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Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Who Should You See and Why
- Siobhan O'Shea
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
If you’re like most people seeking help for mental health for the first time, you may be a little stumped about whether you should see a psychiatrist or a psychologist – or if there’s even any difference between the two. We’ll look at some of those differences below.
3 differences between psychiatrist and psychologist
A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but a psychologist cannot.
Psychiatrists typically have an MD, whereas psychologists either have a PhD or PsyD.
Both roles can treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, and you may find you want both.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in psychiatry. To become a psychiatrist, you first qualify as a doctor, complete your internship and then train in psychiatry as a speciality.
The psychiatrist makes the diagnosis, creates a treatment plan and (in Ireland) is the only one who prescribes medication.
What does a psychiatrist do?
To help patients deal with their illness and try to lead normal, healthy lives, psychiatrists often use a combination of therapy and medication.
Their treatment methods include prescribing medication, psychological treatments, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and general medical care, including your health and response to medications.
What is a psychologist?
Psychologists have at least 6 years of university training and supervised clinical experience. They may also hold a Master's or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. If they have a Doctorate (PhD), a psychologist can call themselves ‘Dr’, but they are not medical doctors.
Psychologists use evidence-based methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. They are trained to help people cope with life challenges and mental health issues and are qualified to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Psychologists provide a safe, confidential environment where you can express your feelings, explore your thoughts, and work towards your mental and emotional well-being.
When to see a psychologist?
Seeing a psychologist might be beneficial if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress that interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
Additionally, if you’re struggling with managing stress, dealing with a significant life change (like divorce, death of a loved one, or job loss), or want to understand yourself and your goals better, a psychologist could provide valuable support and guidance.
Psychology and/or psychotherapy are the first-line treatment for some mental disorders, such as:
Borderline Personality Disorder
Substance abuse
Eating disorders
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Mild depression
Video game addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
When to see a psychiatrist?
You might need to see a psychiatrist if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder that significantly interferes with your life, including severe depression and anxiety, severe sleep and mood disorders, eating disorders, severe addictions, loss of touch with reality, and many more.
Additionally, if you’ve tried other treatments (like therapy with a psychologist) and your symptoms haven’t improved, a psychiatrist could provide different approaches for managing your mental health.
The Psychotherapy process can be helpful to people who struggle with:
Chronic stress
Relationship issues
Depression, Anxiety
Addiction
Negative emotions
Family issues like divorce
Childhood trauma/ PTSD
Grief/loss
And so much more….
How to Find a Qualified Psychologist or Psychiatrist
To find a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, consider consulting your GP for a referral, checking mental health service directories online, or exploring platforms like BetterCare Mental Health Services.
We offer a range of services, including online assessments and therapy. Whether you’re seeking a psychiatrist or psychologist or you’re still not sure which approach to treatment is best for you, we can help. For more information on our mental health services or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 01-5563335, WhatsApp at 089-2300366, or book through one of the links below.
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