Do you prefer a social worker as your therapist? Or a psychologist? Help.

As I go along, & learn from u guys...I feel more confident, & able follow thru. I will (no doubt), have2 write a lot of these tips down, b4 I go. For example: 'UsedupDIL' had some great info, (& thanks for passing it along DIL:)

From what I understand a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) has a masters degree with clinical training and thus are considered psycho-therapists. They tend to be more human than psychologists. They can't prescribe medicines, but they can recommend diagnosis to a psychiatrist for the prescription of medicine.

Those who don't take the clinical route in social work can serve as school counselors who administer tests and help students find services.

One the other hand, a psychologist is someone who has a doctors degree in psychology with clinical training as well. Their doctorate is not a PhD research degree but a professional PsychD or doctor of psychology. They can't prescribe medicine for they are not an MD like a psychiatrist.

My first therapist 17 years ago was a LCSW and she retired, but she was great! My current therapist is a man whom I've seen for at least 10 years and he is a psychologist. He claims that I've been in therapy so long that I cold almost do his job. sure? that's a joke

Thanks 'NTryDYoda', this is v.good info!...
["LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) has a masters degree with clinical training and thus are considered psycho-therapists."] 
I now see how all those letters (after someone's name) ex: 'LCSW' actually can mean something 2me!
Sure, I knew what words the letters stood for...but NOT the significance behind the words... 🙌 yay Yoda.
So, much appreciated!
(&Yes everyone,... I'm not the 'brightest bulb in the bag'...but no worries). I love to learn 🌈

I tried psychologists in the past with very little positive except the one who helped me understand and get diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Fast forward 30 years, I found a counselor with a PhD in physiology. She does bio feedback and I wanted her for my teenager but she wouldn't due to kid's many issues. So she took me on. She has been accepting of my illness and helps me with ways to cope with my kid and protecting my health. I recently was deemed disabled and they put me on Medicare. Medicare won't cover counselors.
My advice to you is you may want to find someone with a specialty in something like biofeedback. Less psychoanalysis, more practical life strategies.

Social workers are to help connect people to community resources, not counselling.
Psychologists and mental health counsellors help their clients identify and find new coping strategies for mental health issues. Psychiatrists can do the same counselling but have the added training to be able to prescribe medications.

Family doctors can start helping you. Some mental health issues have physical diseases that cause the mental issues. Start with your family doctor and then have him/her help you find a good mental help practitioner.

Taarna, some Social Workers have advanced clinical training that makes them excellent therapists. Their scope of practice goes far beyond connecting people with resources. That's what the LCSW designation is.

Tell your primary care doc what’s going on and get a referral. Based on info you provide could help to get you to someone that would be a good fit for your concerns. If this one doesn’t “click” go back to the doc or do some research on candidates’ specialties. You are wise to be concerned about their qualifications and their personality. Only way to tell is to meet them. I have been seen by some - usually psychiatrists- who were whacked. It is essential that you feel a good connection and feel good about talking to the therapist. When you find the right one you will know. Best wishes on your journey to better health.

There are therapists that specialize in all things that frequently cause caregiver problems. Whether social worker, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist is not the most important factor. Remember the most important is that you can develop a trusting relationship with that person.

Perhaps a phone call screening with several? My therapist spent nearly an hour with me on the phone before I even scheduled an appointment with her, without charge. An interview of her, possibly me too?. There are even online therapist services now.

Yes, I believe in therapist. I have been seeing the same person for over 20 years. The one thing people do is; they pay someone to lie to them. In that case, don’t bother. If you can’t spill your guts and talk about those deepest darkest ugly secrets, resentments and those things that gather cobwebs in the corners of your brain, don’t go. I told my therapist (LMHC) I would not pay someone to lie to them. She gets nailed with the very worst of me. Warts and all. When I am done with everything, she kind of gets me to ‘dig deep’ and find where those feelings are coming from. She gives me ways to see things from a different perspective. But the secret to success in seeing a therapist is up to you and can you be brutally honest? My therapist is a LMHC, meaning she has a degree and license but cannot prescribe medication, which is fine with me. Therapy has helped me to become a better person, help me through the “OMG-drop dead crisis and drama” of raising a teenager, save my marriage in 2010. But I don’t hold back ANYTHING!!! I make it a point to check in with her every six months or so when things are going well, or everything is at least OK. But when things get out of hand I go to her every week, every other week, depending on what situation I am having. So, find a therapist you are comfortable with and do it!! One of the huge things I have discovered is my brother and sister think in a totally different way than I do-They think they are ‘fine’. I know what we went through and after all is said and done, you cannot be fine after all that!! They drink, they scream and yell at people. See a therapist.

