An anxiety psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias, among others. Though the term “anxiety psychologist” is not commonly used, many general psychologists have experience treating anxiety-related psychological issues. Keep in mind, however, that a psychologist and a psychiatrist are not the same thing.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental illness, which frequently has a biological or other medical cause. Patients can be prescribed medication by a psychiatrist. A psychologist, on the other hand, is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication; instead, he or she treats patients through individual or group therapy, counseling, and behavioral modification techniques. While this is an oversimplification of the two fields, it is important to keep these distinctions in mind when seeking treatment. A psychiatrist will usually require a referral from a general practitioner, whereas a psychologist will not.
On any given day, an anxiety psychologist will likely see a number of patients. He or she could work in a group with other psychologists, run his or her own practice, or work in a school, hospital, or rehabilitation center. An anxiety psychologist will discuss the reasons for the visit, as well as what the patient hopes to gain from seeing a psychologist, ask some specific questions, and possibly administer psychological tests when they first meet with a patient.
There are a variety of reasons to consult an anxiety psychologist, but the most common is when anxiety becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life. Though anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, it can become debilitating, and that is when it is time to seek help. The anxiety psychologist will provide you with personalized therapy techniques to help you learn to manage your anxiety and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree are required to work as a psychologist. Some people pursue a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. after that. Depending on your interests, these degrees lead to a variety of career paths that should be thoroughly researched. Finally, becoming licensed in your state is required to work as a practicing psychologist. A career in psychology is both lucrative and rewarding, and you will likely have little trouble finding work after graduation.