In the United States of America, we are very fortunate to have a large variety of options for psychological help should we need it. Although right now you may not need psychological help, more than likely at some point now or in the future you will consider seeing someone to help. Now, thanks to advancement in the field, there are a ton of different options available to you, but this wasn't always the case. In fact, psychological has had quite an interesting, albeit checkered, path to get to the point where it is today. In order to share it with you, I've assembled this brief history of psychological care and treatment in the United States and beyond.

Originally, ancient societies used a variety of methods to help rid the brain of demons and other evil disorders. These incantations were used as more of a spell than a form of treatment. However, Greek philosophers began more in depth studies of the mind and brain, which they termed psuche. It is from this word that the term "Psychology" was derived. In time philosophers, such as Plato, began asking in depth questions about the nature of the mind and the capabilities and limitations to it. At the same time, there were similar exercises in thought happening in China, India, and Judeo-Christian societies.

In medieval times, Psychology took a turn for the worse and people were often banished to mental wards where the treatment was less than stellar. However, as the nature of the mind began to be more understood, more advanced experiments were conducted to separately diagnose an ill mind from an ill body. Although treatments and methods were crude at the time, they did help advance the trend and understanding at the time.

The modern form of "Western Psychology" took root in Europe, particularly in Germany where philosopher Christian Wolff coined the term "Psychology". Some also credit Rene Descartes as a pioneer of modern Western Psychology, as his animal experimentation helped us to learn a great deal about the "physical" nature of Psychology. In the late 1700's, psychological schools began to develop in order to advance the practice and train practitioners. Eventually, several schools of thought began to emerge, which are still prevalent today.

In the late 1800's, William James, a Harvard professor, opened up an experimental laboratory and started using it to teach his students. This took root in America and thus a wave of laboratories began to develop and flourish in the United States. As Psychology continued to develop, the United States became one of the foremost leaders in psychological thought and treatment, which leaves us where we are today.

Although the United States certainly can not take credit for the origins of Psychology, once adopted by the United States, the practice did advance leaps and bounds beyond previous limitations. Although the schools of thought are always changing and evolving, the United States was and still remains one of the most popular centers for psychological treatment and care in the world.