ADHD Psychiatrist Vs. ADHD Therapist: What Is The Difference?
With an estimated 6.76% of the adult population affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 2020 worldwide, the subject of how to treat ADHD may be more important than ever. While a variety of professionals may be able to help an individual living with ADHD, two of the most effective may be therapists and psychiatrists. Which type of professional you choose may depend on the severity of your condition, what challenges you are experiencing, and what you hope to get out of treatment.
To decide who may benefit you the most, it could be beneficial to learn what sets ADHD psychiatrists and therapists apart.
What is the difference between an ADHD psychiatrist and an ADHD therapist?
There are certain significant differences between ADHD psychiatrists and therapists, most notably the ability of ADHD psychiatrists to prescribe stimulant and non-stimulant medication. However, to understand the different roles of these two types of ADHD specialists fully, it may be beneficial to begin by discussing the primary differences between therapists and psychiatrists.
Although both are recognized as mental health professionals, each profession has its own distinct role and qualifications.
Therapists
Therapists typically treat individuals using psychotherapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT may help an individual recognize potentially negative thoughts and behavioral patterns, which can allow them to change these thought patterns and modify their behavior.
Therapists can also use a variety of other therapeutic approaches, many of which are designed to help their clients build coping skills that can allow them to better function in their day-to-day lives.
Education and experience
The amount of education a person needs to become a licensed professional counselor can vary depending on what state or territory they intend to practice in. For the most part, an individual will start by completing their bachelor's degree; common majors include psychology, counseling, and social work. From there, most states will require a master’s degree in the therapist’s intended specialty.
Once they’ve completed their master’s degree, therapists may have to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. These hours can range from 500 hours in US territories like Puerto Rico to 4000 hours in states like Kentucky.
Qualifications
Once a person has completed their education and clinical hours, they’ll typically need to complete licensing exams and pay certain fees to receive their license. Like the educational and experiential requirements, the requirements for these exams and associated costs can vary by state and what specialty a therapist intends to work in. Examples of exams include the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination, and the Association of Social Work Boards examination.
Scope of practice
While some therapists may be able to diagnose patients or clients, their ability to do so can vary depending on the state of their practice. In some cases, these therapists can require additional education or training to diagnose clients.
The ability to prescribe medications, referred to as “prescriptive authority,” is almost always reserved for medical doctors. However, some areas may permit nurse practitioners prescriptive authority if they receive additional education and qualifications.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate and diagnose patients, typically using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR). Once an evaluation and diagnosis are provided, a psychiatrist may also create a treatment plan. These plans can include pharmacological interventions (i.e., medication), therapeutic approaches, and behavioral interventions.
Psychiatrists often see individuals in inpatient settings (where a patient is admitted to a hospital) and outpatient settings (where a patient is not admitted to a hospital.)
Education and experience
Like a therapist, a psychiatrist typically begins their educational career by receiving their bachelor’s degree. After that, they’ll need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and gain acceptance to medical school. They will then attend four years of medical school, where they will learn both general medical knowledge and information that may pertain directly to their intended psychiatric specialty.
Upon medical school graduation, aspiring psychiatrists will need to complete a residency program in psychiatry. These programs typically take four years and involve working in hospitals and clinics. During residency, psychiatrists can learn how to apply their knowledge, diagnosing and treating real patients under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists. Upon completion of their residency, psychiatrists may become eligible to take a board examination as the final step to becoming board certified in psychiatry.
Qualifications
During residency training, psychiatrists can obtain a medical license in the state where their clients reside. The requirements to acquire a medical license will vary from state to state, but an individual may have to pass a national licensing exam (such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination) in addition to their completed education. Psychiatrists may also choose to become board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology after residency, but this is typically not required for licensure as a physician.
Scope of practice
One of the key differences between the capabilities of therapists and psychiatrists is their prescriptive authority. If a psychiatrist diagnoses a patient and determines the most viable treatment option is to explore a pharmacological approach, they may choose to prescribe a medication. These medications can vary, ranging from antidepressants and antipsychotics to mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Other differences between an ADHD therapist and an ADHD psychiatrist
Apart from their prescriptive ability and education, what specifically distinguishes an ADHD therapist and an ADHD psychiatrist is their approach to treatment. An ADHD psychiatrist may elect to use a pharmacological approach, prescribing medications to treat a patient's symptoms. The FDA has approved several stimulant and non-stimulant medications for these purposes.
Contrarily, an ADHD therapist may use a combination of psychotherapeutic and behavioral approaches in their treatment plans. These approaches are typically designed to help individuals understand their behavior and identify how their thought patterns are influenced by their disorder. In addition, ADHD therapists can share strategies to cope with specific symptoms and help their clients build self-regulation, organization, and attention-related skills.
How to find an ADHD mental health professional
Finding an ADHD therapist or psychiatrist may vary in difficulty, depending on where you live. In some cases, large cities may be more likely to have ADHD specialists, whereas rural or remote areas may have a shortage of mental health professionals overall. If you have friends or family who also live with ADHD, it may be helpful to ask them about their providers.
To find an ADHD psychiatrist or therapist on your own, you may also want to look at online databases. These may include the American Medical Association’s Find a Doctor or the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) online directory.
For those looking for online therapy specifically, BetterHelp’s Find a Therapist search tool may also be beneficial.
Is a psychiatrist or a therapist more effective for ADHD?
One analytical review found that while pharmacological interventions may regulate the neurotransmission of monoamines in the brain, therapy targets specific behaviors related to ADHD, such as poor academic performance, negative relationships with others, and aggressive behavior. In addition, researchers noted that behavioral therapy was the only non-pharmacological method that showed statistically significant results in clinical trials. Studies have also found that in patients who were prescribed stimulant medication, the addition of behavioral therapy was more effective than medication alone.
For some individuals experiencing ADHD, face-to-face therapy may not be the most convenient choice, especially if they struggle to attend appointments or find time to commute to an office. In these cases, it may be beneficial to explore other options, such as online therapy. Research suggests that online therapy can be an effective way to treat ADHD in adults, improving symptoms relating to attention deficit and social function.
Online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, may have additional benefits for those living with ADHD. These benefits can vary but may include flexible scheduling to make finding time for therapy less complicated, confirmation and reminder emails to help clients remember appointments, and the ability to attend sessions from the comfort of one’s own home.
Takeaway
Due to this key difference, ADHD therapist and psychiatrist treatment plans typically differ. While there may be no way to determine which professional is right for you, it may be helpful to start by discussing your situation with a professional. Consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area to get started.
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