Understanding Mental Health Professionals

Nowadays, it is common to hear people talking about mental health. As far as people are concerned about their physical health, they have also started to be worried about their mental health. Everyone knows that we need to go to the doctor or consultants to get ourselves “fixed” when we have physical health issues. But who should we approach when we are having mental health issues? Do we go to a registered counsellor? A clinical psychologist? Or go to a psychiatrist? What are the differences between these three mental health professionals? Which professional can we look for when we have specific issues or problems? Do we have a clear understanding of mental health and how having poor mental health can affect our lives? This article is going to address these questions. So, let’s continue reading.

We first need to understand the background and the role of each mental health professional before being clear about who to approach when we are looking for mental health services.

A Registered Counsellor

A registered counsellor in Malaysia should have at least a Degree or a Master’s Degree in counselling or related subjects. On top of that, they must register and obtain their license with “Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia” to practice as a registered counsellor in Malaysia. In Malaysia, all licensed counsellors are governed by the “Counseling Act 1998”. A registered counsellor uses various counselling theories, techniques, and skills in helping individuals who need mental health services. Counsellors often deal with individuals who are experiencing life challenges. They will guide clients to explore different possibilities to overcome their issues and make positive changes to their lives. But bear in mind that the counsellors do not offer or provide suggestions. They will use counselling skills to empower their clients in finding their own best solutions to their issues. Besides that, the conversation between the counsellor and the client is private and confidential. Some of the problems that counsellors can handle include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, procrastination, stress, and personal development issues.

A Clinical Psychologist

The minimum qualification for becoming a clinical psychologist in Malaysia is to graduate with a Master’s degree in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and various techniques and therapies in helping individuals who need mental health services. They often deal with a more complicated mental illness than registered counsellors. Clinical psychologists administer psychological tests accordingly to diagnose mental disorders and develop suitable treatment plans for every client. They will then continue to observe and measure the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make changes whenever needed. Sometimes, a clinical psychologist will work together with other mental health professionals in providing the best treatment plan for their client. Like registered counsellors, clinical psychologists also have to adhere to the principles of confidentiality.

A Psychiatrist

Lastly, the minimum qualification for becoming a psychiatrist is to become a medical doctor. They also need to earn a Master’s degree in Psychiatrist or a Master’s degree in Psychological Medicine before applying for the license to practice as a psychiatrist. Unlike registered counsellors and psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs and medications aside from providing psychotherapy services to their clients. Their duties involve diagnoses, prescribing medications, providing psychotherapy, conducting electroconvulsive therapy and collaborating with other mental health professionals to provide the best treatment to their clients. Some of the cases they handle include but are not limited to suicidal, manic, psychotic, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

            Even though the role of mental health professionals is slightly different from one another, they all share the same goal, which is to improve the mental health of the community. Mental health refers to our cognitive, emotive, and psychological well-being. It influences the way we think, feel, and act. Good mental health allows people to live to their fullest, cope with life stresses effectively, work productively, and find meaning in their life. On the contrary, poor mental health can result in severe problems, including but not limited to living an unsatisfactory life, having emotional and behavioural issues, and can result in poor physical health.

Are you interested in improving your mental health? Skybi, a team of online mental health professionals, is here to provide mental health services to the community in need. Our mental health professionals include registered counsellors (K.B.; P.A.), clinical psychologists, child psychologists, educational psychologists, and HCPC registered art therapists. We offer individual therapy, marriage/couple therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychological assessment, and corporate counselling. Do not hesitate to contact us at 03-8605 3502, Whatsapp 011- 1984 4028, or drop us an email at enquiry@myskybi.com for more information.

References:

1. https://www.mscp.my/what-is-a-clinical-psychologist
2. https://www.mypsychology.my/mental-health-counselor-clinical-psychologist-psychiatrist-malaysia/
3. https://people.my/clinical-psychologist-psychiatrist-registered-counselor-difference/
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
5. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
6. https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/what-is-a-psychiatrist/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPsychiatrists%20diagnose%2C%20treat%2C%20and,%2C%20neuromodulation%2C%20and%20psychotherapy.%E2%80%9D