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

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!

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.

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.

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. 👍

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 🌈

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

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:)

Whoever you choose, make sure they training included supervised talk therapy. Don’t go to someone who hasn’t had at least six months of supervised otherapy training. Also ask if they are taking part in peer review three or four times a year..

Also, Thanks to Gdaughter, Midkid58, Rosered, Tothill, JoAnn29... thank you all 4contrib! Amazed at all of ur courage, & yes I did give up too easily, ....It was wrong of me to reject the idea of certain types of therapist, based on my one or 2 experiences. Hard 4me to trust, (but not a good excuse for living this way either).
DizzyB, thanks, I'll ask about the 'fee scale' for myself...(cuz I bet this is gonna take a while...😅). lol.

Thanks also NHWM, 4forgiving my clumsiness in expressing myself!
Also, made a call to Samaritans USA, (but I actually only texted) cuz I'm kindofa 🐔.😱.
(Will try again later...?).

Thanks DizzyB, That makes sense to me as well, (about female social workers): "they’ve usually had a LOT of practical experience with a variety of clients, and as a whole, they seem more like “regular people” to me, which I find easier to relate to. My best therapists were all women who were usually positive and energetic...".
Even tho I had one that stunk, I'll try again,... cuz I generally agree with what u said. Did send 1 email yesterday, to a SW near me...(hoping).

And thanks Beatty, just read what u said & it felt 'spot in' with what I can't express:
"my *wheels not endlessly spinning* & more *actual action* towards a better outcome". 
That's it! Cuz more deep thinking is now counterproductive 4me...got to 'giddyup', lol...(not spelled right?).
So, appears that psychologist can also be v.good fit 4some.
Thanks4sharing that.

Thank u elaine1962, I'm understanding what ur saying...very helpful, (cuz I was on the fence about whether a man or woman therapist wud be best 4me).
I've had ur same experience with one psychiatrist in N.Y. : who was only in his chair to give out a prescription, that's it.
Yes, that clarifies a few things 4me, (& one time, it even felt like this (male) therapist we had couldn't stand women at all...(it was our marriage counselor unfortunately). Boy...the people u trust are just as flawed, if not MUCH more so.😱
Thanks.

Dizzybritches I also had gone to a psychologist who a few years after I stopped going to him, he also got caught sleeping with his patient. They took his license away. He was in his 50s when that happened. He was the dipshit who made the crack about me being the favorite child that I mentioned in the other post.

I have tried different psychologists and I didn’t care for them. You spill your guts for 50 minutes and they don’t say anything except for the last 4 minutes they give you their opinion. I told one psychologist about my parents and my brother and he said to me well how does it feel to be the favorite child? I never thought that and how do you respond with that? He was a guy. I gave him 3 tries and then left. I had great advice from women LCSW. They actually have a dialogue with you!! Licensed clinical social worker it stands for. In my state you can’t even talk to a psychiatrist unless it is to get meds and then he only listens to you for a few minutes. He or she is strictly for dispensing meds and not talk therapy. But I would say the LCSW helped me tremendously!!! I went to a few in my lifetime. I am almost 58 years old now.

I went looking for a Social Worker as I wanted PRACTICAL advice & was a bit sceptical of thinking strategies. But drew a blank as hospitals SW would only see inpatients & couldn"t find private SW. My Doctor suggested Psychologist instead. I'm glad I tried this. I think of him as a kindly Uncle. He may not know exactly how to plug my family members into the correct services BUT has helped me enormously with strategies to get clearer thinking & stronger in myself, more relaxed & less stuck. This has led to my *wheels not endlessly spinning* & more *actual action* towards a better outcome. (The SW & other professionals will come onboard as required once relative has next hospital admit).