anxiety issues

[Rob2008]

My story:
Hello, I am seeking an unbiased opinion on my treatment situation.   I'm a 30 yr old male who has chronic derealization and frequent severe panic attacks with agoraphobia, for at least 3 years.   I do not have insurance and I chose to pay out of pocket (help from family, i don't work) at a private clinic which employees dozens of therapists and psychiatrists in my city at different locations.  Since I did not have a referral, I just called their front desk operator one day and said I wanted to see someone about depersonalization.  She didn't know what I meant, so I told her panic attacks.  She brought me in to see a lady.  I like this lady and all, but when I looked on the discharge sheet, I noticed a long list of employees, most of which were MD's and PhD's,  with a scant few LCSW's and MSW's.    Mine is an LCSW.   I found out this means social worker. I thought social workers were more for people with family or work problems, etc. neither of which I have. She acts just like I thought a psychologist would act with 1 hour sessions. She did have me see an MD there to be put on Ativan and Zoloft.

My question, part 1:
Am I seeing the correct therapist for my problem?   Again, I like the lady, but do I need to switch to a PhD?

My question, part 2:
I applied for disability a while back.  I also have a genuine chronic medical problem (which is the main cheese), but I would like to add extra support to my claim with support from the psych people.  Will my treatment from an LCSW hold any weight at my SS hearing? Will a supportive letter from the LCSW (who is eager to help me) be enough, or do they require a statement from the MD?

Thanks.

[mia_09]

helo
  im 26 years im much sad cause i couldnt pass my exams i have no
anxaity to try my second chance im most of time thinking and worried of my future but doing nothing to inhance it i have children i got married early ii fell like im 35 years old. any help? i talked to no on eof my thoughts.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Most of the psychotherapy in this country is done by social workers, and as long as she is well trained, you are in good hands. The individual is much more important than the degree when it comes to psychotherapy, and the fact that you trust her is most important.  Re the weight that would  carry with the board, it is hard to answer..Depends on the board..also, many clinics submit reports under the medical director's signature..