Counselor, therapist, nurse, psychiatrist, psychiatric clinician – there are so many types of mental health care professionals, and finding the one best suited for you can feel impossible.
At SOL Mental Health, we often hear people ask, “When should I see a psychiatrist vs psychologist or therapist?” Or, after viewing our many qualified providers, you may be wondering, what’s the difference between a therapist and psychiatric clinician? Don’t let the search for a qualified clinician keep you from care. This blog will describe the differences between the types of providers available and which may be the best fit for you.
What’s the Difference between a Therapist and Psychiatrist?
First things first, let’s take a look at the difference between these roles – because you need to know to ensure the best care for your specific needs1.
Therapists
A therapist, also known as a psychotherapist, psychologist, licensed counselor, or licensed mental health counselor, is a clinician trained in identifying and treating issues with patients’ mental health. They can hold many types of licenses, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Master’s degrees in counseling, psychology, or similar fields, with clinical experience during graduate school. These healthcare professionals work with their patients to identify the cause(s) of a mental health issue, treat and manage symptoms, develop coping skills, and create plans for the future. Treatment is focused on a clinically validated and precise treatment called psychotherapy and support.
What are the benefits of a therapist?
- Improve communication, coping, and stress management skills
- Reduce the intensity of mental health symptoms you are experiencing
- Gain deeper insight into your mental health
- Learn to better understand yourself and your emotional state
- Identify and address underlying issues affecting your life
- Develop stronger, healthier relationships
- Safely talk through sensitive thoughts and emotions
- Find support for a wide range of mental health concerns
- Experience greater personal and emotional growth
Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Clinicians
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Training includes medical school and four years of specialty residency training, as well as one to three additional years of sub-specialty fellowship training. These mental health professionals complete comprehensive medical evaluations with patients in order to make diagnoses, recommend further diagnostic testing that may be required to tease out medical from psychiatric disease, and can prescribe psychotropic medication(s) if appropriate. They are also qualified to monitor physical health conditions, such as blood pressure, and understand how they may be contributing to concurrent mental health conditions.
A psychiatric clinician is a mental health provider who is a doctor (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Physician Assistant (PA). All are well trained to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications that help treat mental illnesses, and deliver concurrent supportive therapy. In most cases, at SOL Mental Health we advise that patients who work with a psychiatric clinician also work with a therapist: data shows that while therapy and psychiatric care are each effective treatments, their power is magnified when combined.
What are the benefits of a psychiatrist?
- Get a comprehensive diagnosis based on your mental health struggles
- Gain insights into an issue from a medical perspective, such as biological factors
- Find help for complex psychiatric issues and medical interventions
- Treat conditions using medication if necessary, with proper clinical management and coordination with other medical providers you may be in treatment with (with your consent)
When should I see both a therapist and psychiatric clinician?
Often, the roles between therapist and psychiatric clinician overlap, particularly because both areas focus on treatment of the brain. In many cases, patients who are seeing a therapist may also benefit from receiving coordinated care with a SOL psychiatric clinician, as these providers work well together to effectively treat a patient’s condition through a combination of therapeutic approaches and medication management. Patients who receive care from a psychiatric clinician alongside their therapist typically achieve better outcomes.
What questions should I ask to find the right match?
It’s important to speak with your mental health provider about your treatment needs to not only ensure you are receiving the appropriate care, but that you are working with a provider who best aligns with your goals, personality, and healing style.
Questions to ask may include:
- What is your experience working with people with symptoms or struggles similar to mine?
- How long have you worked with individuals experiencing these similar struggles?
- Is this your area of expertise, or do you have other specializations?
- How do you approach treatment for this issue, and what will a typical session look like?
- What types of therapies do you use and why?
- How long is each session, and how long will treatment be overall?
- How do you determine whether or not treatment is working?
- How much does treatment cost? Do you accept my insurance?
- Will I be able to contact you in a crisis situation?
Specifically for psychiatrists and psychiatric clinicians, you may also want to ask:
- Do you have experience prescribing medications for my specific mental health condition?
- What are the potential side effects of the medications I might be prescribed?
- Will you closely with my other providers to ensure the best outcome?
Breaking down the Differences – an Easy Guide for Determining Mental Health Treatment
As discussed, there are key differences of a psychiatrist vs. therapist, and making the right choice between the two is important for improving your mental well-being. When in doubt, refer to the chart below and evaluate your options based on your symptoms and their severity, duration, and effect on daily life2.
| Therapist | Psychiatric Clinician | |
| Level of Education | Masters | MD or DO (Psychiatrist); PMHNP or PA (Psychiatric Clinician) |
| Specialty Training | Graduate-Level Clinical Experience | Medical School and Residency (Psychiatrist); Graduate School and Post-Graduate Training (Psychiatric Clinician) |
| Able to Prescribe Medication | No | Yes |
| Treatment Approach | Psychotherapy, Behavioral Changes, Coping Skills | Medical Evaluation and/or Diagnosis, Medication Management |
| When to Call | Mild to Moderate Issues (Emotional Regulation, Relationship Problems, Behavioral Challenges) | Severe or Complex Disorders; Interested in Medication as a Treatment Modality; Co-Occurring Medical & Mental Health Issues |
If you still aren’t sure which type of mental health professional is right for you, reach out to your primary care doctor! Primary care physicians are a great first step in finding the right help, at the right time. If you are already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral if you or you provider feel the other will be beneficial in your healing journey.
How SOL Mental Health Can Help
At SOL Mental Health, we understand how overwhelming the search for a mental health professional can be. We’re here to be your guide, helping you along the path to mental wellness by connecting you with the therapist or psychiatric clinician best suited to you. Our team is trained to understand your needs and ensure you get matched to the right clinician quickly. Get started on that path today with a consultation.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————-
1) Guide to Psychiatry and Counseling
2) When to See a Psychiatrist vs. Therapist