What's The Difference Between Psychiatrists And Therapists?
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Choosing a mental health provider can be a significant step in one’s mental health journey. With over 41.7 million US adults in therapy, mental healthcare has become more popularized and destigmatized, allowing more individuals to gain support from mental healthcare providers. However, there are various types of mental health professionals and mental health counselors, so understanding the difference between a therapist and a psychologist may be the first step in finding a suitable provider to offer all the services you seek.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?
There are several key differences between a therapist and a psychiatrist. For example, one distinct difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors with a medical degree who can prescribe medications like a primary care doctor, while therapists, also called psychologists, cannot write prescriptions and are not medical doctors. Psychiatrists attend medical school, which trains them in medical diagnosis. Some psychiatrists participate in medical research and clinical trials. They may or may not offer therapy.
A psychologist is a licensed professional who has a doctorate in psychology or a related field and who also completes additional residency (internship) training, and in some cases, a postdoctoral fellowship. They can offer therapy, testing, research, clinical work, and teaching in the psychological field. These providers do not necessarily work as therapists, but some do. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work together to refer clients to one another and share observations. With an overall biological and mental picture, both professionals may have improved insight into their clients' needs.
The term "psychotherapist" is often used as an all-encompassing term to refer to multiple categories of professionals specializing in treating emotional challenges. This category may also include social workers, psychoanalysts, and other specialties. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and might not refer to themselves as psychotherapists unless they offer therapy as a primary service. Below are some of the details of the history surrounding psychotherapy and psychiatry.
The history of psychotherapy and psychiatry
Sigmund Freud is often considered the father of modern psychoanalysis therapy. Although the contemporary psychiatric community has its own model, which has changed since Freud's time, Freud's way of thinking may still show through in how doctors and therapists approach work. Eventually, there was a rift between psychiatry, biological solutions, and psychotherapy as treatments evolved, and psychologists started to understand that there was a mind-body connection.
One of the most significant changes in the medical profession was the invention of powerful new prescription medications in the 1950s and 1960s, which aimed to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. These medications allowed some individuals experiencing distressing symptoms to live outside mental health institutions.
The cognitive-behavioral therapy model was designed in the 1950s and has since been considered the "gold standard" of modern treatment. The practice aims to treat mental health conditions or alleviate clients' symptoms, sometimes without medications and sometimes in addition to medications.
Although psychiatry has been a medical specialty since the 1800s, it was not separated from therapeutic treatment and philosophy as much until the invention of many popular medications. In the 1960s and 1970s, psychiatrists participated much more in clinical and hospital work and were slowly separated from psychologists in their careers.
Psychiatry in modern day
With a vast pharmaceutical presence today, psychiatrists are often sought-after professionals. They may offer diagnostic testing for mental health conditions, assessments, medication management, and medical advice. Often, clients make an appointment with a psychiatrist for medical support, such as sleeping aids or medication to reduce nightmares.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and may focus more on the biological, genetic, and medical factors of mental health, while therapists focus on thought patterns, communication, and discussions to impact mental health. Psychiatrists complete general medical school, learning the same techniques and lessons as other doctors. In their final year of medical school, they may participate in additional psychiatry rotations. After medical school, they complete a psychiatry residency, as do other medical students in their selected field.
If you are struggling with severe mental health conditions such as substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder and are seeking a medical-based approach to treatment, a psychiatrist may be the most suitable fit. A psychiatrist has specific medical training and knowledge of medical treatments to manage these medical conditions. They can prescribe medication, like anti-anxiety medication or anti-depressants, and offer other medical treatments.
If you are experiencing life challenges, family conflict, distressing mental health symptoms, or looking to manage stress, you may benefit from meeting with a therapist, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or counselor. These professionals have expertise in treating mental health conditions, and they have different treatment methods for managing mental health disorders. While a therapist doesn’t have a doctoral degree, they are required to have a master’s degree, and they can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment options without medication.
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.
Counseling options
There are many options for mental healthcare within the US, and thousands of mental health professionals work in the field. If you're seeking a psychiatrist or therapist, consider contacting those in your area to set up a consultation. If you find the price too steep or can't find a therapist in your area, you can also consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp.
Although online providers on mental health platforms like BetterHelp are not psychiatrists and cannot prescribe medication or perform intensive diagnostic testing, online therapy can be as effective as in-person options. For example, in one study, 95% of participants preferred the online model to in-person models and reported an increased long-term quality of life. You can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your provider and receive worksheets, journal prompts, and other resources through an online platform.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are a few commonly asked questions about psychiatry and psychology.
Should I see a psychiatrist or a therapist?
