Therapist vs Psychiatrist vs Psychologist: Making the Right Choice for Your Mental Health
As mental health professionals, we often throw around words like “therapist,” “counselor,” “psychotherapist,” “psychologist,” and “psychiatrist” assuming that the general public knows what we’re talking about. But the truth is that the average person doesn’t. And how would you? So today we’re going to pull back the curtain and talk a bit about the difference between some of these terms so you can make an informed decision when choosing a mental health provider.
Navigating the World of Mental Health
In today's world, the field of mental health offers a wide array of professionals who can assist with various psychological issues. If you're seeking help for your mental well-being or someone you know, it's essential to understand the differences between therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. This understanding can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care. Let's delve into the distinctions between these professionals and determine which one might be right for you.
Therapist vs Psychiatrist vs Psychologist: What Do These Terms Mean?
Each of these professionals plays a unique role in the mental health landscape:
Therapist:
A therapist is a broad term encompassing various professionals who provide talk therapy and other forms of psychotherapy. They include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), and more. Therapists help individuals, couples, and families work through emotional and psychological challenges.
Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medication, and offer psychotherapy. Psychiatry bridges the gap between mental health and medicine, and it's vital when medication management is necessary. Psychiatrists went through medical school just like any other physician and then got specialized training through a residency in psychiatry to learn more about mental health and psychiatric medications specifically.
Psychologist:
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology. They are experts in assessing and diagnosing psychological issues. Psychologists provide psychological testing, counseling, and psychotherapy. Some psychologists focus on research, while others work directly with individuals.
Is It Better to See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
Understanding whether to see a psychiatrist or psychologist hinges on your specific needs:
Psychiatrist: If you suspect a medical condition underlies your mental health symptoms or if you're already taking psychiatric medication, seeing a psychiatrist is prudent. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, capable of evaluating your condition, providing medication when needed, and overseeing your treatment.
Psychologist: Psychologists excel in psychotherapy and psychological assessment. They are ideal for talk therapy, psychological evaluations, and addressing various psychological concerns without relying primarily on medication.
Should I See a Therapist or a Psychiatrist First?
Many people who are struggling with mental health concerns end up seeing both a psychiatrist and a therapist, although not everyone. But knowing where to start can feel a bit tricky. When you’re first getting help for depression or anxiety, where do you start looking for help?
Determining whether to consult a therapist or a psychiatrist first depends on your needs and circumstances:
Therapist First: Start with a therapist when you're primarily seeking talk therapy, emotional support, and strategies to address life's challenges. Therapists offer a wide range of interventions and can guide you toward wellness without immediately resorting to medication. Therapists are generally seeking the underlying issue. Honestly, I’d recommend a therapist first for most things, but I’m obviously a little biased. Certainly, I recommend seeing a therapist first for anything where there is an underlying issue like a trauma that needs to be addressed or else medicine alone won’t fix an issue long term. You may find it helpful to read this other blog post I wrote on signs you need a therapist.
Psychiatrist First: Choose a psychiatrist if you suspect a biological component to your mental health symptoms or if you're already taking medication. Psychiatrists can provide comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and offer insights into the relationship between biology and mental health. In general, I recommend prioritizing seeing a psychiatrist first if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder to psychosis such as with schizophrenia. Both of these can still benefit from seeing a therapist but medication is going to be the first priority. If you see a psychiatrist for one of these issues and feel like the medication alone seems to solve the problem, them maybe have that conversation with your psychiatrist directly and ask, “Should I go to therapy if I feel fine?” They understand the benefits of therapy and the relationship between medication and psychotherapy and can advise you about whether or not it’s a good idea to stop at just the medication.
Often, medicine and therapy can go hand in hand. Therefore, if you’re seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist I recommend having a release of information for both to speak to one another.
Do Psychiatrists Do Therapy?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. While they may in some cases be equipped to provide therapy, their primary focus is on medical management. This means that they often prescribe medication to help manage mental health conditions. Their extensive medical training allows them to understand the complexities of how medications can impact an individual's mental health.
