Mental Health Care FAQs: Expert Advice You Need

Navigating mental health can be complex, and choosing the right professional is a crucial first step. This FAQ aims to clarify common questions about mental health providers and the therapeutic process. As a licensed psychologist in Prosper, Texas, I'm often asked the following questions. If you have any other questions, I promise, you're not the only one. Feel free to reach out to me and ask (hello@bradfordwhitephd.com), I may add your questions here!

What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

What's the difference between a psychotherapist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Who should I see? A Psychiatrist, a Psychologist, or a Counselor?

How much does therapy cost?

Can I use insurance? Do you accept insurance?

Which is best? A Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Counselor?

My therapist said something and I feel uncomfortable about it. What should I do?!

What kind of therapy do you offer?

Q. What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

There are three main differences between psychologists and psychiatrists: education, approach to treatment, and ability to prescribe medication.
Psychologists:

• Hold a doctorate in psychology.
• Specialize in psychotherapy, using talk therapy to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Cannot prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists:

• Hold a medical degree (M.D.) and specialize in psychiatry.
• Diagnose and treat mental disorders, often prescribing medication.
• May also provide psychotherapy.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists often work together, particularly in complex cases requiring both therapy and medication.

Q. What's the difference between a psychotherapist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Many people use these terms interchangeably for their mental health provider. Each provider helps individuals, families, and couples understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They aim to help you replace unhelpful behaviors with new ones and support you in achieving your goals. Generally, these terms refer to someone licensed by their State to offer mental and behavioral health services. If education and training matter to you, ask your provider about their qualifications.

Q. Should I see a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a counselor?

Generally, I recommend starting with a very honest talk with your primary care provider about what you're experiencing. Consider their recommendation.

Even more generally, consider the severity of your problem. The more severe the problem, the more expertise you may need. Seeing things that aren't there? A psychiatrist is probably your best bet. Feeling so depressed/anxious that work is difficult? A psychologist may be a good place to start, and if needed, they will refer you to a psychiatrist for medication management and work together to get you the help you need. Kinda feeling anxious and sad more often than you think you ought to be? A counselor may be a good place to start.

Q. How much does therapy cost?

Investing in your mental well-being is a significant decision. My current fee is $230 for a 50-minute session. Fees generally range from $160 to $400+ among licensed psychologists, influenced by clinician experience, availability, sliding scales, and insurance acceptance. I offer a sliding scale depending on availability and financial hardship. Facilities such as Richland Oaks provide lower-cost options with supervised interns. Please feel free to discuss any financial concerns during our initial consultation.

Q. What about insurance?

Many insurance providers will cover therapy... to a point. You may have to meet your deductible before services are covered. This is a question you really need to call and ask your insurance company. Here's what to do: Look at your insurance card and turn it over. Call the "Member number" on the back of your card. Ask the representative "What are my behavioral health benefits, specifically for CPT code 90837?" (90837 is the billing code insurance companies use for a 53-minute session of psychotherapy)

Until March 31st, 2025, I accept Aetna, BCBSTX, and United.

Q: Which is best? A Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Counselor?

Hah! Trick Question! There is no "best!" Many studies on best outcomes for therapy have shown that the most important factor is the therapeutic relationship. In other words, it's crucial 1) that you feel safe, 2) that you can be vulnerable, 3) and that you feel you can take the risk to tell your therapist anything, including (& especially) what they are doing that you don't like! Which leads me to...

Q. My therapist said something and I feel uncomfortable about it. What should I do?!

In the course of therapy, odds are your therapist is going to say something that bothers you. Maybe they call you out on maladaptive behavior: "Didn't you tell me last week you were not gonna do that again?" Maybe they relate a feeling you're currently having with a partner to a feeling you had with an ex or one of your parents, or even the therapist themselves! Maybe this upsets you and creates a rupture.

If your therapist creates a rupture, TELL THEM! A therapist isn't just someone who is supposed to listen and tell you positive things. A therapist challenges you. Some sessions you'll leave feeling uplifted, positive, ready to take on the world. Other sessions you'll leave feeling frustrated, confused, or curious and anxious. Other sessions you'll leave feeling kinda okay... but... what did they mean when they said a certain thing? Ask them! Tell them your thoughts and feelings! They the best tools you have to work with in therapy--especially as they relate to your therapist!

Q. What kind of therapy do you offer?

I offer an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we'll explore the roots of your current challenges in your past experiences and relationships. My approach is significantly informed by:

• Depth Psychology: This perspective acknowledges that much of our mental life operates outside of our conscious awareness. We'll work to uncover unconscious patterns, beliefs, and motivations that may be contributing to your difficulties. This often involves exploring dreams, fantasies, and early childhood experiences.
• Behavioral Psychology: While I value exploring the unconscious, I also integrate principles of behavioral psychology. This means we'll pay attention to how your current behaviors and learned patterns are impacting your life. We may work together to identify and modify behaviors that are no longer serving you well, using techniques based on how we learn and adapt.