Counseling is a private, confidential discussion with a mental health professional. Counseling enables clients to explore and express their feelings, examine beliefs about themselves and the world and reflect on their patterns of behavior. Through this process one can improve their personal skills, develop increased confidence, and acquire an appreciation of their uniqueness in relationship to others.

Psychiatry focuses on the biochemical causes of problems. Psychiatrists use a variety of medications to alter a person’s biochemistry and thus diminishing or, in some cases, eliminating the symptoms created by emotional, behavioral, or mental problems.

For the consumer, these terms are used interchangeably.

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision. The American Psychological Association’s brochure on this topic can be ordered online. Go to the APA Help Center to find “For a Healthy Mind and Body - Talk to a Psychologist” and “A Psychologist Can Help.” While it is initially essential to check the credentials of the mental health professional, it is also important for a person to listen to their “gut” reaction to the therapist and how they interact with them. The strongest therapeutic agent in therapy is the alliance made between the client and their therapist. Finally, it is not a good idea to see multiple therapists at the same time. This can lead to confusion and prevent the therapeutic alliance from developing.

All the therapists at Pacific Resources are licensed psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D., ED.D.).

Psychologists must have a doctorate in psychology or related field, such as, counseling psychology, organizational psychology or educational psychology.  They must be licensed by the state and trained in the practice of psychotherapy (counseling). They are specialists in the scientific evaluation of clinical data and may administer and analyze tests that measure academic, intellectual, and personality functioning.  Psychologists view human behavior in an integrated and holistic way that acknowledges the interplay of the individual, the family, and society. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists (M.D.) are medical doctors. They have completed a residency in psychiatry and are specialists in the prescription of psychotropic medications.  They are licensed by the state and are the only mental health specialists that can prescribe medications. 

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have a master’s level advanced degree and are licensed by the state. They are trained in both psychotherapy and social interventions aimed at helping the individual cope with problems in their environment. They cannot do psychological testing, nor can they prescribe medication.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) have received at least a master’s level advanced degree and are licensed by the state. They are trained in psychotherapy and work primarily with individuals and/or their families to ameliorate problems. They cannot do psychological testing, nor prescribe medication.

Non-psychiatric physicians (MD) and master’s level psychiatric nurses also provide mental health interventions. Non-psychiatric physicians are frequently primary care physicians who may prescribe psychotropic medications.  Additionally, non-licensed individuals (pastors or clergy, peer counselors, or volunteer counselors) also offer counseling. To assure that your therapist is appropriately trained and qualified, you should always ask your provider about their credentials.

There are a variety of reasons why people seek therapy (counseling), but the most frequent reasons involve such things as depression, anxiety, difficulty with family members or other interpersonal problems, substance abuse, grief, trauma, physical or sexual abuse, academic or employment problems, and the desire to gain personal insight. Quite frequently, people endure a lot of pain before seeking help. Pain, however, is a powerful motivator for change. When you have tried everything you know and those things have not worked it can be very helpful to seek the assistance of a professional.

The length of therapy is determined by such things as the presenting problem, the type of treatment, the commitment of clients to work on their issues, whether the problem is of short or long duration, and financial considerations. Although the general public may have the impression that therapy is always a long-term (years) process, the evidence from scientifically conducted outcome studies contradicts the impression. In fact, many outcome studies indicate that a majority of people in therapy reported improvements after engaging in therapy from four to 24 visits. Treatment of longer duration may be necessary for individuals with more severe mental issues and for people who want to engage in intensive self-examinations. These issues should be discussed at the outset of therapy.

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The initial session for counseling is called an intake session. Intake appointments are generally available within a week. Clients can call our main number, (800) 207-3333 and ask for one of our Intake Coordinators. They will be able to discuss the specialties of the available psychologists on staff at Pacific Resources, their insurance panels, and their current open intake appointments.

Intake appointments are always available within a week. Emergency appointments can be made within 24 hours, generally the same day, if necessary.