Do I Need a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist?

Wondering about the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? Read on to learn more. Most people do not know whether to consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist when they need therapy. They recognize the signs — they have been restless, sleepless, and do not have the energy to perform their favorite activities. It is evident that a psychological disorder is present, and seeing a medical professional is crucial to getting help, but who do they consult — a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. They must undergo four years of medical school after their undergraduate degree. After medical school, a psychiatrist will go through a residency program in psychiatry, where they will learn the process of diagnosing and treating mental health problems.

On the other hand, psychologists need to earn a Ph.D. if they specialize in research or PsyD degree if they want to focus on clinical practice. The psychologist receives training on how to provide evidence-based psychotherapy and perform psychological assessments. The training usually lasts for over 10 years and aims specifically to identify and treat mental illnesses with non-medical methods, i.e., talk therapy, and not medications.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists are qualified to provide psychotherapy; however, psychologists focus on behavioral responses, while psychiatrists evaluate the patient and consider their neurochemistry, biology, psychosocial history, and other medical issues and treatments they might be going through.

Treatment methodologies

Psychologists and psychiatrists are usually present in the same medical settings, including private offices, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and schools.

Psychologists use talk therapy to address the symptoms of mental illness. These sessions offer patients a safe place to speak about their feelings and symptoms. Psychologists can help patients understand their symptoms and teach them coping mechanisms to deal with them more effectively. There are several types of talk therapy, including individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of psychotherapy. CBT aims to help patients learn and practice particular skills that help them overcome unpleasant emotions and thinking habits.

Interviews and observations made in treatment may help a psychologist reach a mental health diagnosis. They may also use neuropsychological tests to determine a person's cognitive abilities, which examine things like memory and reading comprehension.

On the other hand, psychiatrists cannot prescribe medicine or perform diagnostic testing in most states. They may suggest that patients see a psychiatrist if they think medication might help their symptoms during treatment.

How to decide between seeing a psychiatrist or a psychologist

If a person needs or wants medications, they should visit a psychiatrist. Patients who prefer psychotherapy should consult a psychologist. It is important to note that psychotherapy requires the willingness to change and readiness to take an active approach toward one’s issues. Taking medications may come with the burden of side effects. Furthermore, once a patient stops medication, they may find that their problems persist. Psychotherapy primarily teaches patients the skills they can use even after concluding treatment.

Patients suffering from severe mental health disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia need to see a psychiatrist because medications are required as part of treatment. On the other hand, anxiety and depression are two conditions that can also be treated without drugs.

It is important to note that these are broad overviews. Experts consider most mental health disorders “diagnoses of exclusion," meaning no concise test can verify if a particular mental health illness entirely causes the patient’s symptoms. Many of the symptoms that come with depression could also be the result of hypothyroidism, infectious processes, some cancers, and some neurological disorders. It is better to consult a professional (a psychiatrist, or even a doctor) who is trained to identify and distinguish those underlying factors when trying to diagnose the origin of the problem.

The bottom line

If the patient has a complicated medical history, neurological disorders, or acute illness and needs comprehensive treatment, consulting with a psychiatrist is an excellent place to start. Psychologists can assess and diagnose mental or psychological illnesses, and they can also provide family, couple, and group therapy; however, both medical professionals work collaboratively to offer patients the best treatment.

To aid your journey to recovery, either professional may give advice on how to investigate the symptoms of your condition and probable causes, and further recommend the most effective approach.

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