Helping Patients Help Themselves

Increasingly psychologists are extending the impact of their work by recommending self-help groups, books, movies and more. With insurers limiting the number of sessions available to the client, “homework” or actions consumers can take to understand their problems and care for themselves enhance therapy.

As well, psychologists are expanding their services to teaching workshops, writing books and web sites, and appearing on TV.

When she and her colleagues appear on TV, she [psychologist Jean Cirillo] says, they are “helping the masses who might not have access to a therapist” – or who might not go even if they do have access.

The University of Scranton’s Norcross estimates that three-quarters of Americans with mental-health or substance-abuse problems do not receive professional help.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 28 Jan 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.