Social workers are more knowledgeable regarding solutions available to you in the community or resources available through the local government. Psychologists can diagnose a mental health issue with tests but cannot prescribe medication. If I wanted someone to simply talk with, I'd choose a psychologist. If I'd needed help finding ways to change my daily life, I'd choose a social worker. Finding someone there for YOU is the most important.

Social workers are good beginning, generic individuals to work with. A geriatric social worker is geared towards the needs and usual problems of seniors with useful resources for you. Psychologists , I feel, are much better. They have more education and are trained to help you work through problems. The key always with either a psychologist or social worker is to find one that fits with you. The two of you have to "click". If you don't, it won't work. I've been with the same therapist for 4 years and can actually say , she's saved my sanity. Taught me tools, made me a stronger person. I can now encounter things without going crazy.

I prefer a PhD level psychotherapist. It is important to interview a prospective therapist to make sure the fit is good.

Are you on MediCare? It pays for a LCSW, along with your supplement. If not, health insurance pays too.
Good luck in your journey.

I happen to be a masters level therapist (LPC). While I don’t have as much training as a a Psychologist who has a Ph.D., I think experience and years in practice are pretty important. I happened to work in hospice care in a social work capacity for many years so may, for example, know more about aging issues than a Ph.D. without that type of practical experience. Ultimately, you see someone after reading their bio on places like PsychologyToday.com or GoodTherapy.org, figure out how you feel after the first few sessions, and ask lots of questions to see if it’s a good fit. And then do the work you need to do for growth and hopefully you will see improvement. Take care.

I’m an MSW, LISW-S with 30+ years of experience. I have my own practice. Myself, and many of my colleagues, have intensive post grad experience in specific therapeutic modalities that resonate with us. We take this on to supplement our academic experience. Truly, I don’t think you can say any specific degree is “better”. I agree with the people who suggest doing research- you can read bios of therapists on psychology today, or good therapy. You can put in”aging” as search word on these sites. Also, your council on aging may have recommendations. I also agree with meeting several people and seeing who you “click” with. Good luck!

I prefer therapists and Psychologists over social workers. I saw one social worker that was terrible, many years ago: Went into counseling because I was very depressed over my financial situation, She wanted me to get a payee because I was in debt. (I have had 2 payees in the past that were downright terrible) I told her that I wanted to take care of the debt on my own, not have a payee do it for me. I wanted to relearn how to be frugal and also take care of a debt, not have someone do the dirty work for me. She respected my wishes but Kept on freaking out whenever I spent money on Rent, food or medication, even after I showed her the receipt for these things. Within several months, I was able to pay off a over $2000 debt, was in the direction of being frugal again and she decided that she wasn't going to meddle in my Finances anymore. A month later, we discontinued therapy. In the future, I will go with a therapist, not a social worker. Granted a social worker can do more than a therapist does (They can help make decisions for those who are unable to make the decisions themselves, like people with developmental disabilities), but some social workers think that the decisions that they make are the decisions that are going to help you in the end. THAT is not always the case.

This is not directed to anyone who is a Social worker or a case manager who frequents this board. If you feel that I offended you, then I am sorry. I do realize that all social workers and case managers are not bad people. My Sweetheart of a SIL is one for a nursing home.

First of all, I would check with your insurer for coverage information as well as a list of in network providers. Then I would select 2 or 3 to interview over the phone to get a sense of their personality as well as their experience in regards to your needs. Based on the phone interview, I would select one. However, one thing I always suggest is that you should feel comfortable with and "click" with the therapist. If you feel uneasy or worse than when you entered the session, I would give them one more visit prior to moving on and selecting someone else. Don't feel locked in by your choice. I would also ask your primary care physician as well as friends or family who may have had therapy. I prefer psychologists over social workers. I feel like psychologists have had more extensive training. In my state, licensed psychologists have to have a PhD. A social worker with many years experience may work out. However, they should be a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) as opposed to an LSW. LCSW's have more rigorous licensing requirements.

Thanks everyone, for all the great info... Supplying 'pieces of the puzzle', 2help me search 4therapist. All this really helps "unclutter" my brain, teach me smart things to look for, & questions 2 ask. I will re-read all this, as I prepare to speak to a few, on the phone this week. (I'm so glad to respond to each of u, if I can). It took me a while today, cuz I had unfortunate bout of panic...(fatigue to follow)... &I get mad at myself, for those episodes, cuz I then struggle all day to do my chores, (or even shower). I know many of us have had panic before, & understand. I hope everyone has a great week. 👍

Tiger, there are a lot of online therapists now (cheaper than going to a land based dr.). I've considered it but haven't taken that step yet. Best wishes to you.

