn’t going to a therapist a sign of weakness?” Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Some people feel ashamed they are having difficulty coping on their own. But everyone can benefit from help and support now and then and it doesn’t mean they are weak. It’s actually the opposite – it takes self-awareness, courage and strength to ask for help and that is something to be admired. By seeking therapy, you are taking that first step toward positive change.
How can psychotherapy help me?
Participating in psychotherapy with a clinical psychologist can be very beneficial. It can provide support, improve problem-solving skills, identify strengths, and enhance coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, emotion regulation, grief, stress, and frustration. Many people also find that psychotherapy can be helpful with personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the complexities of daily life. Clinical psychologists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. It is important to understand that for psychotherapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant during and between the sessions. The benefits you obtain from psychotherapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
What is psychotherapy like?
Because every person is unique, psychotherapy will be different depending on the individual’s issues and goals. In general, you can expect to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life, the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issues/concerns, and the progress or any new insights you have gained from the previous sessions. Clinical psychologists use a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches to help you reach your goals. They also help you identify and utilize your strengths, explore emotions and relationship patterns, identify and change unhelpful behaviors or thoughts, and provide a listening ear and honest feedback. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts 45-minutes. The duration of psychotherapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your specific needs, concerns, focus, and goals.
What’s the difference between talking to a clinical psychologist or my best friend or family?
Having a support network of family and friends is extremely important and strongly encouraged. But there are some issues or concerns that you might feel uncomfortable discussing with family or friends. Or, sometimes family and friends might tell you what they think you want to hear or give you their biased opinion. And sometimes, after confiding with family or friends, you might start avoiding them (i.e.: you feel embarrassed or you don’t want to be reminded of the difficult situation/concerns). A clinical psychologist has the professional education, training, and experience to be objective, listen without judgment or expectations, and protect your confidentiality. A clinical psychologist can help you enhance your skills, consider alternate perspectives, explore and process your feelings, gain clarity, develop new insights, and create meaningful changes.
What about medication vs psychotherapy?
Medication is prescribed to treat or alleviate the severity of some psychiatric symptoms. You can discuss medication options with your medical doctor to determine what would be best for you. However, it is well established that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for managing the impact psychiatric and emotional issues have on daily functioning. While the medication treats the symptoms, psychotherapy addresses the causes of your distress and the behavior patterns that hinder your progress. In general, an integrative approach to wellness is the best way to achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being.
Is psychotherapy confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most critical components between a patient and clinical psychologist. Successful psychotherapy requires a high degree of trust with extremely sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the clinical psychologist’s office. As a requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), every clinical psychologist should provide a copy of their Notice of Privacy Practices. That notice is a broad overview of how a clinical psychologist may use or disclose your protected health information and with whom the clinical psychologist may share that information, in accordance with applicable law.
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a patient and clinical psychologist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the patient.
There are some exceptions required by law to this rule, including:
- Suspected child abuse or neglect of a minor; suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The clinical psychologist must report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
- An individual communicates an immediate threat of serious bodily harm to an identifiable victim. The clinical psychologist must notify law enforcement.
- An individual communicates a clear and substantial threat/risk of inflicting imminent serious harm on himself or herself. The clinical psychologist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, the clinical psychologist may need to inform family members, law enforcement, and/or mental health authorities.
What should I do to prepare for a psychological assessment?
There is nothing to study, learn or memorize. Dr. Novit will provide the paperwork you will need to complete and bring with you to the first appointment. The best way to prepare is by making sure you / your child/teen are well rested the night before the testing, eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the testing, and bring glasses, hearing aids, communication devices, etc. to the testing sessions. If you / your child/teen typically take medication, make sure it is taken at the regular time on testing days. Also, since hunger is distracting, it is best to be prepared with snacks and drinks in case you / your child/teen get hungry during testing.