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Many people wonder if seeking psychological support is right for them and their child. To help answer your questions about psychological services and the therapy process, please consider the following frequently asked questions:

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is someone who has fulfilled the requirements to become registered with the governing body of their state and country to legally practice the profession of psychology.

The requirements may vary from one country to another but will include having at least six to nine years worth of training and the appropriate university degrees. In the state of Texas, a doctoral degree is required to become a licensed psychologist. A psychologist studies things like how human beings develop psychologically. They learn what is “normal”. Normal is just another word for common and simply means how people usually develop and how people usually react to various life experiences.

A lot of what people think of as “crazy” is actually a normal reaction to having been through an experience most people don’t have to go through. Psychologists learn about what is “normal” for people who have gone through such experiences too.

What is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)?

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are master’s-degreed mental health service providers, trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. The practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited to, the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, including addictive disorders; psychoeducational techniques aimed at the prevention of such disorders; consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations; and research into more effective therapeutic treatment modalities.

What is a licensed social worker?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) may provide all social work services, including clinical services such as diagnosing mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and addictive disorders, developing treatment plans, and providing psychotherapy. The Licensed Master Social Worker may provide these clinical services only under supervision of an LCSW, licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, LMFT, LPC or a physician in an agency setting.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist; or therapist and counselor?

A psychiatrist has additional training in the medical profession and is able to prescribe drugs to treat conditions such as depression, psychosis, schizophrenia and so on.

A psychologist is trained to perform assessments, administer and interpret a range of psychological tests and they are trained in the theory and practice of several types of therapies and various kinds of counseling.  They differ from psychiatrists mainly in the fact they lack the training and qualifications to prescribe drugs.  They are also often less expensive to see than a psychiatrist.

A therapist offers therapy.  They are usually trained in the theory and practice of one or more specific types of therapy.  This is a generic sort of term since people often refer to their psychologist, for example, as their therapist.  Psychologists are trained to offer therapy and sometimes use this term to describe themselves.  There are, however, some people who have no other qualifications apart from being trained in one or two particular types of therapy.

A counselor offers counseling.  They are usually trained in the theory and practice of one or two specific types of counseling.  This is, again, a generic sort of term.  There are people who have no other qualifications apart from some training in counseling. Psychologist are trained to offer counseling and sometimes use the term counselor to describe themselves as well.

How do I know if I need to seek psychological support for my child?

Sometimes it’s hard to know when children need professional help.  Some people get help when family members are not getting along.  Others seek help when they find it hard to manage or parent their children.  You might also consult a psychologist if your child:

• is having difficulties at school
• has learning difficulties
• seems to be developing differently or slower than others
• is wetting the bed beyond the usual age
• seems socially immature
• has poor eating and sleeping habits
• is overly active or has difficulty paying attention
• is aggressive and destructive or has difficulty with other children
• is lying or stealing
• seems anxious or depressed
• has difficulty with drugs or alcohol
• has an eating disorder
• is adjusting poorly to change such as a move, divorce, or separation

My child has been diagnosed with ADHD by his/her pediatrician, but I am concerned because there was no evaluation completed. They only asked me questions and did not spend any time with my child. Can you help me figure out what to do now?

Psychology Works specializes in assessing a range of childhood disorders and the practice is equipped with the most current research based measures to evaluate your child’s functioning. A comprehensive assessment involves information from various sources such as the child, parents, teachers, observations, and formal individual testing measures. After a thorough investigation has been done to determine or confirm your child’s diagnosis, specific recommendations will be given in a thorough follow-up appointment.

I don’t understand the evaluation process at my child’s school. I want my child tested, but nothing is being done. Can you help?

Providers at Psychology Works have training and experiences working in Texas public school systems and understands the testing process. Many parents are sometimes intimidated by the special education and Section 504 process at school for various reasons including legal terminology, lack of familiarity with acronyms used during meetings, misunderstanding of testing procedures, and long testing timelines. At Psychology Works, a complete evaluation can be completed that helps to point you in the right direction in getting proper services for your child.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Please refer to the section on billing and insurance.