Differences in counsellors

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Dec 15, 2021

I have names of social workers whom I want to see. After I see one online I must call Cigna to find out if the social worker will accept my specific insurance plan. Representatives have been giving me the runaround. I have been calling for 2 weeks and not gotten the info. It is either I do not have access to that info or you plan does not cover care received from a clinical social worker.

I need a counselor NOW. I only have the choice of going back to the clinic I went to and getting a different social worker or seeing a psychologist because I know one group locally who accepts my insurance. Ever since I have seen a social worker who has been so good I have seen asocial worker. What is the real difference therapy wise in a social worker and a psychologist?

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 15, 2021

Hello, @lsittll You really are getting the run-around with Cigna. That must be so very frustrating. After all, you are trying to get help with your mental health and Cigna is not helping.

Social workers have a master's degree in social work which requires two years in graduate school. In the states I'm familiar with (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan) social workers are licensed through the state and then have LMSW after their name which means licensed master's degree in social work. Their training is different than a psychologist. If you are referring to a psychologist with a doctoral degree who has a Ph.D. or PsyD (clinical doctorate in psychology) then they will have at least 3-5 years of training beyond the master's degree that also includes a year long clinical internship program. They are also licensed through the state where they practice and the requirements. There are certain assessments (IQ testing, neuropsychological, personality) that only a licensed psychologist can provide that the LMSW or other master's level clinicians cannot provide with their license. Since you seem to be referring to therapy or counseling I would say you should go with the clinician you feel most comfortable with and connect with. Both social workers and psychologists have training in and are qualified to do counseling.
Your individual connection with the licensed therapist (social worker or psychologist) who shows you compassion and empathy will be a good predictor of someone who will be most helpful for you.

Will you come back here and let me know when you've found someone you can work with?

lsittll | @lsittll | Mar 23, 2022

US News says there are several circumstances when a patient should fire his or her doctor. The doctor does not listen. You and the doctor do not see eye to eye. You do not feel comfortable with the doctor. The doctor is rude or abrupt. The doctor does not have a good bedside manner. The doctor does not coordinate your medical care with other medical providers. The doctor doesn't respect your time; he or she is chronically ;ate but only spends time scanning your chart while you are in the office.
All of these apply to my psychiatric nurse practitioner. My depression is becoming worse all the time I see her. She is so abrupt. She is chronically late(up to 2+hours) and all she says is " How are things going, are you sleeping well? I've sent your prescriptions to the pharmacy bye." I have only stayed with her for three years because of my health insurance. The representatives give me the runaround in finding new providers. She will call me tomorrow. It will be the last time I will see her for sure! She is doing me more harm than good! Whenever I think of her I just want to go to bed to avoid the thoughts.. I have had suicidal thoughts since I have seen her and asked for an increase in medicine. She did nothing but disgustingly go ugh. A good doctor would have asked why. I have been harboring these feelings inside all the time I have seen her.