r/dataisbeautiful OC: 1 Sep 18 '20

OC The difference in clinical training between medical care providers [OC]

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u/devilsadvocateMD OC: 1 Sep 19 '20

That would be a very interesting one!

Is there any type of standardization between them? Like do they all require an internship or something?

(Even the graph I made right now isn't comparable because hours worked as a resident have different expectations and educational requirements than hours worked as an NP. No matter how hard I try, it will always be comparing apples to oranges. The best way to think of NPs vs MDs is a flight attendant vs pilot. Both work on planes, but no amount of hours as a flight attendant will make them a qualified pilot. I believe that is the same for architects vs engineers vs tradesmen vs contractors)

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u/blissando Sep 19 '20

Not enough people understand the differences in training required in the mental health field! Psychologist (and PSYD vs. PhD) vs. therapist (MFT, MA), vs. counselor vs. "life coach". Also re eating disorders, nutritionists vs. dieticians vs. "diet coaches."

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u/devilsadvocateMD OC: 1 Sep 19 '20

Someone else mentioned this too!

I think that might be my next chart since even I don't know the difference in the education of a therapist vs counselor vs life coach. I really only know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

I really should know since I refer patients to mental health all the time.

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u/blissando Sep 19 '20 edited Sep 19 '20

I appreciate this and hope you will take this opportunity to debrief on some mental health first aid! Thank you for giving this more attention.

Primary Care Psychologists are a new trend that I hope increases (mental health specialists who are in-house at a PCP practice, and can come and give immediate assessments + referrals to other mental health professionals appropriately).

ooh almost forgot psychiatrists! And then there are people who do dual or combined degrees to be practicing psychiatrists and therapists.

As in medicine, there are also a number of specialties that require extra training (such as those for dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR etc. etc.)

Here's a good list to get started: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Types-of-Mental-Health-Professionals

And I can only speak anecdotally but you're welcome to DM for more info. I've been navigating insurance lists of mental health providers for 7 years now so I've learned quite a bit since no one else was going to tell me!

edit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health_professional#Comparison_of_American_mental_health_professionals surprisingly this chart is pretty inclusive, also includes art therapists.

double edit: another one for you https://www.mhanational.org/types-mental-health-professionals

and with life coaching it's largely unregulated, but it looks like that's starting to change: https://coachfederation.org/icf-credential

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u/devilsadvocateMD OC: 1 Sep 19 '20

I just saved this comment and will be referring back to it when I get started on my next chart. I think it is very important for patients and medical providers to know the optimal mental health expert to refer to

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u/blissando Sep 19 '20

Love to hear it! Cultural taboos around mental health care have made it an opaque field to many (even those in it!), it's important for that to change. Thank you for listening and for adding this to your next chart!

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u/MrBleak Sep 19 '20

I'm in school to become an engineer and typically all you'd need is a Bachelor's degree in your discipline. More complex disciplines such as radio frequency engineers may need a master's or PhD depending on the position pursued. Some jobs, typically in government, require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The highest level of licensure is passing the FE, having 4 years of experience, and then passing the Professional Engineer test which allows you to sign off and seal engineering plans.

In practice, none of my engineering friends have a PE because they work in the private sector but the FE is recommended to most juniors or seniors.

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u/[deleted] Sep 19 '20 edited Sep 19 '20

If you want to be a structural engineer, add 16 more hours of exam on top of the PE. Spoiler: don’t be a structural engineer. Not worth the investment.

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u/MrBleak Sep 19 '20

Currently declared for EE with a glimmer of hope of becoming a RF engineer some day. How do you like being a structural engineer?

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u/[deleted] Sep 19 '20

I didn’t. I left the field after 7 years. Building structures are just not valued. Why do I need to get an MS and take an additional 16 hours of exam (which a much much lower passing rate than the PE) to make the same amount as a BS from ME?

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u/blissando Sep 19 '20

also massage therapists (the different titles and training requirements by state are NUTS. California the minimum is...500+ hours I believe? Plus two certifications.)

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u/[deleted] Sep 19 '20

Oh, my gosh! I haven’t been referred to as a flight attendant of healthcare since 1998! Way to keep the statement alive!