What’s the Difference Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists: how to know which is best for your needs?

Taking the first step in finding support for your mental health can be difficult. We may not know whom to ask. If you ask your family or friends, they may dismiss the issue and advise you to “take it easy” or “get over it” or do some Yoga! Then there’s the stigma attached to seeking help from mental health professionals.

There are two types of mental health professionals: psychologists and psychiatrists.

Both study the brain and human behaviour and help people with mental health issues. The key difference between them is:

  • Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medications.
  • Psychologists have non-medical doctorate degrees and cannot prescribe medication.
  • Practitioners of both professions are mostly referred to as “therapists.”

Both roles can treat a wide variety of mental health conditions. You may need both.

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who mainly treat mental health through evaluation, diagnosis, and medications. They have similar training as other types of physicians.

After graduating from medical school, they work under the supervision of a senior psychiatrist in various settings, including emergency rooms, psychiatric inpatient units, general hospital wards and outpatient clinics.

After residency, some psychiatrists pursue further specialization in subjects such as:

  • Addiction psychiatry
  • Pain management
  • Child and adolescent psychiatry
  • Forensic psychiatry
  • Sleep medicine
  • Geriatric psychiatry
  • Hospice medicine

Due to their extensive training as physicians, psychiatrists can consider a wide range of physical and mental factors that may contribute to your behaviour and emotions. They may also integrate diagnostic tests into the framework of your treatment.

For example, sometimes depression can be related to a thyroid condition. A psychiatrist can understand this, order laboratory tests to assess your thyroid function, and treat your depression by referring you to an endocrinologist for managing the thyroid condition.

When to see a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are qualified to treat the wide range of mental illnesses listed in the DSM-5. These include:

  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Eating disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Learning disorders
  • Personality disorders

You may like to consult a psychiatrist if you:

  • Want to explore medication options for your mental health
  • You are in therapy but feel like you still need more support
  • You are thinking of self-harm or suicide

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists help people cope with life challenges and emotional and mental health issues, employing different types of talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Educational training for psychologists

After getting an undergraduate degree, licensed psychologists complete a three to six-year course of study and obtain one of two types of non-medical doctoral degrees.

Further specialization at the postgraduate level can get an M.A. or M.Sc. in either Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling. Further specialization at the doctoral level is accessible via PhD or M.Phil.

To practice as a registered clinical psychologist in India, you need to obtain a licence from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

When to see a psychologist

Psychologists, like psychiatrists, are trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. However, they cannot prescribe medication.

Psychologists use evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic Therapy. They are trained to help people cope with life challenges, including relationships, emotional and mental health issues, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood disorders
  • Addiction
  • Parenting issues
  • Stress
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Personality disorders

Moreover, psychologists help people with life issues such as stress, emotional problems, recovering from childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, relationships issues, grieving, and transitions.

Psychologists are trained to work with the whole gamut of human experience. They can be highly beneficial if you need some extra support in your life.

Psychiatry vs psychology

It usually makes sense to see a psychologist first, who can then refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.

If you find that psychotherapy with a psychologist is not adequate for the level of distress or impairment your mental health is creating, you can ask for a referral to a psychiatrist for additional medication support.

On the other hand, you might wish to use medication for a short period, and when you are feeling more stable, you might choose to discontinue the medication (after consultation with your psychiatrist) and then see a psychologist for talk therapy.

Many people see both types of practitioners. They may consult with their psychiatrist once every month or two for a brief 15-30 minutes and brief them about their status. The prescribed medication may need titration or amendment. Alongside, they will continue to interact with the psychologist weekly or every other week for 45-60 minutes. Ideally, the psychiatrist and therapist will coordinate with the individual’s permission.

Finding the best therapist for you

Hope Trust has a team of highly experienced and qualified therapists – both psychologists and psychiatrists under one roof. Coordination between your psychologist and psychiatrist is also effortless.

Therapy is available both in-person and online – so it doesn’t make a difference where you are. Tele therapy is gaining massive popularity. You can access therapy from the comfort of your home –confidentially and conveniently.

Call 9008 50001 for an appointment with your therapist.