NJ, I have a personal thing about those in the field of psychology. Unless there is an issue that requires medication, I think anyone is better off talking to those involved and to loved ones. Shrinks, social workers and really anyone in the field of mental health tend to be the most messed up people on the planet and tend to make every attempt to gain a scheduled and regular at least once-a-week meeting so problems can be proloned way beyond. In addition, even thouh your sessions are supposed to be "private", just try going thru a nasty divorce or custody battle and see how fast those nasty little folders fly open for the world to peruse.
Talk to those who truly have your best intersests at heart.
I dont know about the ones who pursue it as a career, but I do know people who have studied psychology in undergraduate and they openly admit they're extremely messed up and thats why theyr'e taking psychology.
I would assume that most shrinks/therapists are trained in cultural sensitivity these days...anyone in this field or famliar with it..can shed more light on this.