Who's who/who's for you?

Though the calloquial term shrink (as in head shrinker) could apply to all practiotioners of psychotherapy, there are important distinctions among them.

PSYCHIATRISTS are licensed M.D.'s who've undergone at least five years of medical training, with a one-to-two year residency in psychiatry. They often prescribe medication as a significant part of treatment.

PSYCHOLOGIST hold Ph.D.'s are licensed by the state and have had at least five years of full-time graduate study, a one-year residency, plus one year of supervised postdoctoral clinical experience. Psychologists emphasize communication and problem-solving (as opposed to medication and unconscious motivations)

SOCIAL WORKERS AND MASTER'S-LEVEL NURSES are certified and undergo two years of graduate training and one year of sueprvised experience. According to Linda Sebastian of the Menninger Clinic, for about 90 percent of people seeking therapy, a master's-level nurse or social worker is perfectly adequate, as opposed to a more costly psychologist or psychiatrist.

Looking for a shrink? The most effective therapist/client relationship is one of complete trust and honesty, so choosing a therapist is serious business. And, as the client is paying for service, she's the employer. Friends already in therapy are good referral source, as are local psychological associations and clinical faculties at any university.