If you are considering seeking professional help for a mental health issue, you may have heard of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors as possible options. While these three types of mental health professionals can often work together in the treatment of mental health conditions, there are distinct differences between them.
Taking that first step toward mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with choosing between different types of providers. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing challenges or navigating a difficult life transition, understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and circumstances.
Here’s a look at some of the varying differences between psychiatry, therapy, and counseling.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
A psychiatrist combines medical expertise with deep mental health knowledge to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the biological and emotional aspects of psychological wellness. As medical doctors with specialized training in mental health, psychiatrists uniquely bridge the gap between physical and emotional wellbeing, offering treatment that can include both medication and therapeutic support.
Here’s how a psychiatrist’s unique training and expertise can support your mental heath.
Psychiatrist credentials, training, and expertise
Psychiatrists are doctors with medical degrees that are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Their expertise in the mental health field involves psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, ordering lab tests, prescribing medications, medication management, and other treatments. Psychiatrists must attend medical school for four years, followed by four to five years of specialized training in a psychiatry residency program.
Psychiatric approaches to mental wellness
The goal of psychiatry treatment is to reduce the symptoms of mental illness and help develop the skills, insights, and resources to live a healthier life. There are different types of psychiatrists, each holding board certifications in mental health and specializing in fields such as addiction medicine. A key difference between a psychiatrist and therapist lies in psychiatrists’ prescribing authority–they can prescribe medications and make crucial adjustments, such as by fine-tuning antidepressant dosages to better support your mental wellbeing.
What to expect from a session with a psychiatrist
From a patient’s perspective, a visit with a psychiatrist is similar to a visit with any other medical doctor. You’ll likely start by discussing your medical and mental health history, as well as any medications you’ve been taking. If lab tests are needed, your psychiatrist will order them. Your psychiatrist will then make a diagnosis, discuss your options for psychiatric medication, and answer any questions you may have–such as the pros and cons of taking medication.
Related: How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost?
What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist serves as both a guide and partner in your mental health journey, creating a safe space to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that shape your wellbeing. Through evidence-based approaches and compassionate support, they help you uncover patterns, develop coping strategies, and build the emotional tools needed for meaningful change.
Here’s how therapists draw upon their unique skills and training to support your emotional wellbeing.
Therapist credentials, training, and expertise
There are several different types of therapists, each offering a unique path toward healing and growth. These include a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Every therapist weaves together their formal education, specialized training, and evolving insights into a deeply personal approach, creating a unique lens through which they understand and guide their clients’ journeys toward healing and growth.
Therapeutic approaches to mental wellness
Therapists tailor their approach based on their training and your specific needs. They understand that your background, culture, upbringing, and societal expectations all tie into who you are as a person. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that help reshape thought patterns, while others focus on psychodynamic approaches that explore how past experiences influence present behaviors. Many therapists integrate different therapeutic modalities, creating a personalized treatment approach that adapts to your needs as the sessions progress.
What to expect from a session with a therapist
Your initial therapy session will start with assessing your mental and physical health background, physical health history, and reasons for seeking therapy. Once assessed, they will go into any past experiences that may have brought you to therapy and what you’d like to work on. There are many benefits to therapy, which include helping you manage mental health symptoms, providing diagnoses, and teaching coping strategies for stress. Although therapy seems similar to counseling, the structure and depth into a person’s background is the key difference.
Related: Comprehensive Guide to Addiction Therapy
What Does a Counselor Do?
Counselors are mental health professionals who can provide invaluable support to help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships with others. Unlike psychiatry, counselors typically don’t order lab tests or diagnose mental illnesses. Rather, they focus on helping individuals manage everyday stressors to improve their quality of life.
Here’s an overview of a counselor’s training, their approach to treatment, and what to expect from a session with a counselor.
Counselor credentials, training, and expertise
Mental health counselors are specially trained to provide support and guidance for people with emotional or behavioral problems. They may have master’s degree in a related field or specialized training, though it’s not always required, depending on the setting. Some counselors have completed training to become an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), LMFT, LCSW, clinical psychologist, or other licensed professional.
Counseling approaches to mental wellness
A licensed mental health counselor can offer a supportive space where you can cultivate the essential life skills that form the foundation of emotional wellbeing. These life skills range from discovering healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges to fostering deeper connections in your relationships through more authentic communication and understanding.
