Today we are continuing on in our Therapy 101 series, where we work to make mental healthcare accessible for the masses.
As you’re beginning your mental health journey, you may be wondering, “There’s so many different providers, where do I even start?”. There are therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists to name a few. So what’s the difference? Who should you see? Are they all the same? Let’s break it all down.
There is a lot of overlap when it comes to mental health providers and depending on what needs you’re hoping to address will determine which type of provider is best suited to you.
Therapists
Education:
Therapists, or counselors, need a minimum of a master’s degree in a field related to psychotherapy such as counseling, social work or marriage and family therapy. However, therapists can also receive extensive education and training to obtain a doctorate degree, or PhD.
Diagnoses and medication:
Some therapists may have the authority to diagnose, while others do not. It can vary depending on state licenses. While therapists can diagnose, they can not prescribe medications but can refer clients to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication and provide medication management.
Treatment:
Therapists take a more practice-oriented approach to treatment, focusing more on therapeutic models and techniques such as EMDR, play therapy and talk therapy. Therapists can act as a guide for emotional growth and healing. Common issues therapists can treat include trauma, depression, grief, addiction or couples issues.
Psychologists
Education:
Psychologists have a doctorate degree, either a PhD or a PsyD, in psychology. Education and the type of training are the most significant differences between therapists and psychologists.
Diagnoses and medication:
While psychologists are able to provide diagnostic assessments, psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Treatment:
Psychologists differ from therapists when it comes to treatment. Psychologists focus on an individual’s issues and thoughts. A psychologist’s training and education in scientific research lend itself to working with clients to find the link behind negative thought patterns and the behaviors they seek to change.
Psychiatrists
Education:
A psychiatrist requires extensive schooling and training including an undergraduate degree, medical school degree and post-secondary training such as a fellowship or residency program in psychiatry.
Diagnoses and medication:
A psychiatrist’s main focus is diagnosing and prescribing medication and guiding patients through possible side effects and drug combinations to treat mental health disorders such as ADD, OCD, depression, anxiety or Bipolar Disorder.
Treatment:
Psychiatrists differ from therapists and psychologists as they typically don’t engage in talk therapy with patients. Treatment is often limited to understanding a patient’s mental health history and current mental health struggles.
Regardless of the type of provider you decide to work with, the most important element is that you are comfortable with them. Your provider should be someone you can honestly open up to and share your struggles with.
As always, we are here to help guide you on your mental health journey. If you are struggling and would like to meet with one of our therapists, please click the link in the top right corner to schedule now.
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