Psychiatry is the medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) with expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
In the U.S., the largest professional organization for psychiatrists is the American Psychiatric Association.
After completing four years of graduate medical school, and at-least 4 years of post-graduate psychiatric residency training, most psychiatrists take a voluntary comprehensive examination by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN) to become a "board certified" psychiatrist. This certification must be maintained throughout practice when working for the University of California. Psychiatrists are licensed to practice medicine state-by-state.
Diagnoses are based on criteria established in the American Psychiatric Association's most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) along with a comprehensive examination.
Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, like psychosocial interventions, medications, psychotherapies and other interventions, depending on the needs of each individual patient.
There are many forms of psychotherapy, or "talk therapies." All psychiatrists at SHC practice supportive psychotherapy, described as a practical method of dealing with emotional issues or life problems. Most psychiatrists are also skilled in other specialized forms of psychotherapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fighting-fear/201306/supportive-psychotherapy
Medications are prescribed by psychiatrists the same way cardiologists prescribe medications for heart problems or how oncologists treat cancer. Psychiatric medications can help correct brain chemistry imbalances that are thought to be involved with mental health conditions. The majority of psychiatric medications need to be taken every day for a period of time recommended by the psychiatrist.
For practical purposes, a psychologist who provides psychotherapy will be qualified by a non-medical graduate doctoral degree (PhD, EdD or PsyD) that takes, on average, 5-7 years to earn. Most psychologists we work with through SHIP are Clinical Psychologists (http://www.apa.org/about/division/div12.aspx; http://www.div12.org/) and Clinical Neuropsychologists (http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/neuro.aspx).
Many college psychologists are Counseling Psychologists (http://www.apa.org/about/division/div17.aspx; http://www.div17.org), and therapy may also be provided by any California licensed psychologist described within the 54 divisions.
All licensed practitioners described have completed the necessary steps required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and have earned a master’s degree (2-5 years average completion) from an accredited graduate school. Some may have doctoral degrees but practice under a master’s-level license. Many go on to develop their own style and areas of specialty beyond initial training. Differences between these licensures and credentials:Each type of mental health professional has its unique perspective and approach, but all are trained to provide psychotherapy and support for mental health issues.
LCSWs
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who practices psychotherapy is a mental health professional whose theoretical training is grounded in knowledge of social resources, human capabilities, and unconscious motivations in determining behavior directed at helping people to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive social adjustments.
In California, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) must hold a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program and complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master's experience, including 2,000 hours in clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, with 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy. Supervision must be provided by a licensed professional with at least two years of licensure. LCSWs must pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and the ASWB Clinical Examination. They must also apply to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years, including coursework in law and ethics.
LMFTs
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is a mental health professional whose theoretical training is grounded in examining interpersonal relationships to promote growth in individuals, families, and relationships which make up a healthy society. Unlike a common misconception, LMFTs provide individual care, not just marital and family therapy.
LPCCs
A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) is a mental health professional whose training is focused in individual mental health growth, unless the provider has sought extra training to treat couples and families. LPCCs use counseling and psychotherapy techniques to empower individuals to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior and make well-informed, rational decisions. (From http://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/lawsregs.pdf)
At SHC, our Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and psychiatrists collaborate to improve patients symptoms and support mental health recovery. Our LCSWs provide recovery-oriented, discrete interventions for patients
actively engaged in treatment with SHC psychiatrists. They assist SHC psychiatric patients who require or desire long-term therapy and who have access barriers. They offer psychosocial assessments, interventions, clinical case management, and linkage to long-term supports or higher levels of care as needed.
Students engaged with other campus social work staff (e.g. at the UCI Counseling Center, or Office of Campus Social Work) should typically receive support from only one social work service to avoid duplication of services.
Our Licensed Psychiatric Technicians support our clinical providers by assisting in patient greeting, patient vital signs, and after-visit patient education and supports, and other office duties.
Our dedicated Administrative Specialists help support patients throughvisit contacts and communications, new patient on-boarding, and timely scheduling of follow-up appointments to remain active in treatment, along with supporting the Psychiatry & Mental Health clinical providers.
Our patient navigators assist patients who have complex health care system navigation needs for certain conditions, and for coordination and basic linkages as part of the prescribed treatment plan.