Mental health is extremely important. If your mental health is suffering, your ability to function in your daily life can be hindered. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.”[1]

While mental health is complex, recovery is possible. Mental health treatment can help you reduce your symptoms and learn how to cope in a healthy way. As a result, your ability to function will improve, as will your quality of life.

When seeking support for mental health issues, the search often leads to two types of mental health professionals: therapists and psychiatrists. While both play essential roles in addressing mental health needs, their qualifications, treatment methods, and scopes of practice differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals navigating mental health services and selecting the right type of care for their unique needs.

In this article, you will learn:

What is a therapist?
What is a psychiatrist?
What are the differences between psychiatrists and therapists?
When should you see a therapist or a psychiatrist?

Understanding the Basics

Therapists: Who Are They?

“Therapist” is a broad term that encompasses several types of licensed mental health professionals. This group includes:

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
Clinical Psychologists

Therapists are trained to provide talk therapy, a treatment that involves talking through emotional and behavioral concerns. They help clients process trauma, manage symptoms, and develop coping strategies for various mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

These professionals typically hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a mental health-related field such as psychology, counseling, or social work.

Psychiatrists: Who Are They?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They have completed medical school, followed by a residency in psychiatry, giving them in-depth knowledge of both mental health symptoms and the medical aspects of treatment.

Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can:

Prescribe medication
Conduct physical exams
Complete mental health assessments
Evaluate medical histories
Order lab tests
Diagnose complex mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

Their work often focuses on medication management, though some may also provide talk therapy, especially if trained in psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy.

Key Differences Between Therapists and Psychiatrists

1. Education and Training

Therapists typically hold a master’s degree (e.g., MSW, MFT, MA in Counseling) or a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or related disciplines. They undergo supervised clinical practice and must pass licensure exams.

On the other hand, psychiatrists must complete medical school, followed by a four-year psychiatric residency. They are board-certified medical doctors, which allows them to prescribe medicine and integrate physical health into mental health treatment plans.

2. Treatment Focus

Therapists emphasize talk therapy, which involves helping clients address emotional and behavioral challenges through various therapeutic techniques (e.g., CBT, family therapy, group therapy). They are responsible for guiding you through therapy to help you learn how to manage your symptoms naturally.

Psychiatrists focus on medical treatment of mental health disorders, often through prescribing medications and managing more severe psychiatric symptoms. They can also diagnose mental illnesses and create long-term treatment plans.

3. Prescription Rights

Therapists cannot prescribe medications. If medication is necessary, they refer clients to a psychiatrist or a primary care physician.

That said, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. They also monitor for side effects and drug interactions.

4. Approach to Diagnosing

Some therapists can diagnose mental health conditions based on clinical assessments and standardized tools, especially those trained as psychologists.

All psychiatrists can diagnose mental health disorders. They use both medical and psychological assessments to diagnose and treat mental illness, factoring in underlying medical conditions and overall physical health.

When to See a Therapist vs. a Psychiatrist

You should see a therapist if you:

Deal with emotional or behavioral challenges like grief, stress, or relationship problems.
Need regular talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Want to explore childhood trauma, family dynamics, or interpersonal struggles.
Prefer a non-medication-based approach to managing mental health symptoms.

You should choose a psychiatrist if you:

Are experiencing complex mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Need a formal diagnosis and prescription medication.
Have tried therapy and feel your symptoms require medical intervention.
Struggle with both physical health and mental well-being, which may be interconnected.

If you are still unsure what type of mental health care you need, you can ask a medical professional for assistance. For example, your primary care physician can refer you to either therapy or psychiatry, depending on your needs. Additionally, the admissions experts are First Step Behavioral Health can help you determine what type of support you need.

Collaborative Care: Therapists and Psychiatrists Working Together

In many cases, the most effective approach involves both therapy services and medication management. For example, someone diagnosed with major depressive disorder might see a therapist for weekly sessions while also working with a psychiatrist to manage antidepressants.

This integrated approach allows for:

Holistic treatment plans
Addressing both emotional and biological factors
Enhanced support for ongoing mental health challenges

It’s not uncommon for therapists to coordinate care with psychiatrists or primary care providers to ensure the client receives comprehensive mental health support.

Accessibility and Coverage

Online Therapy and Telepsychiatry

The rise of online therapy platforms has increased access to both therapists and psychiatrists. Virtual care can be especially beneficial for those with limited local resources or mobility challenges. Many mental health providers now offer remote therapy sessions and telehealth medication consults.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Coverage for mental health services varies widely by insurance provider and plan. It’s important to check your:

Insurance plan’s summary of benefits
Network status of mental health counselors and psychiatrists
Requirements for referrals from a primary care physician

In the U.S., federal law requires most plans to offer mental health coverage on par with physical health, but access still depends on your specific insurance plan and location.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional

Whether you’re experiencing mental health symptoms, managing ongoing behavioral disorders, or facing a new diagnosis, the choice between a therapist and a psychiatrist depends on your specific mental health needs.

If you’re looking for support through talk therapy, a licensed mental health counselor or clinical social worker may be your best first step. However, if you’re struggling with severe or medically complex issues, a psychiatrist’s medical training and ability to prescribe medication may be necessary.

In many cases, the most effective solution combines both approaches—talk therapy and medication—working together to treat the whole person.

Your mental well-being matters, and finding the right mental health professional can make all the difference in your path toward healing and growth.

Get Connected to Both Therapy and Psychiatry With First Step Behavioral Health

If you or a loved one struggles with mental health, you might need professional care. At First Step Behavioral Health, our mental health recovery programs combine therapy and psychiatry. Comprehensive treatment increases your likelihood of long-term recovery from all types of mental health conditions.

References:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Mental Health by the Numbers

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What is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychiatrist?