Help for - Depression - Stress - Anxiety - Austin - Round Rock

Krista Jordan Ph.D., ABCP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Psychotherapy - Assessment - Testing - Counseling

PHONE (512) 348-7747
FAX (512) 439-7371
Austin and Round Rock, Texas
DrJordan@kristajordan.com

Does Therapy Help?

Almost 50 million Americans suffer from psychological difficulties. In a 1995 study by Consumer Reports, of 4,000 people who used a therapist, 90% reported being able to manage their lives better. This study also showed that patients who choose their own therapist (as opposed to being restricted by insurance providers) fare better. The amount of time a person was able to remain in therapy was also related to their satisfaction with therapy results--patients who stayed in therapy for at least six months improved more than patients who received less treatment. Numerous other studies have also shown the effectiveness of psychotherapy for many problems of living including depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, relationship issues, self-esteem problems, work difficulties, sexual concerns, parenting concerns and life-transition problems. Current research suggests that medications are equally (but not more) effective when compared to psychotherapy. Thus patients can choose to take medications, attend therapy, or do both.

Psychologists vs Psychiatrists

Many people are unaware of the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and gone on to do additional training in psychiatry. Due to their medical training they can prescribe medications including antidepressants and anxiety medications. Some are also trained to offer psychotherapy. Psychologists attend graduate school (instead of medical school) and receive 5-6 years of graduate training in mental health problems. They do not currently prescribe medications in the state of Texas but are highly skilled in assessment and treatment of mental disorders. Clinical Psychologists are typically trained to deal with both major and minor mental illness and complete 4 years of coursework in addition to conducting a major independent piece of research (a dissertation), one year of pre-doctoral internship training and one year of post-doctoral training. Psychologists can work together with psychiatrists if a patient prefers to take medications in addition to pursuing psychotherapy.