2. Be an Educated Consumer of Psychological Treatments

3. Thesis It pays to be an educated consumer of psychological treatments – Not all providers are equally qualified – Not all treatments work – Some treatments can be harmful

4. Providers of Treatment for Mental Illness ProviderBackground Clinical/Counseling PsychologistPh.D or Psy.D. plus internship; licensed School PsychologistM.A., M.S., Ph.D., or Ed.D.; licensed PsychiatristM.D. plus specialized; licensed Family PractitionerM.D.; licensed CounselorM.A., M.S, or Ph.D.; licensed Clinical Social WorkerMSW; licensed OtherHighly variable

5. Evaluating Effectiveness Measurable outcomes Relapse rate Side effects Spontaneous recovery Placebo effects Eclectic approach to treatment

6. Examples of Unsupported Treatments Facilitated Communication for Autism Debriefings (CISDs) for preventing PTSD Sugar elimination for ADHD

7. Examples of Validated Treatments Drug treatments – Antipsychotics for schizophrenia – Lithium for bipolar disorder – Antidepressants for major depression ECT for major depression

8. Examples of Validated Treatments Psychological Treatments – Behavior Therapy phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder PTSD – Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Depression Generalized Anxiety Disorder

9. Things to Watch Out For Diagnosis without assessment Treatment without diagnosis Multiple treatments from multiple providers Side effects worse than initial problem

10. Things to Ask Qualifications: specific training Referrals Insurance coverage Prognosis