If you are considering seeking professional help for a mental health issue, you may have heard of both psychiatry and counseling or talk therapy as possible options. While these two types of therapy can often work together in the treatment of mental health conditions, there are distinct differences between them. Let’s take a look at some of the chief differences between psychiatry and counseling.
What is a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and psychological distress. They can perform psychiatric evaluations, order lab tests, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy and other treatments to help you feel your best. Psychiatrists must attend medical school for four years followed by 4-5 years of specialized training in a psychiatry residency program. 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 holding board certifications in mental health and addiction medicine.
From a patient’s perspective, a psychiatrist’s visit 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 may be taking. If lab tests are needed, the psychiatrist will order them. The doctor will then make a diagnosis, discuss possible treatments such as psychiatric medications and psychotherapy, and answer any questions you may have.
What is Counseling?
Counseling, on the other hand, typically does not involve lab tests and does not focus as much on diagnosing mental illness as it does on helping individuals manage everyday stressors to improve their quality of life. Counselors are mental health professionals who can provide invaluable support to help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships with others.
Mental health counselors are specially trained to provide support and guidance for people with emotional or behavioral problems. They may have a Master’s, doctoral (PhD), or medical degree in marriage and family therapy (AMFT/LMFT), clinical social work (ACSW/LCSW), or another related field. Under the umbrella of licensed mental health counselors exist a wide range of professionals such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), clinical psychologists, and other licensed professional counselors. Counseling focuses on helping people develop coping skills, problem-solving abilities, and better communication to improve their lives and relationships. It may also involve providing support during difficult times, such as grief counseling or marriage counseling.
During a counseling session, you’ll likely start by discussing your past and current life experiences, as well as any areas in which you would like to make changes. 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.
Which Type of Treatment is Better for You? Psychiatry Vs. Counseling
When it comes to mental health treatment, many people benefit from a combination of psychiatry and counseling. For instance, if you have an anxiety disorder, your psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help reduce the symptoms, while a counselor can provide cognitive-behavioral therapy that teaches you strategies for managing your anxiety. Oftentimes, it is recommended that individuals try medication and therapy such as CBT for best results.
In cases where medication is not sufficient, psychiatrists often refer patients to counselors or other mental health professionals for more intensive therapy. Counselors 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 your symptoms are more severe or linked to a medical condition such as depression or bipolar disorder, psychiatric care may be more appropriate.
It’s also important to consider your preferences and lifestyle when choosing a mental health professional. Some people may feel more comfortable talking to a counselor, while others may prefer the medical approach provided by psychiatrists. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a psychiatrist or a counselor is best for you.
How Do I Receive a Diagnosis?
If you think you may have diagnosable mental health symptoms, it’s vital to seek professional help. Your primary care doctor is often the best place to start – they can refer you to a psychiatrist or counselor for further evaluation and diagnosis.
When a psychiatrist makes a diagnosis, they need to follow the official criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 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 thoughts.
Your mental health provider 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.
Once they have collected enough information, your psychiatrist will compare it to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 and determine if you meet the requirements for 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 gives you access to life-changing treatments like psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. A diagnosis can also help you to understand yourself better and provide a sense of relief that what you’re feeling has 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 DBT, or alternative treatments like TMS therapy.
What Can You Expect in Counselling?
Counseling is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping you to better understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is often referred to as talk therapy and can help with difficulties like depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship issues, or other mental health concerns. Some mental health challenges may be rooted in family struggles. Counseling provides a unique opportunity for individuals to partake in family therapy and promote mental well-being for the family unit
During counseling sessions with a therapist or counselor, you will be able to talk about your concerns in a safe environment. Your therapist will listen to your story without judgment and help you find ways to cope with difficult emotions or situations. While a counselor cannot prescribe medication, you can talk with your counselor about the symptoms you may be experiencing, and they can help you figure out stress management techniques to help as you adjust to your new medication.
Depending on the type of therapy you receive, they may also teach you specific skills like problem-solving or relaxation techniques. They can also provide guidance on how to make positive changes in your life and help you set realistic goals.
Counseling is usually provided on a regular basis, but the frequency of sessions varies depending on your needs and preferences. Most sessions last between 45-60 minutes and may be offered in person or online.
Counseling can be an effective treatment for mental health disorders, but it’s important to remember that it is not a magical solution – it takes time and effort to get the most out of it. It’s also essential to find a therapist or counselor that you feel comfortable with, as this will make the process easier.
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 – you don’t have to do it alone.
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we offer comprehensive mental health services, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations. Our team of experts includes psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners 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 medication management and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS therapy). 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.
