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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
[Patients' perceptions of mental health specialists' professional competence]
Egon Michael Haberfellner1, Martin Voracek
1Rehabilitationszentrum für psychosoziale Gesundheit, Bad Hall, Universität Wien.
Abstract:
Several studies indicate that the public does not differentiate between professional activities provided by psychotherapists, psychiatrists and psychologists. 543 psychiatric outpatients completed a questionnaire concerning mental health professionals' competence. Patients were least familiar with the competence "psychological testing". 35 % respectively 40 % of our patients expected that psychologists or psychotherapists could prescribe psychopharmacological drugs. 47 % expected counsellors to provide psychotherapy, 44 % expected diagnostic competence. Physicians' diagnostic and psychopharmacological competence was underestimated. Mental health professionals should not trust in patients' knowledge concerning their professional activities. Especially in the beginning of a diagnostic or therapeutic process patient information is of major importance.
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