Thinking about Therapy

Your dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, school nurse, school
counselor, or other healthcare provider may be able to steer you in
the right direction and find someone who can help you or your
child contend with some of these emotional issues while they work
on the physical ones.
The good news is that the vast majority of people suffering from
depression can be treated successfully. Speak to your doctor about
the way you feel and ask her to treat you or your child or to make a
referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Ideally, you or your child’s primary care provider or psychothera-
pist should maintain a close relationship with your dermatologist
so that they can discuss treatment and any changes in medica-
tions, and so on.
There are many types of psychotherapy and psychotherapists. You
can choose from:
 Psychiatrists: They are medical doctors and are able to pre-
scribe prescription medications, if required.
 Clinical psychologists: They usually have a master’s or doc-
toral degree in psychology.
 Psychiatric social workers: To become qualified as a social
worker that provides psychotherapy, a person must have
earned a minimum of a master’s degree in clinical social work.
 Counselors: Generally, they may have only a bachelor’s
degree in education, psychology, or theology.
Some dermatologists, albeit few and far between, are capable of
handling both the physical and emotional consequences of acne.
Several of my colleagues have been trained as dermatologists as
well as psychologists and psychiatrists. If you’re fortunate to have
access to any of these specialists, go for it!
Avoid quick fixes promised by audio and videotapes or books. You
can’t find true “quickie cures” for acne or for its emotional compo-
nents. Both sets of symptoms require time and patience.