Some clients choose to see a therapist before seeing a psychiatrist, as therapists can offer an initial evaluation and care plan. If your therapist believes you would benefit from the care medical doctors can provide, they may refer you to a psychiatrist. However, if you're experiencing signs of psychosis or severe mental illness, reaching out to a psychiatrist may benefit you. Note that if you meet with a therapist, they cannot prescribe medication. In addition, therapists online through specific platforms may not be allowed to offer a diagnosis.
Is a psychologist a therapist?
Psychologists often work as therapists. However, others may work as researchers, professors, or clinicians in a mental health setting. "Therapist" is often used as an umbrella term to describe any mental health provider that offers therapy. This term can include social workers, marriage and family therapists, counselors, and practicing psychologists.
Should I see a therapist or psychiatrist for anxiety?
Whether you're experiencing anxiety alone or have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, many types of anxiety are treatable and manageable with talk therapy. Although there are medications for anxiety, these medications can cause unwanted side effects and are often a temporary fix for long-term concerns. Many clients work with a psychiatrist and a therapist at the same time while they're learning to manage their anxiety.
What are the three types of therapy?
The three forms of psychotherapy include the following:
- Directive
- Relational
- Supportive
Directive therapy allows therapists to lead sessions as the expert in the client's symptoms, relational therapy focuses on relationships and how they affect your mental health, and supportive treatment involves consistent support and encouragement from a counselor with validation and empowerment.
What do psychologists make annually?
According to Indeed, the average base salary of US psychologists is around $98,000 per year. However, several factors can make this number higher or lower. For example, the pay rate for a psychologist can depend on location, neighborhood, the number of professionals in the area, and the number of clients.
In addition, a psychologist's rate can vary depending on their job. Not all psychologists work as therapists, and those who are researchers or professors may make more or less than therapists. Working in a personal or public practice can also change the pay rate, as public workers may make less than those with a business.
Is a psychologist better than a therapist?
Any mental health professional can offer high-quality, compassionate care, regardless of their education level. However, there may be psychologists providing higher quality care than some therapists, and there can be therapists and counselors offering higher quality care than psychologists. The benefit you receive from therapy can depend on what you seek in treatment, your goals, and your connection with your provider.
What should I not tell a psychiatrist?
You can tell your psychiatrist about any mental or physical health topic. They may be more equipped to support you if they have a comprehensive idea of your symptoms and concerns. Leaving out a symptom, side effect, medication, or medical issue may be dangerous, as medications can interact poorly with some symptoms or other medications.
If your psychiatrist is not also working as a therapist, they may let you know that they do not offer counseling. In these cases, you may choose not to tell your psychiatrist about the concerns you might bring up in therapy. Having a psychologist and a psychiatrist can help you receive comprehensive care. Note that many psychiatry sessions may last around 15 to 30 minutes instead of 50 to 60 minutes, as a therapy session might.
What are the four types of talk therapy?
Four types of therapy include the following:
Behavioral
Cognitive
Humanistic
Psychodynamic
Although there are over 400 treatment modalities for mental health conditions, the four main categories are often used to sort those modalities further. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) relies on cognitive and behavioral theories and practices to treat mental health conditions.
How do medical doctors relate to therapy?
Some psychiatrists offer therapy. Many psychiatrists may practice psychodynamic therapy because it recognizes physical and biological influences on mental health. However, medical doctors might diagnose and treat mental health conditions with any of the four types of therapies or a combination. Medical doctors who prescribe medication may also work with a therapist to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
What is the most common therapy?
One of the most common types of therapy practiced is CBT. CBT can be versatile and is often appropriate for various mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. In addition, CBT is often valuable for treating short-term mental well-being challenges, such as relationship conflict, stress at work, or parenting concerns.
CBT often aims to recognize how your thoughts and beliefs about yourself, the world, and those around you can impact your actions, reactions, and feelings. As you identify unhelpful thoughts, your therapist guides you in figuring out if you want to keep those thoughts or replace them. If you replace them, you can also change your behavior to promote a more mentally healthy life in the long term.
Medical doctors recognize the value of talk therapy, such as CBT as well. Finally, as the American Psychological Association points out, CBT is a treatment that has been thoroughly studied and proven with ample evidence in scientific studies.
Does seeing a psychiatrist go on your record?
Seeing medical doctors like psychiatrists goes on your medical record if you use insurance to pay for your visits. However, if you see any medical doctors or therapists without using your insurance, your treatment can remain discreet. If the provider is part of a medical clinic, hospital, or group clinic, your record may stay on file for all providers within the institution that treats you, as a file or chart may be created.
Are psychologists and therapists the same?
Which is better a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
What are three differences between psychiatrists and psychologists?
When should you see a psychiatrist?
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