What Is The Difference Between A Psychiatrist And A Therapist?
Should you work with a psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, or coach? In the realm of mental health, working with the right type of provider to reach your life goals is a crucial step towards wellness. However, navigating the landscape of mental health professionals in New York City can be overwhelming, especially when debating working with a psychiatrist vs. therapist. What is the difference? While both play pivotal roles in aiding individuals and couples facing mental health challenges, their training, approaches, and areas of expertise differ significantly.
While finding the right mental healthcare provider can be confusing, we are here to simplify your search. To help you identify the best provider for your specific needs, below, we have outlined some of the key differences between a psychiatrist and a therapist. Remember, our Care Coordinator can also provide a free consultation to help you decide who to work with for your care if needed.
Psychiatrist vs. Therapist: Understanding the Difference
1. Medical Training –
Why A Therapist and Doctor Are Not Always the Same
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) specializing in mental healthcare. A psychiatrist has attended at least four years of medical school, just like your primary care physician or surgeon, to receive a general medical degree. However, psychiatrists complete an additional four to five years of training through a residency in psychiatric care. During a psychiatry residency, your doctor learns how to specifically treat mental health disorders with medication and different types of psychotherapy. At Healthy Minds NYC, our psychiatrists have trained at the esteemed Mount Sinai Hospital here in New York City. During training, our psychiatrists grew their expertise with additional roles at local health clinics and by teaching classes for medical students. Our founder, Dr. Lanre Dokun, was even awarded Teacher of the Year for the Mount Sinai Medical School for his contributions to educating the next generation of doctors in New York City.
Since psychiatrists are physicians who provide psychotherapy, they are also considered therapists. However, the terms are not interchangeable because a therapist is not always a doctor. The term therapists encompasses a wide range of mental health care providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who counsel clients in times of need. Therapists hold advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work. Many therapists hold certificates in areas of specialization, such as the Gottman method for couples or EMDR.
At Healthy Minds NYC, our therapists and psychiatrists do therapy.
2. Approach –
Can a Therapist Prescribe Medication?
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while non-physician therapists cannot. Since your psychiatrist is a medical doctor, they are licensed to prescribe medication if needed. Psychiatrists understand the complicated relationship between your mind and body and, therefore, can offer guidance on physiological interventions that can be made to positively impact your mental health. For example, many clients who pursue therapy may be interested in taking medication to reduce symptoms of a mood disorder, such as an anti-anxiety medication or an anti-depressant. A psychiatrist vs. therapist can help you determine if this course of treatment would be helpful on your journey toward health. However, your therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist, so working together, they can ensure you receive comprehensive support.
While psychiatrists tend to focus on the biological aspects of mental health and often prescribe medication to manage symptoms, you do not have to take medication to work with a psychiatrist.
It’s also important to note that while your general practitioner can make some recommendations on mental health medications, it’s advisable to work with a psychiatrist who is uniquely trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. If you are curious about starting medication for your mental health, you can begin with a medication management evaluation with one of the psychiatrists on our team. The doctor will meet with you to understand your current experience while also getting a thorough review of your general health and well-being and medical history to ensure that any recommendations for your mental health medication are weighed against other health conditions you may be experiencing.
3. Diagnosis –
Can Therapists Diagnose?
Psychiatrists and therapists can provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition. However, due to their comprehensive training in medicine, a psychiatrist can accurately determine the impact your general medical condition may have on the mental health symptoms you are experiencing. For example, is your anxiety caused by a thyroid issue or a recent job change? Is your low energy and sleep disturbance due to depression or a vitamin deficiency? A psychiatrist can consider your whole health and rule out any biological or physiological reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing.
Often it is helpful to begin therapy with a psychiatrist to complete a comprehensive evaluation. Once you understand more about your condition, you may then decide to continue working with your psychiatrist or transition care to a therapist. You are not required to see a psychiatrist before working with a therapist. A psychiatrist is also not necessarily “better” than a therapist or can provide a higher level of care. The significant difference in a psychiatrist vs. therapist is the qualifications and training that inform their approach to treatment.
Do You Need a Psychiatrist or a Therapist?
At Healthy Minds NYC, our Care Coordinators can help you decide whether you should see a psychiatrist or a therapist for your situation. Factors like the nature of the issue, personal preferences, and treatment goals will be considered when deciding to pursue psychiatry vs. therapy. Our practice employs psychiatrists and therapists with different areas of specialization, so we are here to help, no matter your preference. We also offer a life coach to support you if your goals are more appropriate for a non-therapeutic approach. Before speaking with our office, below are some considerations you can begin to process on your own in order to work with the best therapist.
If you agree with any of the following statements, you might consider seeing a psychiatrist:
I would like to explore taking medication for my mental health
I am experiencing physiological symptoms, like shortness of breath or chest pains, that I need to be evaluated
I have a known mental health diagnosis, such as ADHD, that has responded well to medicinal treatment in the past
I have other medical challenges, like diabetes or a chronic pain disorder, that may be influencing my mental health
If you agree with any of the following statements, a therapist may be best for you:
I am not interested in taking any medication for my mental health
My primary care physician has already ruled out biological factors that may influence my mental health
I would like to focus on couples therapy or life coaching to reach my current goals
I am concerned about the cost of care and would like to receive great psychotherapy at a lower investment
If you want to begin any services with Healthy Minds NYC, the easiest way to start is by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our Care Coordinator. During this call, we’ll help determine the best course of care with you, explore your payment options, and schedule your first appointment. Our goal is to speed you along your journey toward health with the best process that meets your unique needs.
