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Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist vs. Therapist: What Are the Real Differences?

a person holds a clipboard explaining the difference in a psychologist vs psychiatrist

When it comes to seeking professional help for mental health issues, it can be confusing to know which type of specialist to see. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists all provide different types of treatment and specialize in different areas. It’s important to choose the right kind of specialist based on your needs.

If you’re not sure which type of specialist is right for you, contact Northpoint Recovery for a free mental health care consultation. Our team of experts can help you determine which kind of treatment will be most effective for your unique situation. Call 208.486.0130 to take the first step to a happier, healthier future.

The Importance of Mental Health Care

Mental health care is essential for overall well-being. Just as you see a doctor for physical health concerns, seeing a mental health care professional can help address emotional and behavioral issues. Mental health care providers work with individuals, families, and groups to diagnose and treat mental illness.

While there are many different types of mental healthcare providers, they all play an important role in improving mental health. Each provider has their unique area of expertise and offers different kinds of treatment.

Mental health care is a broad field that includes many different specialties. Each level of mental health care provider has different training and experience. What are the differences between psychiatrists vs. psychologists vs. therapists?

What Is a Psychologist?

Psychologists are health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness. They use various techniques, including psychotherapy, to help people manage their mental health but cannot prescribe medications. Psychologists typically have a doctorate in psychology, which is the study of the human mind and behavior.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat mental illness. They also use psychotherapy to help people manage their mental health. Psychiatrists differ from psychologists in that they have a medical degree and can prescribe medication.

What Is a Therapist?

Therapists are health professionals who provide counseling and other forms of treatment to help people manage their mental health. Therapists use various techniques, including psychotherapy, to help people cope with mental illness. Therapists typically have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.

What Level of Care Should You Seek?

The type of mental health care provider you see will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild symptoms, you may benefit from seeing a therapist. You may need to see a psychiatrist if you have moderate to severe symptoms.

Regardless of the level of care you think you need, a professional consultation can help identify the type of care most beneficial for you. After an initial assessment, a team of specialists will be able to evaluate your background and current symptoms to develop a therapy plan.

Many therapy plans with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will include treatments like:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Support groups
  • Medication management
  • Music therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Yoga therapy

Mental Health Care at Northpoint Recovery

At Northpoint Recovery, we understand that every individual’s experience with mental illness is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options to meet your specific needs. Our team of specialists will work with you to create a custom therapy plan that includes the treatments that are most likely to be effective for you.

We offer detox and residential treatment programs so you can receive the level of care you need. Our inpatient program includes 24-hour supervision and support, while our outpatient program allows you to live at home and continue working or attending school while receiving treatment.

No matter what level of care you need, we’re here to help. Call us at 208.486.0130 today to get started.