What's the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist?
People often use the terms "therapist" and "psychologist" interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles in the field of mental health.
Therapist: A therapist is a broad term that includes various mental health professionals who provide counseling and therapy. Therapists often have different educational backgrounds and can include licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists. They typically hold a master's degree and are licensed by their state to provide therapy.
Psychologist: A psychologist, on the other hand, holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, as well as conduct psychological assessments and research. Psychologists often offer therapy services, however they are uniquely qualified to offer psychological assessments.
When deciding between a therapist and a psychologist, it's important to consider the specific needs and goals of the individual seeking help. Psychologists may be a good choice for those requiring specialized assessments.
When Should You See a Psychologist Instead of a Therapist?
The decision to see a psychologist or a therapist often depends on personal preference. Both are equipped to treat most mental health conditions in therapy, particularly if the individual has specialized training and experience with the specific mental health condition the person is struggling with.
However, there is one specific situation where it is very important you seek out a psychologist specifically. That is when you are looking for psychological testing and assessments. Psychologists are skilled in administering psychological tests and assessments. If you require comprehensive testing for a specific condition or evaluation, a psychologist is well-suited for this task.
I’ve had a number of clients who have seen a psychologist for testing and then come to see me for therapy. This has been wonderful, because they’ve been able to bring in the comprehensive report for from the psychologist which makes our assessment process quicker and we’re able to really get down to the work of doing evidence based therapy right away.
Can a Psychotherapist Prescribe Medication?
Psychotherapists, including therapists, counselors, and social workers, typically do not have the authority to prescribe medication. The prescription of medication is generally within the purview of medical professionals such as psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and, in some cases, primary care physicians.
While psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication, they are highly skilled in providing therapy and counseling services. If medication is a necessary part of your mental health treatment, you may work with a psychotherapist in conjunction with a psychiatrist or another medical professional who can prescribe and manage medication.
Can Therapists Diagnose?
In most cases, licensed therapists can diagnose mental health conditions. Professionals like licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists have the training and expertise to assess, diagnose, and provide therapy for a range of mental health issues. They use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a guide for making accurate diagnoses.
It's important to ensure that the therapist you choose is licensed and qualified to provide diagnoses if needed. Diagnosing mental health conditions is a crucial step in developing a personalized treatment plan that addresses an individual's specific needs.
Can a Therapist Prescribe Medication?
In general, therapists, such as licensed social workers or licensed professional counselors, are not authorized to prescribe medication. The prescription of medication falls under the purview of medical professionals, including psychiatrists and, in some cases, nurse practitioners or primary care physicians.
If medication is a crucial component of your mental health treatment, your therapist can collaborate with a psychiatrist or other medical providers who have the authority to prescribe and manage medication. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care, including therapy and medication management.
Do I Need Therapy or Am I Overreacting?
If you're questioning whether you need therapy or if you might be overreacting to your life's challenges, it's essential to consider the following:
Emotional Well-Being: Everyone can benefit from therapy, whether or not they have a diagnosed mental health condition. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or uncertain about life's challenges, therapy can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
Major Life Changes: Significant life changes, such as starting college, experiencing a career transition, or going through retirement, can be challenging to navigate. Therapy can help individuals adapt to these changes and gain a sense of direction and purpose.
Depression and Anxiety: If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, therapy is an effective resource for managing these conditions. Professional support can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall mental health.
Trauma or Grief: Coping with trauma or the loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. Therapy provides a safe space to process and heal from these experiences.
Personal Growth: Therapy isn't just for addressing problems; it's also a valuable tool for personal growth and self-improvement. It can help you understand yourself better, enhance your relationships, and achieve your goals.
In conclusion, seeking therapy is a proactive step towards enhancing your mental and emotional well-being. It's not limited to individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions; therapy can benefit anyone looking for support, personal growth, and effective coping strategies.
