Posted by karanan on November 2, 2002, at 20:39:11
In reply to Therapists are NOT qualified to diagnose!!!, posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 14:36:18
> I dont know how many times Ive heard a person say that their "therapist" diagnosed them with such and such disorder. That is BS. Talk therapists are not qualified to diagnose people with major mental illnesses. Only a Medical Doctor is qualified to diagnose, which means a psychiatrist or Internal Medicine doctor.
Hmmm SPDog...What about Surgeons, Gynecologists, Radiologists, Anesthesiologists also...They are also MD's. Don't forget DO's?
In a few cases, Id trust a full PhD clinical psychologist to diagnose, but Id be REAL picky about who I trusted. I would trust a good PhD clinical psychologist to administer Neuropsychological testing to me. But a masters degree level social worker or counselor? LOL HAHAHA Get real.
It is time to get real... Psychiatrists do depend highly on social workers and counselors.
> None of the talk therapy professionals go thru medical school, none of them are qualified to discuss drugs in much detail and they are not qualified to diagnose, despite what some of them may want you to believe. Social workers in particular are NOT qualified to diagnose, neither are Masters degree level mental health counselors.They may not have the license to make an official diagnosis. Yet, this does not mean that they are not "qualified." Their input is greatly appreciated and very useful.
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> I just am worried that a lot of people get saddled with diagnoses they dont have because they see some fruitcake talk therapist, who is oftentimes recovering from mental illness themselves. A Masters degree in counseling or social work DOES NOT qualify a person to diagnose!!!!
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> Please, dont let yourself be pigeonholed by some idiot talk therapist who is crazier than you are and only has a masters degree. Its not their job and technically its illegal for them to diagnose.At this point, maybe you should clarify what a "talk therapist" is!!
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> If you feel you have been diagnosed by a non medical doctor, particularly if youve been misdiagnosed by the masters degree level crowd in mental health, consider reporting that professional to the licensing or certification board in your state. Complain about it. I can GUARANTEE you that social workers and counselors are not supposed to diagnose, but few know they arent supposed to do this and many just go along with it blindly.
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> Dont fall into the trap.
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> Mr. Sad PuppyDog
>
This was an interesting post which should serve to highlight a few important points. Mental health professionals, are dedicated individuals who have a great amount of knowledge and training. Being a physician (not a psychiatrist), I would like to suggest that qualifications are often earned.
Physicians learn new things everyday about pharmacology from nurses who have a lot of experience....and nurses can't prescribe medications.
It would be irresponsible on anyone's part (doctor or patient), to disregard the utility of social workers, psychologists, etc.
poster:karanan
thread:1165
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1452.html