Doctor of Behavioral Health: How can I help you?

As you skim through an overwhelming number of directories, not to mention clinicians and professionals from different realms, it can be difficult to determine who best meets your needs. What is an LCSW versus an LCP? What is a PhD versus a DBH? Oftentimes, credentials are overlooked, because, who has time to do additional research? Ultimately, it may be a smile that appears sweet that wins you over, or maybe they put something in their biography that speaks to you on an emotional level. No matter what it is, it is important to feel confident in your decision making process. I am here to break down my professional growth over the year, and my continuing growth academically speaking, so that you can determine if I am the person for you. 

My name is Fikreta Cirikovic, I am a practicing clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Connecticut. In order to practice independently, a professional must possess the clinical licensure, which differs from the LMSW, which is the licensure we social workers obtain out of graduate school. I am now pursuing my doctorate degree in behavioral health, and would love to introduce you to what this degree means to me, and how it will better prepare me, to better assist you. 

What is the value of a Doctor of Behavioral Health?

As a member of the behavioral health field, client-centered care is of the utmost importance. On a personal and professional level, utilizing compassion, empathy and understanding have been values I hold dear and near. By furthering my education, I have grown to recognize how this degree can further help me, so I can better help you.

Some of the key skills I will acquire as DBH are:   

- Understanding and differentiating between the medical and psychological systems

-Develop strong, solution focused interventions

-Matching the interventions we utilize to your strengths and deficits

Now, I know we do not enjoy focusing on the deficits, but the truth is, we must acknowledge their existence before we can make a move on addressing them, and ultimately, healing from them. As a DBH, I will utilize psycho-education, or educating you on the medical and psychological side of your stressor or condition, to empower you. Knowledge truly is power, and while learning more about the effects of mental health on your mind and body, you will feel confident in your ability to speak on what is bothering you, and make those connections on your own.

What are the roles of a Doctor of Behavioral Health?

More often than not, we as humans wait until we can no longer bare the difficulties and stressors around us to reach out and make a change in our lives. However, as a DBH, my role is to serve as an advocate for mental health, while allowing you to tend to other aspects of your overall health as well. You may find a DBH offering consultations at the tail end of annual physical exam visits, or, they may fill a few different roles simultaneously. To learn more about the different roles a DBH may fill, please refer to "Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care" by Patricia J. Robinson and Jeffrey T. Reiter. They provide explanations and real-life scenarios, of how a DBH can fit into an integrated care setting. 

In Conclusion

When you are surrounded by people who want similar things, life can become quite...challenging. Whether this be a challenge to enter a program or succeeding in courses, academic challenges were, and still are, a big part of my life. I cannot count how many times I have felt exhausted over the years, wanting to quit. I was working two jobs getting myself through school full-time. Needless to say, the grind never stops, just like you will never cease to impress yourself. 

Now, before you complete this reading, I'd like to highlight, not the values I bring forth as a professional and as a student myself, but as a fellow human being. That daunting feeling of procrastination, feeling unmotivated, guilt-tripping your way through difficulties life throws at you; there are feelings that are all too familiar. No matter the title or credentials, we are human first. However, sometimes we need someone to give us an extra push, or simply support, and that is more than okay. As a fellow human, I try my best to view the world through your eyes, and join you on this trip. The benefits to partnering with someone who values unconditional positive regard are endless. However, you are free to set up a consultation with me today, to determine for yourself.