Re: Please - I need a contact near Anchorage AK...

August 23, 2012

I'm sure Bill, with his field of expertise, is quite aware of all that, as I was

when I posted the link. Sometimes though it does lead to finding someone who

really can help, if you find a caring professional on the other end of the line

who, though they can't help, is willing to take the extra five minutes with you

since you are calling from a long ways away, and recommends someone who *can*

help who is new to that area, as did happen for me (on an unrelated issue) many

years ago. " Leave no stone unturned " as they say

- Helen

>

> > From what I was able to see on the linked Psychology Today listing,

> > most of the individuals listed would be categorically unqualified to

> > diagnose. That's helpful to know if there's any issue regarding the

> > person's " label. " Most of the persons listed are general counselors,

> > as clearly indicated by their masters' level (or less) degrees and

> > certifications. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a licensed /clinical/

> > social worker in the bunch -- and LCSW's usually have a " broader

> > perspective " than most mental health counselors with master's degrees.

> > Also, there were just a tiny nbumber of persons with Ph.D. degrees,

> > and they didn't have descriptions of their practice specific enough to

> > be of help, especially if the person is possibly a mature individual

> > seeking diagnosis or very specific problem-solving help.

> >

>

> I don't put much stock in these listings -- they are advertising, little

> more. Any mental health professional can add their name in order to get

> visibility for their practice. If they know how to spell a particular

> condition, they can add their name to the list of 'qualified'

> therapists. It doesn't mean that they are informed enough about a

> disorder to actually treat a patient/client.

>

> In my experience, the best referrals are usually from those who actually

> have some sort of direct experience with the therapist in that context.

>

> Best,

> ~CJ

>

Recommended Posts