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For those interested in receiving mental health care, it may be difficult to distinguish between the different types of mental health professionals. It is not uncommon for individuals to confuse mental health therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Each one receives different educational training, and some may use different treatment modalities. This article explores the differences between therapists and psychiatrists, in order to help you determine which one may be right for you.
Regardless if you are seeing a therapist vs psychiatrist, we want you to be your best self. Here at Bishop Health, we offer outpatient mental health and medication services. With different therapeutic options available, such as individual and group therapy, you or a loved one will be able to sit and talk with one of our licensed clinicians. Contact us today to get started on your mental health and wellness journey.
Therapists & Psychiatrists Work Towards the Same Goal
Both therapists and psychiatrists work towards treating mental disorders, and any of the symptoms that may be associated with them. Both may go about treatment differently, but therapists and psychiatrists work towards reaching the same goals. In many cases, therapists and psychiatrists may work together to help individuals identify and meet their treatment goals.
What Mental Health Issues Do Therapists & Psychiatrists Treat?
Therapists and psychiatrists can treat the same mental health issues. Psychiatrists are more likely to see individuals seeking medication management, rather than talk therapy, though they can also provide psychotherapy.
- Common mental health issues treated by therapists and psychiatrists include: (1)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mood related disorders, such as bipolar, or cyclothymic disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance Use Disorders
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychotic Disorders, such as schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
- Personality disorders
Therapists
A therapist is an umbrella term that can be used to describe a counselor, psychologist, or other professional clinician trained to treat mental health disorders. A therapist offers psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy. Therapists are able to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders that are identified in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM). (2)
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are physicians that are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They take more of a physiological approach to treatment since they prescribed medications. Psychiatrists also treat disorders identified in the DSM.
Differences in Education & Training
The main difference between therapists and psychiatrists is their education and training. Psychiatrists possess medical degrees and can prescribe medications to clients. In some states, psychologists are allowed to prescribe medications. Psychologists who are allowed to prescribe medications receive additional training and are limited on exactly which medications they can prescribe.
States where psychologists can prescribe medications include: (3)
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Idaho
What Types of Licensed Therapists Are There?
There are different types of licensed therapists. Different states have different names for their licensed professionals. Each state also has different licensure requirements. Licensure is required in states to provide psychotherapy in order to protect the safety of clients. Each state possesses their own licensing and ethical boards. Education, training, and examinations are required in order to receive a professional license.
Licensed Psychologist
Psychologists must receive a doctoral degree in psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, or a related field. They must receive supervised experience providing therapy while they receive their degree and after graduating. Psychologists must then pass a licensing examination.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
LMFTs usually receive their masters degrees in marriage and family therapy. Following receiving their education, LMFTs must complete two years of supervised postgraduate experience providing psychotherapy, and pass a marriage and family therapist examination. Their training emphasizes family and couples counseling approaches. However, they can also provide group and individual therapy.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
LPCs can receive their masters degree in counseling or clinical psychology. They must complete two years of supervised postgraduate experience providing therapy, and pass the professional counselors examination. LPCs can provide individual, group, and family therapy.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
LCSWs are required to receive their masters in social work. They must also complete two years of supervised postgraduate experience providing therapy, and pass the social work examination.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)
LMHCs are required to have masters degrees in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. They must also complete two years of supervised postgraduate experience and pass the mental health counselor examination.
Once awarded licensure, each licensed professional must complete various continuing education hours each year in order to maintain their licensure.
What Approaches May a Therapist Use in Mental Health Treatment?
There are different approaches that a therapist can utilize for treatment. Different approaches are used depending on the population that the therapist is working with.
Common therapeutic approaches include: (4)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Psychoanalytic Therapy
- Humanistic Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Methods Available for Psychiatrists in the Treatment of Mental Health Issues
Due to having a more extensive educational and medical background when compared to therapists, psychiatrists can provide treatment options that are different than that of a therapist. In addition to the therapeutic options, psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medications.
Ability to Prescribe Medications
The biggest difference between therapists and psychiatrists is that psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medications. Following an initial assessment or diagnosis, a psychiatrist speaks with the client in order to inform them about which medication would be best for them. Psychiatrists are knowledgeable on medications, their side effects, and the correct dosage to prescribe.
Examples of medications prescribed by psychiatrists include: (5)
- Antidepressants
- Sedatives
- Anxiolytics
- Antipsychotic medication
- Hypnotics
- Mood stabilizers
- Stimulants
Do Psychiatrists Also Offer Talk Therapy?
Psychiatrists can provide talk therapy. They are trained in different psychotherapy modalities and theories. Some psychiatrists offer both talk therapy and medication management, though some only prescribe medications. It simply depends on the population and treatment modality that they specialize in.
Which One Should I See?
Whether or not you should see a therapist or psychiatrist depends on you, your goals, and the areas that you are having difficulties in. A therapist may be ideal if you are experiencing life stressors, relationship, family, school, or work problems. If you are experiencing symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or thoughts to harm yourself or others, a psychiatrist would be beneficial. Depending on the issues at hand, some individuals may see a therapist for talk therapy in conjunction with a psychiatrist for medication management.
Begin Your Mental Health Journey Today
We can help you meet your mental health goals here at Bishop Health. You will be able to talk one-on-one with one of our trained therapists to help you develop adaptive coping strategies. Here, we offer comprehensive care and evidence-based treatment in a safe and comfortable environment. We offer unique services, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help treat depression. Here at Bishop Health, we are dedicated to helping improve the mental wellbeing of all individuals and providing culturally competent care. Contact us today to learn more and to get started.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
https://www.apaservices.org/practice/advocacy/authority/prescribing-psychologists
https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/approaches
https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/mental-health-careers/how-to-become-therapist/therapist-vs-clinical-psychiatrists/
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