FAQs About Psychology & Psychologists

In the state of New Hampshire, a psychologist is a mental health professional who is licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists, which requires having met the requirements of earning a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology, as well as completing two years of clinical work under supervision, passing the licensure exam, and engaging in continuing education and peer consultation to maintain an active license.

In the state of New Hampshire, a psychologist is a mental health professional who is licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists, which requires having met the requirements of earning a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in psychology, as well as completing two years of clinical work under supervision, passing the licensure exam, and engaging in continuing education and peer consultation to maintain an active license.


PSYCHOLOGIST SUB-SPECIALTIES:


  • Counseling Psychologists help clients improve their overall well-being through assessment and psychotherapy by addressing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of clients’ experiences.
  • Educational Psychologists conduct research and apply their knowledge of learning styles and teaching methods to improve learning in educational settings.
  • Forensic Psychologists conduct assessments and apply clinical expertise in their work with the judicial system and other public service organizations.
  • Health Psychologists research the factors that influence individuals’ choices that affect health and bring this knowledge to help physicians with interventions for patients.
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychologists specialize in helping employees of organizations to work more effectively and to feel healthier and more satisfied in their work.
  • Neuropsychologists have specialized training in assessment and treatment of individuals with known or suspected neurological conditions such as brain injury, dementia, epilepsy, stroke, or learning disorders. Services provided by a neuropsychologist are primarily in two areas: assessment of cognitive problems and treatment of cognitive and emotional difficulties.
  • School Psychologists conduct assessments and develop interventions for children and adolescents within the school setting.
  • Sport and Performance Psychologists work with athletes to maximize their performance through behavioral means.


What makes a doctoral-level psychologist unique? Check out this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wXvg04Klk


New Hampshire has two APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology!



FAQs About Psychology & Psychologists

  • WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?

    Psychologists are mental health care professionals who are trained to provide many services and work in a variety of settings. Psychologists provide psychotherapy and assessment in private practice, community agencies, university counseling centers, hospitals, and prisons. Therapy modalities include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Psychologists are also trained to offer consultation and administration for healthcare organizations, as well as skilled in conducting research and serving as professors in universities.

  • WHY WOULD I CONSIDER MEETING FOR A PSYCHOLOGIST FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY?

    Individuals consider psychotherapy when they could benefit from guidance or support to address challenging aspects of life, whether they are just beginning to notice the stress or have already arrived at a point of feeling overwhelmed or debilitated. Common human experiences that bring clients to therapy include relationship issues, workplace stress, challenging family dynamics, depression, a high level of anxiety, grief and loss, chronic physical health issues, substance use, and coping with major life events such as a relocation, career change, or birth of a child.

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE A PSYCHOLOGIST TO SEE?

    Psychotherapy is most effective when individuals feel comfortable with their psychologist. Choose someone you feel may be a good match for you, and consider in the initial two or three sessions whether you continue to believe you can work effectively with this psychologist. In some cases, a client may benefit from working with a psychologist who specializes in a particular area of focus, such as substance abuse or trauma.

  • WHAT QUESTIONS WOULD HELP ME CHOOSE A PSYCHOLOGIST?

    You may choose to ask if the psychologist has experience working with the type of issue you want to address in psychotherapy (e.g., panic attacks, depression, substance abuse, etc.). If you have a clinical goal that requires assessment or documentation for a third party, ask whether the psychologist is able to provide this service. Clarify before scheduling whether you will be paying directly for services or if sessions will be covered by your medical insurance.

  • SHOULD I SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST IF I AM CONSIDERING MEDICATION TO HELP ME COPE WITH MY MOOD OR ANXIETY?

    Psychologists in New Hampshire do not prescribe medication, though they do work in collaboration with prescribing physicians to assist their clients with addressing clinical issues through medication and psychotherapy concurrently. You may ask your psychologist for a referral to someone who can prescribe medications such as a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a primary care physician.

  • WHAT MAKES A DOCTORAL-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGIST UNIQUE?

    Check out this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wXvg04Klk