Psychiatrists and psychologists treat mental illness, just as doctors and nurses treat physical illness. Treatment is typically a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Workers across healthcare have endured significant stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a shortage of state facilities that take the most severe cases adding to the strain.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose, treat and help manage patients with emotional disorders, mental diseases, stress, anxiety and psychological components of physical illnesses. They work in a variety of settings including private offices, inpatient facilities and medical hospitals.
Michigan psychiatrists are part of a nationwide shortage that is more severe than shortages in virtually any other medical specialty, according to a study by physician search firm Merritt Hawkins. The shortage impacts the delivery of desperately needed mental health care.
Dawn South of Eaton Rapids struggled to find a psychiatrist for her son with bipolar disorder. She was given a list of local doctors who took Medicaid, but many were already booked. So, she opted to see one from Ann Arbor via video conference. She said it feels sterile, but it’s better than the five-hour round trip she used to drive for her appointments.
Psychologists
Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat emotional disorders, mental diseases, stress, anxiety, and psychological components of physical illnesses. They often work with other health professionals and can be found in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals and universities. They also work with attorneys on legal problems that have a psychological dimension, such as child custody questions, personal injury lawsuits and commitment proceedings.
Jose V Carrera, LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who offers individual and family psychotherapy for children/teens, adults and families. He has extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, such as mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, academic stressors, trauma, chronic illness and grief/loss. He has provided psychotherapy services in both English and Spanish to a diverse client population. He is currently in private practice with Michigan Psychological Care He also provides psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Michigan Psychological Association.
Counselors
Counseling sessions can help with a variety of concerns. These include mood changes, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. Counselors can provide you with tools to manage these problems and help you develop healthy coping skills. Counselors also can assist you in identifying what is contributing to your concerns and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP). She has 29 years of experience in mental health, focusing on working with adults. She uses multiple treatment modalities to meet the needs of her clients, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and crisis intervention.
Hakamaki said the former newspaper office is a good location for a counseling center because it has ample space for offices and group meeting rooms. She also plans to convert a warehouse in the back of the building into an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) clinic for children with autism. The company already operates similar centers in Clinton County, Alma and Midland.
Therapists
Therapists diagnose and treat emotional disorders, mental diseases, stress, anxiety and psychological components of physical illnesses. They also help resolve personal, family and organizational problems. They work in a variety of settings, including private offices, community mental health agencies and medical hospitals. They also consult with attorneys on legal cases with psychological dimensions, such as divorce, child custody questions, personal injury lawsuits and commitment proceedings.
Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP) with 29 years of experience working with adults who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. She uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy that is respectful and collaborative.
Michigan Psychological Care is expanding its Clinton County operations to meet the increasing need for mental health services in the area. The counseling center is renovating a former Livingston Daily Press & Argus office for therapist offices and group meeting rooms, and plans to staff the location with several therapists. The company already operates locations in St. Johns, Alma and Midland, and offers virtual services.
