Psychologist Vs. Psychiatrist: When To See Who?
Are you considering seeking the support of a mental health professional for yourself or a loved one? If so, you may wonder if you should try to connect with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Though their titles sound very similar, there are a few key differences between these two professions. Understanding them can help you know where to turn for the guidance and treatment you may need. Read on for an overview of both types of mental health professionals and how to choose which one to meet with.
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist, often referred to as a therapist or counselor, will typically focus on cultural, social, and environmental factors that may be contributing to a person’s mental health challenges, rather than biological ones as psychiatrists typically do. There are several specialties psychologists can pursue, including developmental psychology, forensic psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, and rehabilitation psychology.
Career path: Doctoral program and licensure
The career path of an aspiring psychologist typically begins with an undergraduate degree in psychology. The next step is to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Many psychologists also complete a master’s program between undergraduate and doctoral programs. Graduate schools usually require prospective students to take the GRE and prove that they have completed the requisite undergraduate coursework. There are two primary types of doctorate degrees: PsyD and PhD. After graduating with a PsyD, most psychologists focus on providing mental health care. PhD graduates, on the other hand, usually conduct research.
To become a licensed psychologist, an aspiring professional normally must fulfill several requirements beyond graduate school. The exact criteria can change from state to state. Usually, though, an individual must complete a specific number of hours of clinical training, pass certain tests, and pay fees before they can be designated a licensed clinical psychologist and begin practicing. Additionally, individuals following specific career paths might need to obtain further credentials. For example, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, some psychologists may be asked to become certified by the organization governing their specialty.
How doctors of psychology treat mental health disorders
Clinical psychologists normally help clients by conducting psychotherapy. Through various types of talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, for example, they can help the individuals who seek their support with things like:
- Identifying and shifting distorted thought patterns
- Healing from past trauma
- Building healthy coping skills
Some psychologists specialize in conducting a certain psychotherapeutic modality or in working with a certain type of clientele, like art therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, family therapy, or child psychology, for example. Note that psychologists typically aren’t licensed to prescribe medication, except those with certain additional training, education, and licensing in the states of Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatry is a division of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who must attend medical school to receive their formal training. There are several psychiatric subspecialties, including child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Career path: Medical school and residency
Aspiring psychiatrists typically must complete undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, etc., and obtain a degree before applying to medical school. Future medical students usually have to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and interview with schools to be considered for acceptance. While attending medical school, future psychiatrists work in clinical and outpatient settings, learning how to administer medical interventions to individuals with various health concerns.
After students complete medical school, they can begin a four-year residency in psychiatry. While in a residency program, doctors usually work for a year in a hospital setting, before getting hands-on training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Once they complete a certain number of training hours, pass the licensing exam, and fulfill any other requirements, psychiatrists can obtain a medical license and begin practicing. Some psychiatrists choose to further specialize upon completing their residency.
How medical doctors treat mental health disorders
Psychiatrists use the medical model when treating mental disorders. They usually concentrate on the physiological aspects of mental illness. Because of their medical degree and licensing, they can prescribe medication whenever they believe it would be an appropriate treatment for a patient. They may also recommend other forms of treatment, depending on the situation, such as talk therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or lifestyle changes.
Psychologist vs. psychiatrist: Similarities and differences
The reason is that psychiatrists have a medical degree, whereas psychologists do not; they’re likely to have a master’s degree or possibly a Ph.D. in psychology, counseling, social work, or a similar area of expertise instead. In addition, while both types of professionals can offer talk therapy services, it’s more likely that you’d see a psychologist for this.
Note also that someone who is experiencing a mental health concern may sometimes seek the support of both a psychologist and a psychiatrist in order to address it. For example, a psychiatrist could see a patient, evaluate them, and make a diagnosis of a certain mental illness using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). If they believe pharmacological solutions could help and would be appropriate for the given patient, they may prescribe medications. They may also recommend that the individual connect with a psychologist to engage in talk therapy to further progress their treatment. After all, the recommended care for a variety of mental health conditions—from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—is therapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication depending on the individual, their symptoms, and their diagnosis.
Which type of mental health professional is right for me?
Meeting with a psychologist, like a therapist, can be a helpful option if you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to mild to moderate mental health challenges. They can provide you with a compassionate space where you can explain what you’re experiencing and get support in these areas via talk therapy. If they feel you might benefit from medication as well, your therapist could refer you to a psychiatrist. Examples of reasons you might see a therapist include things like:
- Experiencing anxiety
- Feeling concerned about a romantic or family relationship
- Showing signs of low self-esteem
- Looking for help in coping with trauma or grief
Meeting with a psychiatrist can be a helpful option if you’re experiencing more severe or complex mental health concerns, such as symptoms that are significantly impacting your ability to function. They’ll usually focus predominantly on identifying whether you may be experiencing a mental illness, what it is, and what the best course of treatment might be for you if so. Those who are experiencing signs of or have been diagnosed with complex mental health concerns like schizophrenia, severe depression, or bipolar disorder, for example, may be advised to regularly meet with a psychiatrist as part of their treatment plan—and they’re likely to benefit from meeting with a psychologist regularly as well.
