When to See a Psychologist vs. a Psychiatrist

When it comes to mental health, it’s common to see a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or sometimes both. Both professions play crucial roles in helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health.

However, their approaches, training, and the conditions they treat differ. Many people wonder which professional they should seek when they need help.

Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about accessing care for your mental health needs.

Psychologists: The Mind’s Architects

What They Do: Psychology applies to all licensed mental health professionals, including LCSW, LICSW, LMFTs, and LMHCs. These professionals study human behavior and the mind. They use a variety of techniques, including talk therapy and behavioral interventions, to help individuals overcome emotional or psychological difficulties.

Treatment Approach: Psychologists use psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, as their primary treatment modality. This can include many types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and humanistic therapy, among others. Through these approaches, psychologists help individuals explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identify patterns, and develop coping strategies.

Who They Treat: Psychologists treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and more. They also work with individuals experiencing relationship problems, grief, and identity or stress-related issues. Psychologists often work with clients of all ages, from children to older adults.

When to See a Psychologist: Consider seeing a psychologist if you are experiencing emotional distress, struggling with life changes, or facing interpersonal difficulties. Psychologists can also be beneficial for those seeking personal growth or looking to enhance their mental well-being.

What’s a Psychologist vs. a Therapist?

While many people use these terms interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Ultimately, all psychologists can be considered therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.

First, a psychologist is a mental health professional who has completed their doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. On the other hand, therapist is more of an umbrella term that can refer to a variety of professionals, including psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. All licensed therapists hold a master’s degree.

While Psychologists have more formal assessment training, both psychologists and therapists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Both use various techniques, including psychotherapy and behavioral interventions, to treat clients.

Both psychologists and therapists work in a variety of settings. Psychologists usually work in private practice, hospitals, or academic settings. Therapists can be found in community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, or private practices.

Psychiatrists: The Mind’s Physicians

What They Do: Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in mental health. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses using a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and other treatments. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Treatment Approach: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to help manage mental health disorders, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants. They also provide psychotherapy, although their focus is typically on medication management, especially for complex or severe mental health issues.

Who They Treat: Psychiatrists treat a range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. They are also equipped to help individuals with substance use disorders and other complex issues.

When to See a Psychiatrist: Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you believe medication may be necessary to manage your mental health, especially if you have a severe or complex disorder. Psychiatrists are also a good choice if you have tried psychotherapy alone without significant improvement.

Quick hits: Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists

Training: Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology and complete several years of supervised clinical training. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete medical school and then specialize in psychiatry during their residency training.

Treatment Focus: Psychologists focus primarily on cognitive and behavioral interventions, while psychiatrists focus on managing medications like antidepressants, although they may also provide psychotherapy.

Scope of Practice: While both psychologists and psychiatrists treat mental health conditions, psychiatrists are often the first choice for individuals with severe or complex disorders due to their ability to prescribe medication.

Collaboration: Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together to provide comprehensive care for individuals with mental health conditions. They may collaborate to develop a treatment plan that includes both therapy and medication.

How Do I Decide Which Professional to See?

Psychologists and psychiatrists are important for mental health care. Picking the right one can greatly impact your mental health journey.

Deciding whether to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist depends on various factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, your preferences, goals for treatment, and the recommendations of your primary care doctor.

You can always approach a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation. These professionals often collaborate with one another and can assess your needs and recommend the best mental health treatment for you.

If you’d like to find a therapist or psychiatrist, book an appointment. We’re ready for new patients and accept most major insurance providers and plans.