Should I See a Psychologist or Psychiatrist? Here’s How to Decide

If you’re looking for mental health care for the first time (or for the first time in a while), it can be hard to decide which type of provider you’d like to see. 

Two key terms you might hear often are “psychologist” and “psychiatrist.”  Although some people might (incorrectly) use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Each professional typically takes a different treatment approach, and understanding those differences can help you make a more informed choice about your care.

If you’re reading this, know that you’re doing the right thing in taking the first step to seek the help you need. Getting treatment for your mental health struggles can be life changing. Keep reading to learn the similarities and differences between these two mental health professionals, as well as tips on what type of provider to choose. 

Psychologist or psychiatrist: Understanding similarities and differences

Psychologists and psychiatrists are both types of mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can help people cope with a variety of mental health challenges and difficult life circumstances, providing valuable services to those who need them.

There are some key differences between the professionals, though. They undergo different levels of schooling and training, and their scope of practice varies accordingly. 

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are mental health professionals who specialize in assessing patients and providing psychotherapy, AKA talk therapy. They can conduct a psychological assessment, diagnose you, and devise a psychotherapy-based treatment plan to help you feel better. 

Psychologists undergo extensive training, including: 

• Education. An undergraduate degree, and then a doctoral degree, usually a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in psychology

• Training. One supervised internship before graduation, and often another year of supervised practice before getting licensed

• Licensing. Must take a national exam plus licensing exams specific to the state in which they practice

They generally only provide talk therapy and do not prescribe psychiatric medication. However, in certain states, psychologists are allowed to prescribe medication if they have undergone additional training. 

You might hear the terms “clinical psychologists”, “neuropsychologists”, and “counseling psychologists.” Clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists typically work with serious mental health conditions. Neuropsychologists provide psychological assessment and testing for ADHD and clarity in diagnosing mental health conditions.

Additionally, some psychologists are more focused on research than on practicing and providing therapy to individuals. 

Other types of mental health therapists 

Psychologists aren’t the only mental health care providers that can provide therapy. Various other licensed professionals can provide psychotherapy and related services, including:

• Licensed mental health counselor (LMHCs)

• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)

• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)

• Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)

• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs)

These professionals have master’s degrees and must complete supervised clinical hours to gain experience. They must also pass exams to get their license. Although these types of professionals have less schooling and training than psychologists, they’re still qualified to help with common mental health concerns like anxiety and mild to moderate depression.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing psychiatric medications when needed. Additionally, thanks to their medical training, they can assess and address certain physical aspects related to mental health conditions. 

Psychiatrists go through extensive training, including:

• Education. An undergraduate degree and a medical school degree — MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

• Training. A four-year residency program, where the first year focuses on general medicine and the final three years are specialized in psychiatry. If a psychiatrist wants to enter a subspeciality, like Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Addiction Psychiatry, or Addiction Medicine, they may complete additional training through a fellowship.

• Licensing. Must get licensed by their state’s medical board. If a psychiatrist wants to become board-certified, they must take an exam from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

On top of prescribing psychiatric medication, some psychiatrists might also provide more alternative options—like brain stimulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or ketamine treatment—particularly for those with treatment-resistant conditions. 

Another type of professional that can prescribe psychiatric medications are psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are providers who are authorized to prescribe medications. However, they don’t have as much schooling or training as psychiatrists. These are nurse practitioners who have received additional training and certifications to prescribe psychiatric medications to patients who require them.

Some PMHNPs can practice independently, while others require supervision from a psychiatrist or another qualified physician.  With the rise of telehealth therapy and psychiatry services, it’s become increasingly common for these psychiatric nurse practitioners to work for these companies and prescribe medications virtually to patients.

Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist?

If you’re seeking help for your mental health for the first time, and your symptoms are mild to moderate, you may want to start with seeing your primary care physician. They can help rule out any underlying medical condition that could be contributing to your symptoms and offer preliminary mental health screening. From here, they can advise whether you should see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another type of mental health professional.

A psychologist can conduct an assessment and give you their professional advice on whether they think you could benefit from medication on top of therapy, or if they think you could see significant improvement with therapy alone.

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health for a while and your symptoms are more severe, or if you’re showing signs of conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression, you might opt for a psychiatrist, as medications are typically recommended to treat these. 

Psychiatrist appointments typically focus primarily on medication management rather than providing full sessions of talk therapy. For many people with mental health conditions, especially severe ones, a mix of therapy and medication is often the most effective approach.

Research has found that when treating major depression, for example, a combination of medication and therapy is more effective than medication alone. Generally speaking, medications can help address chemical imbalances in the brain, while talk therapy helps you address unhealthy thought patterns, unpack trauma, learn coping skills, and more. So that means you may go to a psychologist (or another type of licensed therapist) for your therapy. 

It’s important to note that depending on where you live, psychologists and psychiatrists might have limited availability. In some cases, you might have to wait a few weeks or longer for your initial appointment. However, many teletherapy and telepsychiatry services have shorter wait times for licensed therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. 

What to look for in a mental health provider

Whether you're considering a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another type of mental health provider, there’s more to consider than just their licensure and training. Most providers offer a short phone consultation before starting treatment, and this is a great way to get a better idea of whether they’re the right fit for you. 

You should also consider:

• Whether they accept your insurance

• If they don’t accept your insurance, if they are within your budget, or if they offer a sliding scale (more here on finding affordable therapy)

• If they specialize in the specific struggles you’re facing

• The treatment modalities they use 

• If you want a therapist with a similar background (such as an LGBTQ therapist if you’re part of the community, or a person of color if you’re also a POC)

• How comfortable you feel with them after an initial consultation

Additionally, keep in mind that the rapport you build with your provider is key. If you aren’t vibing with your therapist or psychiatrist after a few visits, it’s completely fine to “break up” and try out a new one. Go with your gut. 

Need help finding a psychologist or psychiatrist?

Now that you have a better idea of whether you want to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a different type of mental health professional, it’s time to start your hunt for a provider who’s right for you. Not sure where to begin? We can help. 

Whether you’re struggling with a mental health condition like an anxiety disorder or depression, going through a major life transition, or looking for a safe space to vent, we’re here to guide you toward finding the right mental health services that work for you. Just head here to select what you’re struggling with and the service types you’re looking for. Your path to healing starts now.