Psychologists are mental health professionals who help people learn healthy ways to handle mental health challenges. They undergo years of education and training to be able to provide a range of mental health services. Here are some of the things that psychologists do:
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Evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions: Psychologists study and help treat people’s cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behaviors. One of their main goals is to evaluate and understand their clients’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They identify behavioral and emotional patterns, diagnose disorders, and make referrals.
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Provide psychotherapy: Psychologists treat mental health issues by providing counseling and psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy. They help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems.
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Conduct research: Psychologists may also do research and conduct studies in their field.
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Collaborate with other healthcare professionals: Psychologists may work with other healthcare professionals to provide treatment. For example, they might work with a family doctor or psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication.
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Specialize in different subfields: There are many areas in which a psychologist might specialize, such as clinical or forensic psychology.
Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, prisons, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. They can help people living with specific conditions, like depression or anxiety, or those who are going through a tough time in life, like grieving the loss of a loved one.