New England Psychologist

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Federal government tries again to ensure insurers pay for mental health care

By New England Psychologist Staff

Rule will take effect 60 days after announcement The Biden administration announced in early September 2024 the finalization of a significant new regulation aimed at ensuring that health insurers cover and pay for mental health care on equal footing with physical health conditions. The move is part of a broader federal effort to address long-standing issues of inadequate mental health coverage for millions of Americans, despite existing laws that mandate parity – or equality – between mental and physical health… Read more »

Practical Practice

The DSM: Is it time to evolve?

By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D

Clinicians rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) every day and many people refer to it as the “bible” of psychiatry. Upon searching the internet for the current price of the DSM V-TR, I unexpectedly encountered some humorous reviews on Goodreads. Some examples, “Terrible plot, no character development” as well as, “I was able to successfully diagnose my mom, dad, sister, and chihuahua. The latter being the most difficult to manage when it comes to behaviors and psychological needs.”… Read more »

Niche specialization: Is finding your niche important?

By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D

Is it necessary for independent practitioners to have an area of specialty practice? A quick review of popular sites such as the Psychology Today Therapist Directory gives the impression that most psychologists have one or more niche areas of practice. The range of specialty areas of focus is seemingly limitless and includes diagnoses such as OCD, ADHD, PTSD; symptoms such as self-harm, insomnia or sexual dysfunction or therapy; modalities such as individual, couples or family therapy; specific patient populations defined… Read more »

Is student loan debt worth it?

By Ellen Anderson, Ph.D

“I’m trying to decide whether I should become a licensed professional counselor or a psychologist. Do you have any advice?” I wasn’t surprised to hear this question from my client, a 21-year-old psychology major. He sought out therapy and found the process of self-discovery helpful. He had been accepted into both psychology doctoral programs and counseling master’s programs, both of which would make him eligible for licensure. We talked about his motivations and the differences in the curriculum between a… Read more »

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