Counselors may be the best option for you if you’re seeking shorter term care and want to focus on one specific challenge or life domain, such as relationship issues or career training. It can also help you during difficult times through grief support or marriage counseling.
What to expect from a session with a counselor
During a counseling session, your counselor will gently guide you through an exploration of your life experiences and help you identify areas which you’d like to change. This is an important part of talk therapy and can prove to be very helpful for resolving painful memories and making sense of the world around you.
Related: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist
Which Mental Health Professional is Right for You?
Many people benefit from a combination of therapeutic approaches and mental health treatment. For example, if you have an anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist can prescribe anxiety medication to help reduce your symptoms. On the other hand, a therapist and counselor can provide anxiety therapy and other strategies, such as CBT techniques for anxiety and depression. Oftentimes, it is recommended that individuals try a holistic approach that includes medication and therapy.
If traditional therapy is not sufficient, therapists can refer you to psychiatrists who can prescribe you medication, or counselors who can provide additional support. Counselors and therapists can also refer patients to psychiatrists for medication management.
Determining which type of treatment is best for you depends on the kind of mental health disorders you are dealing with. Generally speaking, if your symptoms are relatively mild and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions, counseling may be the best option. On the other hand, if you struggle with more severe mental health conditions or co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, therapy coupled with psychiatric care may be more appropriate.
It’s also important to consider your preferences and lifestyle when you’re deciding if you should see a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor. You may prefer the personable and intimate conversations a counselor or therapist can provide, while others may prefer the medical approach associated with psychiatrists. In the end, the choice of what mental health professional works best for you is ultimately yours.
Related: Benefits of Seeing a Psychiatrist for Anxiety Disorders
How Do I Receive a Diagnosis?
If you think you may have a diagnosable mental health disorder, it’s critical that you seek professional help. Your primary care doctor is often the best place to start–they can refer you to a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor for further evaluation and diagnosis.
When a psychiatrist or therapist makes a diagnosis, they need to follow the official criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) 1 . This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and contains information about mental health conditions. It provides diagnostic criteria for different disorders and outlines symptoms that need to be present for a diagnosis to be made.
Your mental health professional will ask you questions about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. They may also ask about any changes in your sleep or appetite and if you’ve ever had suicidal ideation.
If needed, they may administer psychological tests to help diagnose mental health issues. For example, they may administer the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression, or the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) to measure anxiety 2 . Neuro Wellness Spa also offers a free depression quiz to get you started.
Once they’ve collected enough information, your psychiatrist will compare it to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 to determine if you have a mental health disorder. They will discuss the diagnosis with you and explain any possible treatments or resources that could help.
Receiving an official diagnosis can be empowering. It can provide clarity and give you access to life-changing treatments like psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life and mental well-being. A diagnosis can also help you better understand yourself and provide a sense of relief that your struggles have been recognized and validated by a professional.
After receiving a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will discuss how they treat mental health conditions and work with you to identify the best treatment option. This may be in the form of medications like antidepressants, therapeutic modalities such as CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or alternative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
How Neuro Wellness Spa Can Help
If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, it’s important to know that there is help available. Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional assistance–your path towards improved mental well-being doesn’t have to be traveled alone.
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we offer comprehensive mental health services and psychiatric evaluations. Our team of experts includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists who are dedicated to helping our patients reach their mental wellness goals.
We provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere where you can discuss any issues that are affecting your mental health. Our team is experienced in providing affordable, evidence-based treatments including in-person and online psychiatry for medication management, in-person and online psychotherapy, as well as TMS therapy for those living in Southern California. Plus, we’re in-network with most insurance providers so you can focus on what’s important.
No matter which type of treatment you choose, it’s important to remember that seeking help is the first step in taking care of your mental health. With the right combination of psychiatry and counseling, you can find ways to manage your symptoms and achieve a healthier life.
References
- Spitzer, R. L., Williams, J. B. W., Kroenke, K., & Pfizer Inc. (2020). Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder (PHQ-9 and GAD-7). https://uhs.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu1651/files/docs/PHQ-9%20and%20GAD-7%20Form_a.pdf