What is psychotherapy?
- Psychotherapy is a process in which you can explore life challenges and other difficult emotions and experiences. These may include anxiety, depression, trauma, or a loss of meaning in life. Psychotherapy can help you gain an increased ability to make choices, overcome problematic behaviors or thoughts, and improve relationships. Depending on the approach of the therapist, there may be different techniques involved. However, a trusting therapy relationship is an important part of all types of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be provided by qualified practitioners to individual adults or children, couples, families, or groups.
What are the differences among the various types of mental health professionals?
- Psychotherapy can be provided by clinicians from many disciplines. Licensed clinical social workers have received the MSW degree, which includes training and supervised experience in various mental health settings, with particular emphasis on understanding the person within the social context in which he or she lives and works. Licensed marriage and family therapists have received a master’s degree and specialize in treating families and couples, understanding the ways that families and their members influence each other’s behavior and emotions. Licensed psychologists have the doctoral degree of Ph.D. or Psy.D., which includes an internship in a mental health setting as well as broad training in the study of behavior, emotion, and human development. Many psychologists also provide psychological testing. Neuropsychologists, who are specialists within the field of psychology, can evaluate brain functioning in people who have suffered a brain injury or an illness that has affected their language, learning ability, or memory. They often offer psychotherapy to family members caring for someone with these problems. A psychiatrist is a physician with postdoctoral training and specialization in mental health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication for anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions. Advanced practice registered nurses with a specialty in psychiatry can also prescribe medication.
What if I need medication in addition to therapy?
- Psychologists and social workers do not prescribe medication but we work closely with psychiatrists and other physicians who do. If it appears that medication might be appropriate for you, the therapist will discuss this with you and recommend that you speak with a physician to schedule an evaluation. If you wish (and sign appropriate consent) your therapist can speak with the physician to assist the doctor in determining the right intervention.
How do I make an appointment with a Spectrum provider?
- Simply call the Spectrum main number, 860-246-7999. A clinician or office manager will take your basic information and a brief description of your concern and will get in touch with our panel of providers to see who may be available. You will be contacted again, usually the same day, with one or more clinicians who are able to see you. You may then contact a provider directly to schedule a specific appointment.
How quickly can I be seen?
- Depending on the limitations of your schedule and the schedules of our providers, you can usually be seen within 24-48 hours. If there are scheduling constraints (time of day, days of the week, etc.) the wait time may be longer.
Does Spectrum take my insurance?
- The clinicians at Spectrum Psychotherapy Centers are on a variety of health insurance panels. Check our list here, or call or email to find out if your insurance carrier covers our services. You may also want to call your mental health network number, which is usually on the back of the insurance card.