DP8- The Roles and Differences of Mental Health Professionals

Question 1

4 types of mental health professionals

Answer 1

-Mental health workers
-Doctors
-Psychologists
-Psychiatrists

Question 2

Doctor (GP)

Answer 2

-Will record any behavioural symptoms or
family history

-investigate whether there are any environmental factors that may be encouraging or exacerbating the symptoms

-Decide whether to refer a patient to another mental health professional

Question 3

Mental health worker
(social worker, counsellor, recovery and rehabilitation workers)

Answer 3

Covers a number of different type of workers who care for people with mental health issues.

-registered nursers with further training in psychological therapies

-assessment of conditions, giving medications
visiting people in their homes

Question 4

-Psychologists

Answer 4

-Professionals who study mental states and perceptual, cognitive, emotional and social processes and behaviour

-Referral is not needed to see a psychologist (access to some services under Medicare do require a GP referral)

-Cannot prescribe medications
as they have not undertaken a medical degree

Question 5

Psychiatrists

Answer 5

-Develop treatment and support interventions for people suffering from more severe mental health conditions that require medications

-Referral is needed from GP

-Can prescribe medication

-Medical training to become a doctor

Question 6

Process of diagnoses

Answer 6

-Talking with the person to understand their experience
-Recording in detail their development history
-Undertaking cognitive assessments
-If the person is young, the psychologist will also talk to parents/guardians and teachers.