Psychologists
What is a Psychologist?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that “psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.” Meaning that psychologists help patients and conduct research on behavior and emotions. Clinical psychologists treat patients through various therapies for many different issues.
Psychologists can have a specialty either in a specific age or disorder. They will treat concussion patients who have persistent post-concussion symptoms related to mental health and well-being. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.
How do they assess a concussion?
A psychologist will determine a treatment plan for a concussion patient mostly through interviewing the patient and their loved ones. These interviews may capture what the patient was like before the concussion, what has changed since the concussion, and their symptoms, among others. Dr. Robert Asarnow from UCLA stated the following for how a psychologist may assess a concussion patient:
“So, what we do is we assess the post-concussive symptoms using the post-concussive symptom scale, and then we assess psychological problems using a variety of questionnaires and interviews. And we're particularly interested in how the concussion is really impacting their everyday life. So, we ask lots of questions about that. One of the things we're particularly interested in is what activities they're avoiding now after the concussion, and what happens when they engage in those activities.”
What treatments do they offer?
Dr. Asarnow says that his first step in treating a concussion is to "wait until they were about three to four weeks post-injury before I would initiate any kind of treatment, because the chances are very good that these symptoms will clear by themselves within four weeks after the injury." After the initial 3-4 weeks, a psychologist can help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, avoidance, and other mental health symptoms.
A psychologist may first suggest Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to improve many of these symptoms from one approach. They want to help patients improve their mental health post-concussion, including sleep habits, diet, and exercise. They can also help with maladaptive thinking patterns (avoiding, catastrophizing, etc.). A psychologist can help a patient cope with persistent post-concussion symptoms and make a return back to normal life.
Where can you find a Psychologist?
Psychologists work in many different settings, but it is crucial to find someone who has experience with concussions and concussion patients. The best place to find someone with this experience is at a concussion clinic. Psychologists can also be found at outpatient rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices. Some colleges and universities have on-campus psychologists that are available to students.
The Concussion Alliance has resources listed at the bottom of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy webpage that can assist you in finding providers by searching through Psychology Today and a few other websites.
Who might they refer you to?
The following occupations are possible providers that a psychologist may refer you to in order to help with other symptoms.
The links attached to these providers offer general definitions of that profession and do not specifically address concussion care. The Concussion Alliance recommends that you seek treatment from a provider with experience in concussion treatments.