Whats the difference between a counselor and a psychiatrist

The three main differences between psychiatrists and psychologists are:

1. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not.

2. Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can't.
3. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.

Many people get psychiatrists and psychologists confused with each other.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists understand how the brain works, our emotions, feelings and thoughts. Both can treat mental illness with psychological treatments (talking therapies).

However, psychiatrists attend medical school and become medical doctors before doing specialist training in mental health. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists understand the links between mental and physical problems. They can also prescribe medications.

To go into it in some more detail, the main differences relate to:

• training
• treatments provided
• conditions treated
• getting an appointment.

Training

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with at least 11 years of training – usually more. 

They first do a medical degree at university. Next they spend at least 1 or 2 years training as a general doctor.

They then complete at least 5 years training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.  

Psychologists have at least 6 years of university training and supervised experience.

They may also hold a Masters or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. If they have a Doctorate (PhD) a psychologist can call themselves ‘Dr’, but they are not medical doctors.  

Clinical psychologists have special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Treatments provided

Psychiatrists can provide a wide range of treatments, according to the particular problem and what will work best. These include:

• medication
• general medical care, including checking your physical health and the effects of medication
• psychological treatments
• brain stimulation therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Psychologists focus on providing psychological treatments.

Conditions treated 

Psychiatrists tend to treat people who need their medical, psychological and social needs considered.

These are usually people with complex conditions, for example:

• severe depression
• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder.

Someone who has attempted suicide or has suicidal thoughts will usually be seen by a psychiatrist.

Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Getting an appointment

As with all medical specialists, to see a psychiatrist you need a referral from your GP (family doctor).

To see a psychologist you don’t need a referral. However, in Australia a GP can refer you to a psychologist as part of a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

There are around 4000 psychiatrists working across Australia and New Zealand, while there are about 27,000 registered psychologists.

Working together

Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together. A psychiatrist might make an initial assessment and diagnosis, then refer you to a psychologist for ongoing psychological treatment (talking therapy).

Psychiatrists and psychologists also work together in hospitals as part of mental health teams.

Who should I see?

If you are unsure whether you should see a psychiatrist or a psychologist, talk to your GP. They can give you advice about whether a psychiatrist or a psychologist is right for you.

It will depend on your unique situation and the type of treatment you need. Some people might see both.

More about first steps to get help

More about psychiatrists

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness affects millions of Americans, but only about half of those affected get treatment. If you are experiencing mental health issues, when should you get help? And what type of help is right for you?

Psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist: What’s the difference?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have medical training specializing in mental illness. Psychiatrists can write prescriptions and may offer psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to their patients.

Psychologists usually have a doctoral degree, or a Ph.D., in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. They can also treat patients using psychotherapy and are trained in making psychiatric diagnoses.

Psychologists can work in clinical, research or educational fields. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists do not prescribe medication. However, psychologists work closely with psychiatrists if medication is needed when treating a patient.

"Therapist" is a broader term used for those who are trained and licensed in a variety of fields to help people.

Therapists can be:

• Social workers
• Life coaches
• Marriage counselors
• Psychoanalysts
• School counselors

Though there are many professionals who claim to be therapists, it’s a good idea to find someone who is accredited and licensed to work in their field. If you are looking for a mental health professional, talk to your doctor about what type of therapy is right for you.

When should I seek help for mental health issues?

There are many different mental health issues, and they can affect people differently. If you are concerned about changes in your mental health or are experiencing any of the following symptoms, get help right away.

Warning signs of mental illness include:

• Mood changes: Drastic changes in your moods or emotions in a short period of time
• Problems thinking: Problems with concentration, memory, speech or logical thought
• Apathy: Losing interest in activities or people
• Sleep or appetite changes: Either a substantial decrease or increase in sleep or appetite
• Feeling disconnected: Having a sense of unreality or not being able to connect with others
• Drop in functioning: Quitting school, jobs or activities or not being able to perform familiar tasks
• Unusual behavior: Odd or uncharacteristic behavior

Is online therapy right for me?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many are choosing to do online therapy and many doctors now offer sessions online or over the phone.

Some of the benefits of online, or E therapy, include:

• Convenient: You can do sessions online from home without having to worry about commuting.
• Safe: It’s easy to social distance and remain safe during the pandemic with online therapy.
• A great way to start therapy: Many people can be afraid of starting therapy. With the convenience of doing sessions online, it’s easier to give therapy a try without as much risk.

Some of the downfalls of online therapy include:

• Technology issues: Wrestling with your computer or phone to do a session can be tough for some.
• Insurance may not cover it: Make sure to check with your insurance to see if they’ll cover your sessions.
• It’s virtual: Doing a session online can be hard and there are untold benefits from being able to connect and see your therapist face to face.

How to talk to your doctor about mental illness

If you’re concerned about your mental health, talk to your doctor. These tips can make the conversation easier, so you can get the help you need:

• Keep a list of symptoms, your moods and other behavioral or mental changes to show your doctor.
• Make sure your doctor has your full medical history including what prescriptions, supplements and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
• Find a doctor you can trust and be honest about your mental health.
• Write down notes, questions or concerns to reference during your doctor visit.
• Consider bringing a friend or family member with you who can support and help you during the visit. They might be able to help understand what the doctor is telling you as well as remember and share any mental health changes they’ve seen in you.

What is the difference between a counselor and a psychiatrist?

What is the difference between a therapist and a counselor?