Difference Between Psychiatrist vs Therapist

In the mental health sector, psychiatry and psychology have common characteristics. Psychiatrists and therapists both as mental health professionals have expertise in how they treat people for mental well-being and behaviors. Both can provide their services in clinics or mental health counseling centers or through various online counseling platforms.

However, there are differences in their education and training as a psychologist, psychiatrist, and therapist. Psychiatrist vs Therapist Psychiatrists specialize in preventing, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. They have to complete four years of medical degree like other doctors and an internship for a year. Then, they have to complete training as psychiatric. A psychiatrist can find the basic medical conditions from mental illnesses and if mental problems are affecting a person’s physical health or vice versa.

They can prescribe medications to treat different mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and other conditions and much of their treatment include managing mental health through medications. It is when medications don’t seem enough to treat mental illnesses; the psychiatrists may suggest therapy or refer a person to therapists.

Therapy can be provided by psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, marriage counselors, or any other trained professional who provide talk therapy. Psychotherapists generally have at least a master’s degree and can diagnose and treat mental conditions. However, they cannot prescribe medications.

The goal of therapy and a therapist is to help a person understand his/her feelings and thoughts, and help them change their thought process to improve themselves and develop skills to live a healthy lifestyle. While psychiatrists prescribe and monitor medications to control symptoms, therapists help a person addressing the root of their problems.

This combination of both works best as a healing process. Most people see their therapists on a weekly basis; however, they may see their psychiatrists only once a month. With the availability of online counseling nowadays, it has become easier to reach out to a therapist anytime from any place without leaving your comfort zone.