TikTok has become a widely popular social media platform, influencing various aspects of life, including mental health awareness. While many psychologists express concerns over its impact, particularly regarding self-diagnosis, Dr. Jessica Myszak has embraced the platform to provide accurate and educational content about autism and psychological evaluations.

The Influence of TikTok on Mental Health Awareness

Many psychologists are wary of TikTok due to the increasing number of people seeking autism, ADHD, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) evaluations after identifying with content creators discussing these topics. While some individuals gain valuable insight into their experiences, there is also a risk of misinformation and self-diagnosis without professional evaluation.

Understanding TikTok and Its Growth

For those unfamiliar with TikTok, it is a video-based social media platform where users can create and edit videos ranging from 15 seconds to one minute. It gained massive popularity in 2020 and continues to grow. The platform offers diverse content, including comedy, music, dance, and educational videos. The “For You Page” page curates videos based on user preferences, while users can also follow specific creators for more tailored content.

Why I Joined TikTok as a Psychologist

Despite the presence of many autistic content creators, there seemed to be a lack of professionals discussing autism. After careful consideration, I decided to join TikTok to provide educational content and inform potential clients about my psychological services. My goal is to offer reliable information while making my expertise accessible to those seeking psychological evaluations.

The Impact of My TikTok Content

Two months into my TikTok journey, I have been pleasantly surprised by its success. My videos are simple yet informative, helping individuals who are either considering autism for themselves or their children. The TikTok algorithm has been effective in reaching the right audience, furthering awareness and education.

Topics I Cover on TikTok

I have shared information on:

Online autism tests
Telehealth evaluations for diagnoses
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Directories for finding mental health providers
General insights into autism and mental health

These videos have sparked meaningful discussions, raised insightful questions, and even brought new clients to my practice. While I may not be the right psychologist for everyone, I aim to create helpful content for those interested in learning more about autism and evaluations.

TikTok as a Tool for Mental Health Education

From a professional standpoint, TikTok is simply a tool—its effectiveness depends on how it is used. While misinformation can lead to incorrect self-diagnosis, the platform also provides an opportunity for people to better understand themselves. The increased openness about mental health has been incredibly beneficial for many individuals.

Many adults I work with have never been formally evaluated for autism, even though they have undergone treatment for other mental health conditions. Without social media discussions, many of these individuals might never realize they are autistic. This increase in awareness has led to a greater understanding and acceptance of individual differences.

Additionally, understanding how diagnostic evaluations work is crucial. Autism evaluations, particularly for adults, can vary significantly among providers. Researching and understanding these differences can ensure a more effective and meaningful evaluation experience.

Choosing the Right Psychologist

I encourage potential clients to explore their options before choosing a psychologist. I prefer clients to seek my services because they resonate with my approach, not just because I am the only option they are aware of. I also welcome discussions with clients who have preconceived ideas about their diagnoses—sharing concerns with a provider is an essential part of the diagnostic process.

Watch My TikTok Videos

Check out one of my most popular videos and follow me for new content: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpandhealingcenter/

About Dr. Jessica Myszak

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 10 years of experience in psychological evaluations for children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations, serving clients in multiple states, including:

Current States: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington DC, Wisconsin
Coming Soon: Alabama and Kentucky

For more information about working with Dr. Myszak, visit her website: https://helpandhealingcenter.com/dr-myszak-on-tiktok/ or email her to start the process.

FAQs

1. Why do some psychologists dislike TikTok?

Many psychologists are concerned that TikTok encourages self-diagnosis, leading people to believe they have conditions based solely on social media content rather than professional evaluation.

2. What kind of content do you share on TikTok?

I share educational content about autism, including available online tests, the telehealth diagnostic process, pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and resources for finding mental health providers.

3. Can I trust mental health information on TikTok?

While TikTok can provide valuable insights, it is essential to verify information with credible sources and seek professional evaluation for any mental health concerns.

4. How can I schedule an evaluation with you?

If you are interested in working with me, visit my website or email me to begin the process.

5. Do you offer in-person evaluations?

Yes, I offer both in-person evaluations on Chicago’s North Shore and telehealth services for clients in multiple states.

Conclusion

TikTok has proven to be a powerful platform for increasing awareness about autism and psychological evaluations. While misinformation can be a concern, the platform also allows professionals like myself to provide accurate and helpful content. If you are seeking psychological evaluations or educational insights, feel free to connect with me on TikTok or visit my website for more information.