Counseling or therapy can be an unnerving and disorienting experience for those deciding to seek it. A lot of times, diagnosis and treatment are difficult to get your arms around because you may feel like you need to learn a new language: psychobabble.

Psychobabble is the use of psychological terms out of their proper context. These words are commonly used by people without appropriate knowledge and credentials to interpret the terms accurately. Originally, these are diagnostic terms in psychiatry and psychology that were picked up by non-professionals and then used incorrectly. The popularity of self-help books has also contributed to the rise of psychobabble, since the words are used freely without verification from a credible professional.

Psychobabble Buzzwords

These are some specific popular words that are making the rounds:

Mental Health and Behavioral Health: The terms “mental health” and “behavioral health” are often used interchangeably. For purposes of distinction, these words can be defined in relation to how one thinks (mental) and behaves (behavior).

While many people are more familiar with the term “mental health,” the use of “behavioral health” is now preferred to avoid the strong stigma attached to the former. Behavioral health is an interdisciplinary science that encompasses all mental health concerns, including substance abuse and other psychological issues. Switching words may help people feel more inclined to seek professional intervention without being tagged as “crazy.”

Dysfunctional: Another psychobabble buzzword is the term “dysfunctional.” Many interpretations can be given, but they don’t really define what the word specifically means. For example, the statement “He is from a dysfunctional family” can only be correct if there is abuse or mental illness running in the family. The term “dysfunctional” has become psychobabble because it is now commonly used to mean a family occasionally experiencing rough times.

Terms for Mental and Behavioral Health Care Providers

Behavioral health care is a profession that involves establishing a vibrant and dynamic relationship between an expert and a client. Ideally, the client is able to trust the therapist while being honest about the facts. Trust enables you to reveal your thoughts and feelings, but it also makes you vulnerable when it comes to the emotions, feelings, and thoughts you may have about the health provider.

It can be perplexing for potential clients to be confronted with so many specialties, theories, and practitioners to choose from. Thus, it is important that you understand what kind of assistance and support can be provided for your unique needs. Finding the right professional requires some basic knowledge about what each type of practitioner can offer to help you manage your behavioral health concerns.

Professionals who provide assistance to people in resolving their mental and behavioral issues are called “mental health counselors.” It is a general term applied to counselors, therapists, life coaches, psychologists, psychiatrists, and others. However, these different types of professionals have different training, experience, and insights attached to their titles and labels.

• Psychiatrists: These medical doctors (MD) have training in behavioral health. They are licensed to diagnose and prescribe medications to treat behavioral health conditions. Many psychiatrists undergo a one-year fellowship training to specialize in specific fields of psychiatry, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry.

Due to the shortage of psychiatrists in the state of North Carolina, most of these professionals can provide an evaluation for 30 minutes to an hour during the initial session and then offer shorter succeeding sessions for medication management.

Most psychiatrists prefer their patients also see a “counselor” for ongoing psychotherapy. The many types of counselors are listed below:

• Psychologists: These experts spend an average of five to seven years to earn a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD). Psychologists gain licensure after at least two years of supervised work and passing the national exam. Those who work in clinical settings diagnose, offer psychotherapy, and facilitate psychological testing. They cannot, however, prescribe medicine in NC like psychiatrists do.

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers: These specialists have a master’s degree in social work(MSW) and are licensed to practice psychotherapy after fulfilling the state requirements, which include passing a National Exam. They must have two years of supervised work within programs, institutions, and groups that provide macro-level service to people in health-related settings.

• Licensed Professional Counselors: Their master’s or doctorate degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-master’s experience qualify them as specialists in psychotherapy. In addition, they must pass state-specific licensing exams to diagnose and treat certain issues like substance abuse and marital distress.

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) are counselors with a master’s degree and training in marital and family therapy. They must have at least two years of clinical experience before taking the licensure exam. They are trained to diagnose individuals, couples, and groups in areas within the family context.

• Pastoral Counselors: With a combination of psychology and theology degrees, these experts provide counseling services and spiritual guidance to their clients. Whether they are clergy or others, pastoral counselors may also have a master’s degree in divinity to apply to a clinical practice that integrates psychology and theology.

Doing Away with Psychobabble

If you’re receiving treatment for any psychological, emotional, or behavioral health issue, you may be concerned if your provider speaks in psychobabble instead of explaining matters clearly and coherently. This can interfere with your ability to understand the diagnosis or treatment, and discourage you from seeking further treatment.

Make this the least of your worries when you consider getting help from Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. Our independently contracted counselors understand psychological terms and try their best to use clear and appropriate language to help clients maintain awareness and understanding of any given diagnosis.

Knowing Whom to Call for Help

If you or someone you care about is experiencing psychological, emotional, or behavioral health issues, you may benefit from psychotherapy. After knowing the basic differences between the different health providers, you can make an informed decision about whom to get help from. If your concerns are related to neurological and physiological health, consider making an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist. If they are more about day-to-day issues, seeing a licensed social worker or a counselor may be more helpful.

Don’t dismiss your mental or behavioral health problems and think they are not real just because some psychological terms confuse you. When you’re overwhelmed with the symptoms of an emotional condition, contact Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. Our counselors will not play down your concerns with words, but will provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Call now to request an appointment.