When you’re struggling with your mental health or watching someone you love go through it, the last thing you want to do is sort through job titles, trying to figure out who does what.
Psychologist and psychiatrist are two terms you’ll come across while searching for help, and while they both work in the mental health field, they’re not the same. Understanding their differences, including the tools they use and how they approach treatment, can help you figure out which type of support you need.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What psychologists and psychiatrists do
- The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist
- How to figure out which professional fits your needs
- Where to find mental health support
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, know that you’re not alone. Whether you need help from a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both, the team at Palm City Wellness is here to help. We can answer your questions, offer guidance, and support you in finding a treatment program that meets your needs.
What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a mental health professional who helps people through behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, and psychological difficulties. Psychologists are highly trained and licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health disorders.
They rely on interviews, questionnaires, surveys, assessments, records, and observations to understand what their clients are experiencing and create personalized treatment plans based on their findings.
Psychologists can help with:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship concerns
- Family issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Personality disorders
- Grief and loss
- Major life changes
Psychologists can work in a range of settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, or schools. Some specialize in working with children, while others focus on adults or specific conditions.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Psychiatrists attend medical school and complete a residency in psychiatry, giving them the years of training needed to evaluate their clients’ mental health. As licensed physicians, they can order lab tests, perform medical evaluations, and prescribe medications.
Psychiatrists often treat:
- Co-occurring disorders (like substance use disorders and depression)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
- Schizophrenia or psychosis
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, but most focus on prescribing and managing medications, often working closely with therapists so that they can refer their clients to them for any counseling needs.
The Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist
Though there’s some overlap between psychologists and psychiatrists, their training and daily responsibilities look very different. Some of these differences include:
Education and Training
- Psychologists hold a doctorate degree in psychology. They are trained to provide therapy, testing, and different kinds of emotional and behavioral support.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They complete medical school followed by a residency in mental health.
Treatment Approach
- Psychologists focus on talk therapy, coping skills, and helping their clients understand how their thoughts and feelings are influencing their behavior and overall wellness.
- Psychiatrists view mental health conditions from a medical lens, using medication along with other methods to support the client in healing.
Ability to Prescribe Medication
- A psychiatrist can prescribe medications in any state.
- A psychologist cannot prescribe medications in most states, unless they’ve completed special training and certification in states where it’s allowed.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Which One Should You See?
Choosing between a psychologist and a psychiatrist depends on your symptoms, goals, and the kind of support you’re looking for. Some people start by going to therapy and are then referred to a psychiatrist, while others find that medication is sufficient. While many benefit from seeing both, here’s a way to figure out where to begin:
See a psychologist if:
- You’re looking for ways to manage anxiety, stress, depression, grief, or negative thoughts
- You want to give certain types of therapy a try, like CBT, exposure therapy, or mindfulness-based therapy
- You need testing for ADHD or a learning disability
- You’re interested in getting a potential mental health diagnosis through assessments and evaluations
- You’re unsure about medication and want to start with therapy
- You want to address issues in your relationships, such as with a family member or spouse
See a psychiatrist if:
- You’re having symptoms like hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or mania
- You’ve tried talk therapy, but think medication would help you even more
- You’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or persistent depression
No matter where you begin, the most important thing is that you’re getting the support you need to work on your mental health.
Improve Your Mental Health with Palm City Wellness
Once you understand the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, you can choose the right type of care for you or your loved one. Even if you don’t have it all figured out, Palm City Wellness is here to support you until you do. Whether that means being there to answer your questions, address your concerns, or verify your insurance coverage, taking the first step can make a big difference.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment with a qualified mental health professional.
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