The role of the licensed psychologist is to assist the patient and family in managing emotional and psychological distress. A licensed psychologist assists persons with rheumatic disease in living and coping with a painful, chronic, and sometimes disabling disease. Many psychologists (clinical, counseling, rehabilitation, neuropsychology, social, research, educational, etc.) conduct research studies to provide valuable information concerning the course, consequences, and management of rheumatic illnesses.
What Does the Licensed Psychologist Do
The licensed psychologist assesses the individual's and family's psychological status and ability to cope with the unpredictable nature and changing health status associated with rheumatic diseases. The psychologist conducts psychological tests and interviews that may be used to assess an individual's psychosocial status including;
- adjustment to disability
- adherence to treatment
- coping style
- family interaction/communication
- mood, such as levels of anxiety and depression
- cognitive functioning
- transition planning (adolescents)
Based on an evaluation, the licensed psychologist tailors a treatment plan to meet the needs of the patient. The psychologist provides a wide range of interventions designed to enhance coping and overall psychological well-being, including cognitive behavioral therapy, pain, sleep and stress management, sexual and relationship counseling, family or couples counseling, and psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy ranges from short-term interventions for dealing with normal adjustment issues and crisis management and interventions (involving persons high-risk for harm to self or others) to long-term psychotherapy for the treatment of more chronic psychological disorders, which are typically provided in a private practice setting, in a hospital or outpatient clinic. In the rehabilitation setting, the licensed psychologist may be called upon for consultation in matters related to behavioral management, treatment adherence, and cognitive dysfunction.
The licensed psychologist may interact with rheumatologists and psychiatrists when combined psychological and medications treatments are needed. The psychologist may be involved in program planning, validation and research. A neuropsychologist, who specializes in the functioning of the brain, may become involved with persons with rheumatic disease when questions/concerns arise regarding decline in (or to assess gradual changes in) cognitive functioning. Licensed psychologists (school, pediatric, and school) may get involved in preparing for and implementing school to work transitions for teens with rheumatic disease. Psychologists work with persons across the age range.
Where Does the Licensed Psychologist Work?
Psychological interventions may be provided individually or in a group setting. The licensed psychologist works in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, transitional living centers, nursing homes, industry, and all types of educational settings.
What Kind of Training Does the Licensed Psychologist Have?
Supervised pre-doctoral internships are required to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology and some other areas psychology. Degrees commonly conferred by doctoral training programs include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
PhDs are awarded after a minimum of three years of graduate level of coursework in specific competency areas and the completion of a dissertation that involves the conduct of original research that contributes to generalizable knowledge. PsyD is an applied clinical doctoral degree (in clinical psychology) that does not necessarily require completion of a dissertation, however if a dissertation is required it may be clinical in nature versus conducting original research. Pre-doctoral supervised, clinical experiences and requirements are included in both the PhD and PsyD training programs.
All licensed psychologists have completed a national licensing exam and completed a range of specific state requirements to be licensed to practice as a psychologist in a given state. In many states, an additional one to two-year postdoctoral traineeship may also be required to obtain licensure as a psychologist. Psychologists also may obtain certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology (abbreviated as ABPP) which is not required for clinical practice.
In only a few states, psychologists are allowed to obtain specialized pharmacological training if they desire to be licensed to prescribe medications specifically for their patients with mental health issues. Psychologists not providing clinical care may have different or no licensure requirements, although these psychologists would be considered well qualified to conduct research.
Rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals
Learn more about rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals.
To find a rheumatologist or rheumatology health professional
For a listing of rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals in your area, click here.
For more information
For additional information, contact the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals at 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319 or (404) 633-3777 or .
Revised:
August 2011, Practice Committee
This patient fact sheet is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnoses and treatment of a medical or health condition.
© 2012 American College of Rheumatology
