When you have any disease then you go to the specialist of this disease like if you have a heart problem then you go to the heart specialist. But if you go to the gastroenterologist then he can’t treat you because he is a specialist in the digestive system. Same as this if you have a mental health problem and you need medication but you go to a psychologist then it’s your wrong choice. Behind this wrong choice, the reason is that you don’t know the right mental health professional.
So whenever you face any mental health disorder you first know which one will be best for you. Whether you need a psychiatrist or psychologist according to your mental health condition. You must have an understanding of their difference as most people get confused about both professions and consider them the same. It’s not right! To make your decision right let’s discuss the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist and some tips to find the right one. So let’s start it!
Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
First let’s discuss the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist before going to how to choose the right one.
Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist is a medical professional (MD or DO) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases. Their main focus is on the biological components of mental health issues and have the authority to prescribe medicines. As bipolar disorder affects almost 2.8% of U.S. adults then the need for a psychiatrist also increases. Psychiatrists treat more serious mental illnesses like major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Their training in medicine enables them to combine mental and physical health with patients and provides a complete course of care.
Psychologists
On the other hand, a psychologist usually holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. They focus on behavioral intervention and therapy treatments. In the US 6.8 million adults face generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) which can be cured using the CPT treatment provided by the psychologist.
Psychologists, unlike psychiatrists, are not allowed to give medicine in the majority of cases. However, they are extremely important in the treatment of mental health illnesses using psychotherapy, including psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other non-pharmacological approaches.
Consider Your Specific Mental Health Needs
Now it is a very important step to understand your mental health needs because the choice of selecting between a psychiatrist or a psychologist depends on your specific mental health needs. There are some patients who need both therapies and medications so they prefer both but most people prefer therapy alone. Then I’ll recommend it to you if you need to take medicine then a psychiatrist is crucial because it helps you to control your symptoms through medications. And if you want to change your thinking and interest then you need talk therapies by a psychologist. Then if you are facing complex mental health problems like bipolar disorder and you need a comprehensive treatment plan then a psychologist and a psychiatrist can help you to remain stable.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Professional
When you choose a mental health professional then it is important to choose one who is:
- Well experienced and licensed and have completed their training and qualification. Make sure that the provider has proficiency in treating problems that you have, is licensed to practice in your area, and is board-certified.
- It’s important to find a mental health professional whose therapy style fits your requirements, as each one has a different approach toward treatment.
- Then availability is also crucial so make sure the mental health provider you choose is easily available to you because mental health treatments take time. You can also prefer online mental health services and can easily find a psychiatrist near me.
When to Seek Help?
According to research 1 in 8 people worldwide have some type of mental illness but more than 70% do not get the proper treatment they need on time. Getting care early helps prevent symptoms from getting worse. If you don’t know when you should consult a psychiatrist or psychologist, here are some signs that you need to consider:
- Hopelessness or worry that doesn’t go away with time.
- Difficulty in maintaining relationships or handling regular tasks.
- Extreme impulsive behavior, anger, or mood swings.
- Signs of trauma or having flashbacks.
- Suicide ideas or actions involving self-harm.
Final Thoughts
The choice of choosing a psychiatrist or psychologist is an important step to making the right decision for your mental health. When you choose a provider first you need to know your requirements, and the symptoms you feel and then make the decision. The factors you need to keep in mind are the qualification of the provider, their experience, and the therapeutic method. It is important to have a clear understanding of the roles of both psychologists and psychiatrists.