It’s quite common for people to use the term “depressed” when they are feeling down and sad, “bipolar” when their mood is changing often, or “paranoid” when someone is voicing their concerns. While most mean no harm when they use these terms, they do have specific clinical meanings in the field of mental health. Hearing these terms thrown around casually can also be hurtful for those with diagnosable conditions. 

Clinically, being depressed isn’t just being sad for a while: it often means experiencing a major depressive episode, which comes with a list of symptoms. “Bipolar” isn’t just a transient feeling or experience. It is a mood disorder that can be very disrupting as it takes you from a depressed state to a manic state and back, again and again. Experiencing paranoia isn’t having concerns or worries, it is far more than that. 

Psychobabble—What Is It?

“Psychobabble” is derived from two words— “psychology” and “babble.” As the word “babble” suggests, it is a kind of talk or writing that conveys hollow or incomprehensible meaning. People may use technical or psychological jargon in an improper context because they lack understanding of what certain words really mean.

The widespread use of “psychobabble” is in part related to the proliferation of self-help books and blogs all over the Internet. The words may be used without the appropriate definitions, explanations, or examples, putting them out of context. Such books and blogs can be helpful in educating, but can also diminish the implications of serious concerns.

If non-expert authors dismiss the seriousness of a legitimate emotional condition or behavioral concerns, people may brush aside treatment. For instance, a child with selective mutism may not get proper treatment because a parent read that they may just be shy, resulting in an inability to perform and adjust in school.

Differentiating Types of Mental Health Counselors

Just as I am confused by technical jargon from other fields of study— “IV vs. IM” in medicine, “burette and cuvette” in chemistry, “charmed and charged particles” in nuclear physics, etc.—you may be confused by terms such as “mental health counselor.” I may not be of much help in differentiating jargon outside mental health care, but I can certainly make it easier for you to understand psychobabble.

• “Mental health counselor” is a generic term that covers all the professionals that provide mental health care. It can mean a counselor, family therapist, marriage counselor, behavioral health provider, mental health provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist. When people use these words loosely or interchangeably, the real meanings are obscured. For professionals in the field of mental health, the differences are clear. What is important for us is for the public to understand our purpose: to help you feel better by sorting out and resolving your challenges and by diagnosing and treating symptoms.

• Psychiatrists: They have attended medical school and are trained in general medicine. They have clinical exposure and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat the symptoms of mental health conditions. They are also qualified to prescribe psychiatric medications. In fact, that is the primary approach they use in treating their patients. Psychiatrists are often a wonderful option when you have intense symptoms and therapy seems not enough. Many psychiatrists prefer that their patients also work with a therapist.

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners: PMHNP are registered nurses who have advanced degrees. They provide diagnosis and treatment through medication management and some therapeutic interventions. Seeing a PMHNP can be helpful in addressing your symptoms from different angles. 

• Psychiatric Physician Assistant: A psychiatric PA is a mental health provider that can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for a variety of concerns. Like PMHNP many are holistic in their approach and address the importance of therapy and whole body wellness. 

• Psychologists: Psychologists may have doctorate degrees—PhD or PsyD—but they are not medical doctors and cannot write prescriptions in the state of North Carolina. Aside from counseling, they also do evaluative testing. Psychologists perform research, but can also evaluate, diagnose, and treat. 

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): LCSWs are able to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They are trained in various fields, many in the field of counseling. Their training on culture sensitivity with a client focus qualifies them as capable counselors for individuals, families, couples, and groups.

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): LMFTs also assess, diagnose and treat a variety of mental health and relational concerns. They treat their clients within the framework of couples, marriage, and family systems.

• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs): LCMHCs are trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health symptoms and conditions from a variety of approaches. Their programs focus heavily on providing counseling services to individuals, families and couples.

• Pastoral Counselors: These professionals have been adequately trained in psychology and theology, and may have a master’s degree in divinity. They are either licensed or certified, depending on the state where they practice.

Counseling vs Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most commonly interchanged words in mental health are counseling and therapy. These two words essentially mean the same thing. Counseling or therapy is a treatment approach involving a licensed professional providing effective interventions to resolve symptoms and help you live your best life. 

Finding a provider that is right for you is essential. Regardless of what you call it, this intervention is most effective when you like your therapist. Finding the counselor that is right for you is made easy with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC. CCS contracts with skilled, caring licensed therapists and counselors. Call today to get started!