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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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» How can I be certain or the confidentiality of my visit?
Confidentiality in clinical psychology is not a matter of trusting that one can keep a secret, but rather one of the most central aspects of clinical practice. Thus, rules around confidentiality are explicit in the psychologists' code of ethics. Clients' files and all related information are kept at our office in a locked metal cabinet and a locked, separate file room. Computer files are password - protected. The psychologist is not permitted to discuss the client's visit with any other individual without written consent from the client. She is not permitted to reveal her professional identity over the phone without client permission, or to acknowledge acquaintance with the client in any setting besides the office. Further, patient appointments are made with a minimum of a 15' interval between appointments in order to secure as little interaction with others during the client's visit as possible.
» What is the most appropriate time to visit a psychologist?
If you have been referred by your attending physician, then it is most likely that he or she judges that you will benefit from these services. Otherwise, if you are wondering whether you are in need of services while reading this information on your own initiative, or others have suggested that you pursue psychological services, it is most likely that now is a good time to contact us for further information. It is more common for individuals in need of services to be hesitant to pursue such services than vice versa. People often pursue psychological services when they are (a) experiencing emotions, thoughts, behaviors, or have memories that interfere with their ability to enjoy life at its fullest or even function on a daily basis, (b) going through a critical phase of their life (e.g. a divorce, or loss), or (c) are facing an important life decision and feel at a loss regarding the direction they should take.
» How many visits will be required before I notice a difference?
The number of visits varies significantly ranging from a couple sessions to weekly visits for over a year, depending on the severity of the problem. For example, individuals who have been the victims of long-term violence will need more sessions than individuals going through a smoking cessation program. Counseling usually requires a minimum of 2-3 sessions. In the case of psychotherapy however, research suggest that the average number of sessions in order to see results ranges from 20 to 45. In most cased, the psychologist, given her experience, can provide an approximate estimate on the number of sessions required in order for the client to reach his/her goals. Estimates of the number of required sessions however should always be shared with caution, and decisions regarding the duration of the psychotherapeutic process should be made in collaboration with the client.
» Can serious mental health problems like severe depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder be cured? What can a psychologist offer people with such diagnoses?
It is important to overcome the myth that receiving a diagnosis for a psychotic or severe mood disorder equals a death penalty for the individual in terms of occupation or interpersonal relationships. Individuals with such mental health disorders, regardless of severity, can live with their diagnosis in the same way they would live with a chronic illness. However, there is always an adjustment period during which the individuals become familiar with the processes of their illness, try various treatments in order to decide which is most suitable for them, and learn to recognize signs of oncoming exacerbations. Recently in the U.S., a large emphasis is placed on the process of "recovery," a model of thought that suggests that with sufficient support from family and peers, appropriate treatment, and physician-patient collaboration, individuals with serious mental health diagnoses can function within society on both an occupation and interpersonal level.
» What are the necessary qualifications of a psychologist?
In Greece, although psychologists have formed professional organizations, there is no official psychology association or board that certifies a minimum level of qualifications for practice, or is responsible for revoking one's license in case of malpractice. The Greek professional license with which one can practice psychology in any field, including clinical psychology, is granted to all individuals who have graduated from a psychology program with a bachelor's degree, a criterion that is extremely low given the limited knowledge and complete lack of clinical experience offered at that level. This would be equivalent to a physician practicing after medical school, without having completed a residency. Clinical psychologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial difficulties or psychological disorders. "Their work can range from prevention and early intervention of minor problems of adjustment to dealing with the adjustment and maladjustment of individuals whose disturbance requires then to be institutionalized." (http://www.div12.org/about-clinical-psychology)
To attempt a comparison, requirements to become a licensed psychologist in the U.S. (http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3391) include receiving a Ph.D. from an APA-accredited clinical or counseling psychology program (including a 12-month clinical internship), a 1-year clinical post doc with a minimum number of supervised clinical experience (the exact number of hours required varies from one State to another), and successful performance on a licensing exam: a total of at least 10 years of education and training. Further, psychologists are required to gather a certain number of continuous education credits each year in order to maintain their license. In the UK (http://www.bps.org.uk/careers-education-training/how-become-psychologist/types-psychologists/becoming-clinical-psychologis), clinical psychologists have completed several years in lower-paid, supervised positions (e.g., 'Low Intensity Therapists', 'Primary Mental Health Care Practitioner' and 'Primary Care Graduate Workers') until they have enough qualifications to be accepted into a highly competitive Ph.D. program in clinical psychology (25% acceptance rate), which requires clinical experience with supervision. In the U.S. and U.K., clinical psychology services are usually covered under medical insurance - this is not the case in Greece.
The most important qualification in clinical psychology and all subfields is the large number of supervised clinical hours and clinical experience, and graduate / doctoral-level training in clinical psychology. Master's or Ph.D. degrees in other fields of psychology (non-clinical programs), focus on coursework and research and do not include a clinical component in their program of studies, resulting in theoretical knowledge, without experience.
Individuals visiting a psychologist in Greece should carefully consider qualifications and openly ask questions when the information provided on education and training is unclear or inadequate. As there is no mechanism for monitoring this profession, psychologists are free to self-advertise as "clinical psychologist" or claim any other specialization. It is important to clarify that undergraduate majors, or graduate degrees in areas other than clinical psychology do not qualify as clinical experience. As psychologists in Greece are permitted to work directly after their bachelor's degree in psychology, they often gain unsupervised work experience in mental health facilities and then advertise this as clinical experience. Further, membership in many Greek national professional organizations, or participation in online listservs, do not certify any type of clinical or professional expertise, as they are open to all professionals in the field as who are licensed and pay dues.
Finally, it is important that the psychologist practices within his or her area of clinical expertise and competency.
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