At Rivia Mind, we work with a number of skilled and compassionate clinicians — including both psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health clinicians and both can provide therapy, as well as mental health diagnoses. However, their focuses and roles are very distinct. In today’s blog, let’s discuss the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
What Is a Psychologist?
A psychologist has a doctorate in the field of psychology, making them an expert when it comes to mental health conditions. Psychologists are trained to diagnose mental illnesses, conduct assessments, and provide therapy. They may also work in an academic or research aspect of the field.
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, though they may work closely with the mental health professional prescribing medication to their patients. They may also refer a patient to a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication assistance.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who focuses on the field of psychology and pharmacotherapy — the practice of treating mental illnesses with medication management. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses, conduct assessments, and provide therapy. They can also prescribe medication. If they do not work with the patient through therapy, they may consult with their therapist or psychologist before doing so.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Both psychiatrists and psychologists are experts in the field of mental health with doctorate degrees to back up their breadth of understanding in the topic. Psychologists must have at least a PhD in Psychology, and psychiatrists must have a medical doctorate. Both can provide therapy and diagnoses to patients.
The primary difference is with regards to medication. Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication to patients to treat mental illnesses. Psychologists also tend to have more of a focus on the behavioral aspects of the patient’s treatment and psyche, whereas psychiatrists consider neurochemistry and the biological aspects of mental health.
When Do You Need To See a Psychologist vs. a Psychiatrist?
The decision to seek out mental healthcare when you’re struggling with your own mental health is a brave and ultimately rewarding one. But you may find yourself wondering whether you should seek out a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Fortunately, you may have some help in this decision. Generally, the first step is to reach out to a mental health provider for an assessment. During the assessment, they’ll get a sense of your current mental state and your needs. They can then make some recommendations — including therapy and medication. Depending on your preference, you can then be referred to a therapist or a psychiatrist.
Know that not all therapists are psychologists and psychiatrists. There are mental health counselors who are still qualified to give therapy, as well as student counselors who typically provide therapy that is monitored by video by their supervisors. These counselors can still provide you with guidance and mental health coping skills that can help you manage your symptoms. They cannot offer you a diagnosis or prescribe medication. If you want a psychologist or a psychiatrist, you will want to clarify.
If you’re interested in medication, you may choose a psychiatrist. If you would prefer to stick with therapy alone, a psychologist might better suit your needs. Compatibility also plays a role. If you find a psychiatrist who provides therapy and prescribes medicine with whom you feel comfortable, you may be able to get all of your mental health care from one clinician. But if the therapist that you work best with is not a psychiatrist, they may be able to refer you to a psychiatrist specifically for your medication management needs.
What Do Psychiatry Appointments Look Like vs. Psychology Appointments?
When meeting with a psychologist, you will typically have your one hour therapy session. The psychologist will be trained in a number of different therapy modules, such as: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), or other forms of talk therapy. You will check in with them, go over what you’d like to work on for the day, and then make a plan for the week. You can meet with your psychologist weekly or biweekly based on your needs.
If your psychiatrist is also your therapist, this will look largely the same. However, if your psychiatrist only provides medication management, appointments will be much shorter and farther between. You will have the initial appointment with your psychiatrist in which they prescribe the medication for your mental illness. Then you will schedule follow up appointments, typically either monthly or quarterly. Your psychiatrist will check up on you during these follow up appointments and discuss whether to adjust or change your prescription.
At Rivia Mind, whether you need therapy, medication support, or a combination of both, we’re here to help. Our team of psychologists and psychiatrists are skilled, compassionate, and available for appointments within 24 hours. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