Hi I found a counselor brilliant. Social worker didnt even try. Physcologist i found 2 that my dr sent me to I could have read a womens self help magazine and get more out of it. I found the "right" person. Didn't let $$ be the driving force of who it was. To this day I praise her to no end.

I have a PhD in Hypnoptherapy a MA in Education and a MS in Psychology. I have been assisting people for 15 years. I think that the education a psychologist focuses more on the individual/family where the social worker also spends time on Medicaid laws, Child welfare laws, foodstamp issues, many other topics that are not relevant to therapy. Another point that I am not sure of is that I think I spent more time reviewing drugs the number of choices and the many that are used in mental healthcare compared to Social Workers.
Also online Check at Michigan State University or at one of your States major Universities and look at the Classes required for a MS in Psychology and compare it to that of a Social Worker!!! God Bless You & Good Health!

I would like to point out that Counselors who have masters degrees are also an options,as well as nurse practitioners. I was diagnosed as having ADHD, major
depression,and anxiety.I am now disabled,on social security and have issues that I need to talk with a therapist,which I do. If you are low in funds,you can explore agencies that accept a sliding scale.I wish you well.I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology .but not a psychologist. I have worked over several years as a therapist in public mental mental health centers.Good luck,drop me a note for any reason!

Dear Tiger 55, I'm beyond blessed and lucky to have a rock-star therapist (off and on for years even before my full-time caretaking gig). She was incredibly supportive and affirming that my horrible sisters were indeed horrible -- otherwise I would have been convinced how messed up I was, because that's the only communication the sibs ever relayed to me.

But also, Tiger55, THIS FORUM kept me from drowning for five years, and I continue to follow it daily or so, as I continue to work through the PTSD from those 5 years as primary caretaker with verbal assaults from 2 sibs the entire time. Maybe this forum will be enough? Regardless, maybe a social worker is more likely to have more exposure to the caretaker dynamics? I know their much more affordable, so that's a plus!

Best of everything to you. Signed, born in 1955!

Please make sure that whoever you decide to speak to is legitimate. My friends sister is a “social worker/counselor” and is an active drug user, who is “counseling” people who are unaware of her craziness!! I kid you not. So I understand your concern. It’s probably better to use someone with a college degree from an accredited University. Good luck.

My best friend is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has a PhD. Her clinical studies were done in Pysch wards and in a state psychiatric hospital. She is reviewed by her peers on a regular basis and in our state she is subject to random drug testing. If she entered treatment for alcohol or drug abuse she would have to be professionally cleared to go back into counseling.

Sometimes, you can't get a therapist on the phone. You have to set up an initial appointment and go from there. Therapists generally don't have much free time. Sometimes, you have to wait a week or two to see them. I wouldn't wait much longer than that. Some insurance providers like Blue Cross will inform you which therapists are covered under your plan in their area plus tell you if they are taking new people. I wish you the best.

Elder Therapist. Social worker for community help with elder resources. The 2 are trained differently.
Make sure what your pocketbook can handle. Your insurance copays can be high. Catholic Charities has a sliding scale. You dont have to be Catholic. Just because a therapist says elder, doesn't mean they are any good for you. A young therapist just can't "get" what we are emotionally going thru at our age, the losses, guilt, remorse, fears, grieving, etc. Check with AARP, local elder groups, etc. Don't just pick one from a list. A 35 old person just can't get us

Tiger,

I think it’s great that you aren’t giving up. So many times we feel like giving up because of past experiences not living up to par.

Therapy is hard work. I wasn’t crazy about speaking about certain past situations but it was important to do so. My therapist was wise not to allow me not to gloss over it. Addressing painful situations helped me understand who I was and who I wanted to be.

I am glad that I chose to put in the effort to help myself in therapy and I think you will benefit from it too. Many people are glad they took the time and energy to speak with a therapist. I wish you all the best.

Hi Tiger.  If you and your insurance can afford it, try a few out to get a good fit.  I did a few for social workers.  My first one was just out of school, and good at what he knew, but constrained by the clinic he was in.  I did learn assertiveness skills, got better at communicating, etc.  But later I found a woman my age with lots of experience. Pretty good. 

In between was a wonderful Psychologist, who helped the family, too.  He had a lot of experience, and was still learning new techniques.  I no longer see him because he does not take Medicare.  He's so well liked he can choose not to take it, and still have many clients. Lacking trust to try new at that time, I chose him because I had seen how well he worked with a new program in my school (I was a teacher).  He was so good with a child and her parents.

I believe that insurance companies prefer that you check out one therapist a week. If the therapist you pick, thinks that you need to see them twice a week, I experienced that at one time years ago, then he or she can justify that to the insurance people. I think this is correct.