What's a Psychotherapist?  

 

Psychotherapists have advanced degrees, usually a master’s degree and have extensive training in counseling psychology. They may have some knowledge of pharmacokinetics (what the body does to medication) and pharmacodynamics (what the medications do to the body), but they typically cannot prescribe medication. Psychotherapists provide long-term counseling and focus on a broad range of issues. The goal of Psychotherapy is to help people better regulate and/or manage their thinking and emotional responses to stressful situations. If someone has depression or anxiety due to a chronic, progressive illness, a psychotherapist can address the ways in which the illness affects their daily life, their relationships, and their mental health. They can also help a family better understand how to support the person with PD and take care of their own mental health and relationships. 

 

Some people work with all three as part of their health care team.