What Are the Different Sources of Narcissism Support?

There are many types of narcissism support available for people who need it. For example, a person who is struggling with his own narcissism may seek the support of a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor. There also are some types of support that may prove helpful not only for a narcissistic person but also for his loved ones. They include group therapy and support groups. A person who has a narcissistic personality disorder also may benefit from the loving support of his friends and family members.

Mental health professionals are among the most common sources of support for people who have narcissistic disorders. For example, a person who is in need of narcissism support may seek the help of a psychiatrist, which is a mental health professional who also is a medical doctor. This person is typically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and disorders but also has the licensing required to prescribe medication. Though psychiatrists may use many methods of treating patients, mental health medications are often incorporated into their treatment plans.

A psychologist also may provide narcissism support, including the evaluation and treatment of disorders, but he does not have a medical degree like a psychiatrist. Instead, he usually has a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) or another credential at the doctoral level. As such, he can provide narcissism support and treatment but is prohibited from prescribing medications in most jurisdictions.

A person also may seek narcissism support from a licensed mental health counselor. A person with this title has usually earned a master’s degree rather than a doctoral degree and provides counseling and therapy to people with narcissistic disorders. He cannot prescribe medication.

Group therapy and support groups also may be important sources of support for people with narcissism-related disorders and their families. In a group therapy session, a mental health professional provides therapy to more than one person at a time, and this can sometimes include the friends and family members of the person who needs treatment. Support groups usually provide a place for the patient or his loved ones to share experiences, vent and receive understanding and encouragement.

Loved ones also can prove an important source of support for people with narcissism-related mental health disorders and those who love them. Friends and family members may listen to problems patients and their loved ones want to discuss, allow them to vent and provide shoulders on which they can cry. They also may be an important source of encouragement when challenges arise.