If you are looking to improve your mental wellness, you may be thinking about booking an appointment with a qualified professional. But whom should you see to address the specific issues that are plaguing you? Should you visit a psychiatrist or a therapist? Often, such words are used interchangeably even though they have very different meanings. This blog post will help you to understand the difference between psychiatrists vs. therapists.
What Is a Therapist?
“Therapist” is an umbrella term that can be applied to several groups of professionals. For example, there are personal growth therapists, marriage therapists, occupational therapists, and more. Within the realm of mental health, therapists rely heavily on talk therapy to help patients understand their thought processes and lead happier, more stable lives.
Because the title of therapist is so broad, it is important that you do a bit of research before booking an appointment. Make sure the person is properly licensed and has a good reputation for providing high-quality care.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. As such, they have completed an extensive education and have a unique perspective on how the human brain and thought processes work. After a thorough evaluation, they can diagnose a range of issues and disorders, from common problems like depression to rarer illnesses.
A psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication and administer other treatments that are designed to improve the way the brain functions and help patients find relief from their symptoms.
Most psychiatrists do not offer talk therapy. Instead, they often refer patients to therapists or psychologists so they have a professional to listen to their thoughts and feelings. (A psychologist can also diagnose mental health problems, but they usually cannot prescribe medications.) In many cases, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best way to help a struggling individual start to feel better.
Where Should You Start?
To improve your mental health, it may be best to start with a visit to a psychiatrist. They are very thorough in performing their evaluations, so you can be confident that your doctor will strive to understand the nature of your situation to the extent possible.
They might determine that you need medication — or they might encourage you to pursue more conservative means of treatment. Either way, they will do their best to assist you in your journey to improved wellness.
Both therapists and psychiatrists can play a pivotal role in helping patients reach their mental health goals. Now that you understand the difference between them, you can make a well-informed decision about whom to visit for your unique needs.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Leopold Bologna, Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center is proud to offer treatment for a range of mental health issues, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and more. We have multiple in-house counselors and sometimes refer patients to our network of other care providers, which includes a number of skilled therapists. To learn more about us and the services we offer, get in touch with our team at 908-233-8065.
