How do I know which expert to trust?
In the age of internet and ‘fake news’, how can I be sure that the psychological help and advice I’m getting is legitimate?
Before the 1970s, mental health issues were not spoken about by the general public. If someone needed help for conditions like anxiety, depression or schizophrenia, they consulted a psychiatrist. The doctor was seen as the all-knowing guru who understood how to diagnose and treat.
Before the 1970s, patients did not readily share their stories. In those days, there was shame attached to being mentally ill. Group sessions were new and there were no other forums in which to share.
Then came global mass mediaWidely popular TV and radio hosts, such as Oprah, did the world a service by bringing out into the open just how many people suffer from anxiety and depression. Oprah was also masterful at sourcing experts who were media savvy and happy to be positioned as experts on her show.
Since then, the Internet has changed the playing field. It has taken the power of TV and radio tenfold; allowing information to be shared readily, globally and for free by anyone. Social media and online forums provide a space where people can document their psychological journeys. If Facebook has shown anything, it’s that people love to share their lives with others as well as comment on and engage with their friends’ activities.
Self-publishing has enabled anyone and everyone to write a book and self-label it as a legitimate source of information. In the past, publishing houses were relied on to have done due diligence and only publish legitimate stories. Blogging, likewise, became the opportunity for every Tom, Dick and Harry to have their say and to say it to potentially, millions of readers.
Who to trust? This has led to confusion and blurring of lines. Who is an expert? Who is handing out valid information and who is spinning a yarn? Who is endorsing a product because they are being paid and not because they truly believe in it? Who is sharing their story and presenting themselves as an authoritative source regardless of their qualifications?
You only need to look through this site to see that there are many highly educated and qualified professionals more than ready to help you through your mental wellbeing issues. Rather than focussing on discrediting people who aren’t who they say they are, here are 13 strategies and guidelines to help you to safely and securely seek trustworthy information and advice.
How to source credible psychological information:
1. Psychology is a science, not an art. This means that when a psychologist gives you advice, it is based on research. Always check that the advice you are given is backed by research.
2. A personal story makes a connection. Listen, enjoy, relate to the story by all means, but do not necessarily follow the same path as someone else, nor believe it is the only path.
3. Each person’s experience is unique and therefore may not suit you. In contrast, research means that large samples of subjects have been tested and the results are validated. The opinion of a psychologist is not the result of his/her own story but based on test scores of thousands of subjects worldwide.
4. An expert in the mental health area will have credentials. A psychologist must have at least a four-year degree from a reputable university. Keep in mind that there are random colleges that call themselves universities and second-tier universities - even a psychologist’s degree can be checked out. Do not be shy to ask a psychologist where and when they studied.
5. In addition to the basic four-year undergraduate degree, in Australia psychologists who wish to practice therapy need to do a further two-year practical in a placement, or a masters or doctorate degree. When someone is giving advice to anxiety sufferers, they need to have completed any one of these pathways and had some practical experience. Obviously, a psychologist with five years’ experience will have more knowledge than one with 6 months experience.
6. Be very wary when buying a psychological product. Today one can buy CD’s to cure anxiety on late night TV. Some of these shows look exactly like the ones selling vacuum cleaners. Many professionals have sold themselves to promote a product to make big money. Check them out. What else do they do? Are they still in practice? How much are they being paid to say this CD works?
7. I believe that face to face diagnosis and treatment is best because self-diagnosing is notoriously flawed. Even if you only go for an initial psychological assessment, it is worth it so that you pursue the correct treatment for your mental health condition.
8. If you choose to receive online treatment, there are excellent online courses for anxiety run by reputable universities and hospital clinics.
9. Psychologists are ethically not allowed to publish a patient’s testimonials. If somebody is doing that, their ethics are questionable.
10. Just because somebody says they are “The best psychologist in Sydney”, it doesn’t mean it’s true. In fact, it is ethically not permitted. A psychologist is allowed to present their degrees and credentials but can’t make claims about their competition.
11. Credible professionals belong to their professional body which has a code of ethics. In Australia, it is the
12. Don’t be shy to ask questions. If you read something on the web, write to the author and ask for credentials.
13. One last thing – “If it is too good to be true, it usually is”. Check what the majority of other psychologists are saying on any given subject, and you will find that there is a lot of consensus. The maverick promising unrealistic cures in a way that is different to the way others do things, warrants a red flag.
It is wonderful to have the internet. It is incredible that patients today can research information about their anxiety or depression from professionals who share their knowledge abundantly. However, be discerning when choosing who to trust.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