How to connect with a provider
If you’re looking to meet with a psychiatrist, you might contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network providers near you. If you don’t have insurance, you can contact local providers to find out if they’re accepting new patients, what their fees are, and whether they offer a sliding scale or financial support, if applicable. Your primary care physician or psychologist could also offer you a referral to a psychiatrist.
If you’re looking to meet with a psychologist, you can follow the same steps as above. Or, if you’d prefer to meet with a therapist from the comfort of home, you might consider online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist whom you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions in most cases, so you can typically choose whichever format you prefer.
Takeaway
Is it better to see a psychologist vs psychiatrist?
Your choice of psychiatrist vs. psychologist may be decided by your current mental health issues and your goals for treatment.
If you’re interested in getting to the root of the issue at hand and working through it over time through talk therapy, then a psychologist may be able to offer you the insight and guidance necessary to do so. However, if you’d prefer to take medication to alleviate symptoms, you’ll generally need to see a psychiatrist.
You may also have the option to work with both professionals for more comprehensive treatment. Any of these approaches can be valid and effective ways to treat mental health disorders.
Is it harder to become a psychiatrist or psychologist?
In general, psychiatrists attend medical school, while psychologists earn a doctoral degree but don’t attend medical school. Since psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals licensed to prescribe medication, the path to becoming a psychiatrist is usually considered more challenging. Both psychiatrists and psychologists often go on to have a personal practice, but there are many other options available to them in the mental health field as well.
Is a psychologist the same thing as a therapist who studied psychology?
The term “therapist” is often used as an umbrella term for various mental health professionals. A psychologist can be considered a therapist, but not all therapists are psychologists.
Do psychologists go to med school?
In general, psychologists don’t go to medical school. A licensed psychologist normally earns their undergraduate degree, moves on to graduate school, and then completes doctoral-level training.
Why should you go to a psychologist instead of a therapist?
You might seek out a psychologist if you’re living with severe mental illness or have not experienced improvement after working with other professionals. A psychologist may have additional training and education on how to treat mental illnesses.
Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist for PTSD?
You might choose to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist for PTSD. A psychologist can teach you a variety of coping methods and other tools to manage your symptoms. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to further manage PTSD. Psychology and psychiatry can often work together to treat mental illness and help you overcome challenges related to PTSD.
Do psychologists diagnose and treat?
Psychologists can make diagnoses of various mental health disorders and provide mental health treatment.
What are the benefits of seeing a psychologist?
Seeing a psychologist may improve your mental health, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. Working with a psychologist can empower you to work through past experiences and current challenges.
Do I need counseling or therapy?
Counseling tends to be a short-term intervention that’s most suitable for those experiencing a specific stressful situation. Therapy is usually best for those living with a mental health disorder and can be more of a long-term intervention.
When should you see a psychiatrist?
It may be ideal to see a psychiatrist if you are interested in trying medication options to manage a mental health condition. However, please keep in mind that most conditions tend to be best treated with therapy or a combination of therapy and medication.
What is the primary difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
The main difference lies in their training and approach to treatment. Psychologists focus on therapy and behavioral interventions, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health issues.
When should you see a psychologist vs psychiatrist for mental health concerns?
If you're dealing with emotional or behavioral issues that might benefit from talk therapy, a psychologist may be the right choice. For more severe mental health conditions that might require medication, a psychiatrist would be more appropriate.
How does the training of a psychologist differ from that of a psychiatrist?
Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology and extensive training in therapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, complete medical school and a residency in psychiatry, focusing on the medical aspects of mental health.
Can both psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose mental health disorders?
Yes, both can diagnose mental health disorders. However, psychologists use psychological tests and assessments, while psychiatrists use medical examinations and assessments to make their diagnoses.
What role does therapy play in the application of psychology?
Therapy is a central part of a psychologist's work, often involving cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychoanalysis, or other therapeutic methods. Psychiatrists may also provide therapy, but they primarily focus on managing mental health conditions through medication.
Are there situations where a psychologist and a psychiatrist might work together?
Yes, they often collaborate to provide comprehensive care. For instance, a patient might see a psychologist for regular therapy sessions while also consulting a psychiatrist for medication management to address their mental health needs fully.
What should you consider when deciding whether to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
Consider the nature and severity of your mental health issues. If you believe you need medication or have a complex psychiatric condition, a psychiatrist might be more suitable. For therapy and non-medical interventions, a psychologist could be the better choice.
How do psychologists and psychiatrists contribute differently to the field of mental health?
Psychologists contribute through research, therapy, and psychological testing, focusing on understanding and modifying behavior. Psychiatrists contribute by diagnosing and treating mental health disorders with a combination of medical and therapeutic approaches.
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