If you’re considering meeting with a mental health professional, you should give yourself a pat on the back for prioritizing your emotional well-being. The next step is to determine whom you ought to see, as the landscape of mental health professionals can be quite varied.
This leads to the important question: should you make an appointment with a psychiatrist or a therapist? While there is some overlap in the services they provide, their training and focus cater to different aspects of mental health care. Let’s explore the roles of both professionals and how to select the right one for your needs.
What is a Therapist?
Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in helping individuals manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. According to Dr. Dana Udall, a licensed psychologist and Head of Behavioral Health at Included Health, “Therapists have specialized training in mental health and can diagnose mental health conditions. But they are not equipped to prescribe medications.”
You might seek the help of a therapist for various concerns, including intense feelings such as anger, chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, chronic illness, relationship issues, or self-improvement. As outlined by the American Psychiatry Association, therapists can help with a wide range of mental health challenges.
Therapists come with different licenses and qualifications, which may include:
- Psychologist (PhD or PsyD): Holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or counseling.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Holds a master’s-level degree in a mental health-related field.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Holds a master’s-level degree in social work.
What Happens at Therapy Appointments?
During your initial appointment with a therapist, they will inquire about your mental health needs and challenges. They might ask about significant aspects of your life, such as relationships, family dynamics, or work stressors.
Once you identify the issues you’d like to address, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan. This might involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address mood disorders or interpersonal therapy (IPT) for self-awareness enhancement. According to Dr. Udall, “The specific approach to care will vary depending on a client’s needs, but overall, therapists aim to help clients understand patterns that are no longer serving them, allowing for personal growth and healthier living.”
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If medications are part of your treatment plan, your therapist may collaborate with a psychiatrist, who will manage the medication side of care.
What is a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who have undergone specific psychiatric training. As with other medical doctors, psychiatrists have completed medical school and a residency program specializing in psychiatry. As explained by Dr. Michelle Dees, a board-certified psychiatrist, “Psychiatrists treat the biological aspects of mental disorders, which allows them to prescribe medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.”
Due to their medical expertise, psychiatrists often work with individuals facing severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
What to Expect from a Psychiatry Appointment?
Appointments with psychiatrists often share similarities with therapy sessions, as they involve discussions about your thoughts and feelings. However, psychiatrists will also delve into your medical history and may request lab tests or scans to explore brain-related issues that could contribute to your mental health problems.
So… Should You See a Psychiatrist or a Therapist?
Both therapists and psychiatrists can offer valuable talk therapy services, which are crucial for addressing various mental health issues. Dr. Udall notes that therapy is often the best route for individuals seeking to develop coping skills, manage stress, or work through personal challenges. Moreover, research indicates that therapy can sometimes be more effective than medication, underscoring the importance of starting therapy and assessing its effectiveness.
It is worth mentioning that there are generally more therapists than psychiatrists available, so securing an appointment with a therapist may be quicker. However, if medication is necessary for effective mental health management, consulting a psychiatrist is essential.
Many individuals benefit from a coordinated care approach that includes both a therapist for talk therapy and a psychiatrist for medication management. If you’re uncertain about which path is best, consider your first appointment with a therapist, who can help guide you with recommendations. Additionally, your primary care doctor can assist in determining the most suitable option for you.
When to Seek Support from a Mental Health Professional
There is no wrong time to reach out to a therapist for support. Generally, if you are experiencing emotional or relational difficulties, therapy would be a good option. However, the Mayo Clinic suggests seeking mental health support if you notice any alarming signs or symptoms, including:
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Noticeable personality changes
- Inability to complete daily tasks
- Anxiety or depressive moods
- Extreme mood swings
- Increased feelings of apathy or anger
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Your primary care provider can connect you with appropriate mental health specialists, but personal referrals and online directories are also useful resources for finding qualified therapists or psychiatrists.
Editor’s note: If you are experiencing a crisis, immediate help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 for 24/7 support. For additional resources, visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
