We understand that all of the options for mental healthcare might seem a little overwhelming. There are many types of treatment, as well as different types of providers. How do you know what’s right for you– and where should you start?
Both therapists and psychiatrists provide treatment for mental health concerns, but they aren’t exactly the same. Understanding the key differences between the two can help you make the best choice and get the support you need.
The main difference between psychiatry and therapy
The primary distinction between psychiatrists and therapists is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while therapists typically cannot. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who hold an additional degree in psychiatry, which allows them to diagnose mental health challenges and treat them with medication. Psychotherapists, often referred to as simply “therapists”, hold a minimum of a Master’s degree and are licensed by their state to practice therapy. A therapist is someone who will meet with you and discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and will guide you through a process that helps you meet your mental health goals.
What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is “the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders”. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental disorders in patients, using a combination of both psychological and medical testing. Some psychiatrists also provide talk therapy, but many people in treatment have both a psychiatrist and a separate psychotherapist.
Depending on the results of a patient’s evaluation, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication to treat their symptoms. Types of psychiatric medications include:
- Antidepressants: There are several different types of antidepressants, and they are commonly prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder and other mood disorders.
- Antipsychotics: This type of medication treats symptoms of psychosis in conditions such as schizophrenia.
- Stimulants: Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD.
- Mood stabilizers: These are often used to prevent manic and depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
- Sedatives: A psychiatrist might prescribe a sedative to someone with anxiety or difficulty sleeping.
In addition to psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Certified Physician Associates (PA-C) are masters-level, licensed healthcare professionals with the ability to prescribe psychiatric medication.
Psychiatric urgent care
If you have an urgent psychiatric need and are looking for immediate help, psychiatric urgent care is available.
It can be difficult to find mental healthcare when you need it, and sometimes you can’t afford a long wait to see a doctor. Mindful Care offers affordable same-day or next-day psychiatric care, both in-person and virtually. You can connect with a provider who accepts your insurance, and get relief and support when you need it the most.
Psychiatric ongoing care
Psychiatric treatment requires ongoing care. You will need to have regular check-ins with your doctor so they can evaluate your progress, and make adjustments to medications and dosages as needed. Telepsychiatry is an increasingly common option for ongoing psychiatric care, and makes it convenient and effortless to stay connected to your doctor and get the support you need.
What is therapy?
Psychotherapy is a treatment that helps “a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors”. A therapist holds a minimum of a graduate degree, and must be licensed by the state in which they practice.
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy, and different therapists have different backgrounds and specializations. A few of the more common types of therapy include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT helps you recognize and change unhelpful behaviors and negative thought patterns, and replace them with more accurate thoughts and useful behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT helps you regulate your emotions, and teaches skills to help you change unhealthy behaviors.
- Psychoanalysis: Psychodynamic theory suggests that behaviors are rooted in past experiences, and this type of therapy helps to bring unconscious feelings to the surface.
- Integrative psychotherapy: Integrative psychotherapy draws upon multiple theories and methods to create an individualized approach that is tailored to each client’s needs.
Individual psychotherapy
You can receive therapy short-term to deal with specific, current challenges; but many people stay in therapy long-term, especially if they’re managing complicated issues that have persisted over a long period of time. Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long and occur once a week, but can be more or less often depending on the individual. Therapy sessions can take place in a therapist’s office, or you can attend therapy virtually via telehealth. The goals of and approach to treatment will vary from person to person.
For therapy to be successful, both the individual and the therapist should be actively collaborating. That’s why it’s important to find the right therapist, and sometimes you might have to try a couple of them before finding a good match. Therapy can be hard work, but it “has been shown to improve emotional and psychological well-being and is linked with positive changes in the brain and body”.
Group therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that consists of a group of participants facilitated by one or more therapists. Many groups focus on a specific challenge, identity, or experience. Being in group therapy allows you to receive support from peers; and engaging with others over your shared experiences can be very healing.
Mindful Care offers several judgment-free groups that provide affordable care in a supportive environment.
MicroTherapy™
You might feel too busy to schedule a therapy session, but could use some immediate support. MicroTherapy™ is a 20-minute session that provides focused care, coping strategies, and immediate relief. Best of all, you can book a session same-day.
Do you need psychiatry or therapy?
It’s hard to know where to start, and it’s ultimately different for each person. Fortunately, whichever you choose will allow you to see a trained provider who can help you decide how to proceed.
Consider seeing a therapist if:
- You have a specific issue that you want to talk through
- You have a relationship or problem that is negatively impacting your life
- You are actively avoiding dealing with something that’s bothering you
Consider seeing a psychiatrist if:
- You’re in therapy, and it isn’t working as well as you’d like
- You’re experiencing significant mood swings
- You have concerns about risk-taking or substance use
- You would like to consider medication as an option for treating your symptoms
Remember, psychiatric urgent care is available if you need help right away. You don’t have to wait to get the support you need.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911 or visit your local ER.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call 988
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Lifeline Call 1-866-488-7386
Sources:
What is Psychiatry? | Psychiatry.org
Mental Health Medications | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Psychotherapies - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) | apa.org
Different approaches to psychotherapy | apa.org |
What is Psychotherapy? | Psychiatry.org
Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy | apa.org