Credentials for Therapists
When choosing a therapist, it can be helpful to understand the various credentials in the mental health field. However, keep in mind that credentials are only one aspect of what makes a therapist effective. Practical experience, specialization, and a commitment to evidence-based practices are equally crucial.
Here are some common credentials for therapists:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
LCSWs have a master's degree in social work and are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They often specialize in individual and family therapy. LCSWs may have had various focuses in school and most who are LCSWs focused on clinical issues in school meaning they took classes learning how to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions during their graduate work with a strong focus on treating the individual as a whole.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
LMSWs in Missouri have already passed a clinical exam, which is a significant milestone. These individuals are on their way to becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), but there's one more exam on the horizon before they achieve that status. LMSWs also participate in weekly supervision as they work toward becoming LCSWs, which ensures that they're gaining the experience and guidance needed to excel in their profession.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
LPCs hold a master's degree in counseling and are licensed to provide therapy for various mental health concerns. Nearly their entire graduate program was focused on clincial work and counseling. They are fully licensed and practicing independently similar to LCSWs.
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
PLPCs have taken and passed an exam, marking their commitment to the field of professional counseling. Like LMSWs, PLPCs are under weekly clinical supervision. This means that, while they are fully qualified to provide therapy, they are continuing to develop their skills and expertise with the guidance of experienced professionals. It's an essential part of their journey to becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
LMFTs have a master's degree and specialize in therapy for couples and families. We have fewer LMFTs in Missouri but they are very common in other parts of the country. Their coursework generally has a strong focus on couples and family work.
Psychologists
Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
How important are these credentials for therapists?
It's important to recognize that the effectiveness of a therapist goes beyond their credentials. While these licenses and degrees are important, it's equally essential to find a therapist who demonstrates expertise in the specific area you need assistance with. This often involves additional training, supervision, consultation, and practical experience. It's also important to keep in mind that the specific credentials and designations for therapists can vary from state to state.
At Aspire Counseling, our clinicians hold various licenses and degrees, primarily LCSWs and LPCs, and have received additional training in evidence-based treatments. We prioritize the ongoing professional development of our therapists to ensure they provide the highest quality care to our clients.
Different Titles, One Bigger Picture
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists is essential when seeking mental health care. Each professional plays a vital role in addressing mental health concerns, and the choice of whom to consult depends on individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the issues at hand.
Whether you decide to work with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, the most important factor is finding a qualified and compassionate professional who can provide the support and guidance you need. The decision to seek therapy or mental health treatment is a significant step towards improved well-being and personal growth.
Begin Therapy in Missouri with Aspire Counseling
If you're unsure about your specific needs or which professional is the right fit for you, reach out to us at Aspire Counseling. We offer counseling near Blue Springs, MO, and in Mid Missouri, as well as online counseling to teens and adults throughout the state. Our dedicated client care coordinator can assist you in finding the best therapist to meet your unique requirements. Don't hesitate to call us at 573-328-2288 ext 1 for a free consultation, whether in person or online, and take the first step toward a happier and healthier life.
With the guidance of experienced mental health professionals and the right mental health support, you can overcome challenges, find healing, improve your well-being, and move forward toward your personal goals.
About the Author
Jessica Tappana, MSW, LCSW, is the dedicated founder and director of Aspire Counseling. While residing in Columbia, MO, she actively commutes to the Kansas City area, collaborating closely with our therapists in Lee's Summit. With a deep-seated passion for delivering evidence-based treatment, Jessica's expertise lies in addressing trauma, anxiety, and a range of mental health concerns. She firmly believes in the profound potential of psychotherapy to effect transformative change in people's lives. Through her guidance and leadership, Aspire Counseling continues to make a significant impact on the mental well-being of its clients in the Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit area, Mid Missouri area and throughout Missouri with online therapy.
Please note that the information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health guidance. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified mental health provider.
