Who should you work with?
In a society with lots of options for treatment, it can be difficult to make a decision if you don’t feel informed about what each professional does. Please read on to get a very basic overview of the differences between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a psychotherapist.
The Psychiatrist: A Psychiatrist is the only one of these three professions that goes to medical school. As such, they are the only ones that can prescribe you medication (with a few exceptions). Psychiatrists can also provide psychotherapy, but often they will choose to collaborate with a psychologist or psychotherapist in order for their patients to receive this service. You may see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation with check-ups every few months while seeing a psychologist or psychotherapist much more often (usually weekly or biweekly). The treatment and diagnosis you receive from a psychiatrist comes from their experience with a medical background.
The Psychologist: The Psychologist can have either their PhD or their PsyD, depending on which academic path they have chosen. Both involve advanced degrees and training. In some states, a PhD or PsyD can prescribe if they have received additional training in psychopharmacology (the study of medications). In addition, a psychologist can perform an evaluation through psychological testing to determine if you have any learning or psychological disabilities. Psychologists will diagnose and treat through these evaluations while using their knowledge of underlying conditions. You may meet with a psychologist for just a few sessions if you are receiving an evaluation, or you may meet with them on a weekly or biweekly basis for psychotherapy.
The Psychotherapist: The Psychotherapist has a similar amount of training and experience as a psychologist. They require additional degrees, training, and licensing from their state of practice. Psychotherapists can not prescribe medication, but can evaluate whether or not you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist. Psychotherapists diagnose and treat their patients from a “whole picture” perspective, taking into account your upbringing, your environment, as well as any underlying conditions. Psychotherapists often have extensive training and experience in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy. When working with a psychotherapist you will most likely be meeting with them on a weekly or biweekly basis. This can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, and many people elect to work with their therapists long term.
For additional information on the differences between these professions or additional needs for therapy, contact Julia at julia@dynamicheartcounseling.com