Thursday, August 7, 2008

Era Of Pills Means Less Talk Therapy???

A recent news story stated that the "Era Of Pills Means Less Talk Therapy." The article highlights the current trend over the decrease in psychotherapy offered, during psychiatric visits. Although it may be true that many insurance companies offer psychiatrists reimbursement incentives to offer more "medication management" than "talk therapy," psychotherapy remains an integral part of mental health treatment.

Within private practice, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in prescribing psychotropic medication. Psychologists are licensed, non-physician specialists who offer counseling or psychotherapy services. Most insurance reimburses for full 45-50 minute sessions with psychologists. It is not uncommon for many patients to be simultaneously treated by both a psychiatrist and psychologist.