Should I See a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist?

Just as we consult medical practitioners for physical illness, it's equally important to address our psychological and emotional needs. Although psychologists and psychiatrists have some common ground, they differ significantly in the way they are trained and how they approach treatment. They can work with different groups of people, some of their clients may overlap, and treatment methods may be similar. Nevertheless, knowing the differences — their education, treatment modalities, and areas of expertise — can help you select the right one for your needs.

So how do you know whether to see a psychologist or psychiatrist? Let’s look at each of their roles to help you make the right choice.

What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatry is one of the branches of medicine that specializes in the detection, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a doctor of medicine (MD or DO) who has had full medical training, which qualifies them to evaluate the mental and physical side of psychological problems.

People go to psychiatrists for many different reasons. These include acute problems such as panic attacks, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, or hearing voices, and chronic problems such as long-term sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety. Moreover, some people ask for assistance because their life feels out of control and their daily functioning is severely impacted.

Licensing

There are two predominant types of licensing necessary to practice as a psychiatrist:

• Medical licensing. A psychiatrist has specialized training in psychiatry during residency.
• Board certification. They can be certified by exams conducted by certifying bodies such as the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

How psychiatrists diagnose mental health conditions

Psychiatrists have a distinct set of diagnostic tools for identifying mental health disorders. They can conduct comprehensive medical and psychological tests. These may include blood tests, brain scans, or psychological evaluations to ensure there are no physical conditions that might be causing mental symptoms.

Their extensive training enables them to explore the intricacies of psychological sciences. They can study the complicated relationship between mental and physical health and take into account genetics and family history as possible influencing factors.

They compile details from assessments, interviews, and sometimes even physical examinations to ensure they have a complete picture of the individual’s situation. Subsequently, they are able to make use of DSM-5, a standardized diagnostic reference manual for mental health disorders, to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.

Treatments provided by psychiatrists

Psychiatrists, being medical doctors, have an advantage in the treatment of mental health disorders, which is the ability to prescribe drugs. Research has shown that these drugs can be very helpful in symptom control and the improvement of quality of life. The role of medication is to modify brain chemistry and thus mitigate the symptoms of mental disorders.

Although the details of how these drugs work are still not fully understood, medications can be of great help to most patients. One should also note that monitoring should be done regularly to evaluate effectiveness and deal with any adverse reactions.

Moreover, psychiatrists provide an all-encompassing array of treatments that go far beyond medication. Here's a look at some additional treatment options:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy). This cornerstone of therapy is a collaborative and dialogical approach between the psychiatrist and the patient. Patients can discuss their experiences, develop coping skills, and control symptoms of different mental disorders through therapeutic conversations.
• Psychosocial interventions. These interventions target social and environmental determinants of mental illnesses in the patient. This may involve support groups, family counseling, or vocational rehabilitation.
• Other treatments. In certain situations, psychiatrists could propose electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression or some other treatment-resistant conditions.

What is a psychologist?

A psychologist is a mental health professional who holds a doctoral degree in psychology (PsyD or PhD) and who devotes themself to the study of the mind and human behavior. They apply their knowledge to evaluate, diagnose, and treat many mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. Psychologists, unlike psychiatrists, do not have the authority to prescribe drugs.

Licensing

Psychologists are state-licensed, and their scope of practice can differ based on their particular license and specialty. Upon graduation, psychologists undergo a supervised internship and sit an independent practice licensing exam. Although they cannot prescribe drugs, some states permit psychologists to prescribe drugs for some particular conditions after they have received additional training. Psychologists usually specialize in offering psychotherapy and other non-medical interventions.

What does a psychologist do?

There are many different roles that psychologists perform. Their diverse workplaces, which vary from private practices to schools, represent this versatility. Their functions may differ based on their specialization, but some primary activities are the same.

They play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being through:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists enable people to cope with symptoms, develop adaptive responses, and enhance a general state of well-being within the framework of talk and therapeutic strategies.
• Research. They contribute to the body of knowledge with regard to mental health and behavior through research.
• Education. Psychologists teach the general public and other professionals about mental health problems.
• Consultation. They work in conjunction with other personnel in mental health, physicians, and educators to deliver comprehensive care.
• Program development. Psychologists create and run programs, which aim to increase the level of mental health and decrease the possibility of mental disorders.

Conditions treated

Psychologists can work with a wide range of conditions, including:

Differences between psychologists and psychiatrists

Let's take a closer look at the main aspects of psychologists vs. psychiatrists.

How to make appointments

If you are attending a psychiatrist, some providers will still need a referral from your doctor. It is better to contact the provider’s office directly on their individual booking process.

Here's a quick guide to booking an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist:

• Call the provider's office. This is usually the fastest and most effective way of setting an appointment.
• Consult about insurance. Check before booking if they take your insurance or if they offer self-pay arrangements.

Cost of consultations

The cost of seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Location. The cost will likely be greater in urban areas than in rural areas.
• Experience. Professionals who are more experienced usually charge higher fees.
• Type of appointment. The cost of initial consultations is usually higher than that of follow-up visits.
• Insurance coverage. The insurance plan may pay for some of the cost, but there could still be a copay or deductible that you will have to pay. Confirm with your insurer regarding any mental health benefits.
• Provider type. Psychiatrists, being medical doctors, may charge more than psychologists.

Typically, psychologists charge between $100 and $300 per session out of pocket, while psychiatrists may range from $200 to $500 per session (with initial consultations potentially costing more).

Don’t forget that looking after your mental health is a kind of investment. Do not hesitate to enquire about the costs and look into the ways to make it cost-effective.

Psychiatrist vs. psychologist: choosing the right fit

Research indicates that patient preference is critical in cases where both psychotherapy and medications are effective for a particular condition. In such situations, there isn’t always a clear-cut rule on when to use one over the other based on just the patient’s clinical or social demographics. Hence, your comfort level and treatment preferences should be an important factor in your decision.

The choice of a psychiatrist over a psychologist can be overwhelming for the first time.

Why it is important to seek professional help

Research shows that professional assistance from a psychiatrist or a psychologist is critical in handling mental health issues. These specialists can offer an appropriate diagnosis, upon which a specific treatment program is designed. Evidence-based techniques, such as medication guided by psychiatrists and psychotherapy (talk therapy) delivered by psychologists, have proven to be very beneficial for recovery from psychiatric symptoms and improving overall mental well-being.

Additionally, mental health professionals provide an environment of safety and therapeutic counseling that helps in the development of coping strategies that support mental health. Don’t forget there is no shame in asking for help. When you invest in your mental health, you are investing in a better and happier you.

In deciding between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, it is important to have an awareness of the type of issues you are dealing with, the treatment style you prefer, and available resources. Psychologists provide therapy and counseling, whereas psychiatrists offer both therapy and medication management. Keep in mind that the most important step is reaching out for the support you need, as both psychologists and psychiatrists are there to carry out essential roles in promoting mental health and recovery.