Phychiatrist, psychologists, or counselor?

Question

I would like to iron out some thoughts. Who would I go to? What's the difference?

Answer 1

A psychiatrist has been to medical school and specializes in mental health. They can prescribe meds. A psychologist usually has a doctorate (phd.) which involves about 4 years schooling after the bachelor's degree, but they are not medical doctors. A counselor usually has a master's degree and has been in school for about 2-3 years after the bachelor's degree. I agree...try the counselor first. They all deal with mental health, but from slightly different perspectives. Actually, the psycholgist and counselor may do very similar things in session. By the way, if you don't like your counselor, just try another. It has to be a good fit.

Answer 2

If you want to iron out some thoughts you can go to a counselor.

Research shows that what works is a good fit between the counselor and the client. So if you don't feel the ability to be open and feel safe within a few sessions then find another counselor. If the counselor or your primary care provider feels you need a psychologist or psychiatrist they should tell you. If you need medication the counselor should be able to tell and discuss your best option (primary care provider or psychiatrist).

There are some psychiatrists who do mental health therapy but many now days just do psychopharmacology (mental health drugs). Counselors can listen to your problems and help you sort through them, as can a psychologist.

Some psychologists only do research and others do testing or therapy or a combination of this.

Ask your primary care provider if they have heard of someone who is good with your age group and type of problem. Your doctor (primary care provider) is a good resource for this and has to protect your privacy unless you are under 13 years of age (I think 13 is the cut off but ask your doctor).

Answer 3

Psychiatrists usually just prescribe medications. They are medical doctors first and foremost. Some however do specialize and do therapy especially in areas of mental health that are less common and more severe. My ex is a dissociative identity disorder and has received most of his help from a psychiatrist even though he's not on meds since his diagnosis was changed. :(Most of his life he was misdiagnosed and on meds for schizophrenia.) Severe childhood abuse and resulting dissociative disorders or DID is very a very specialized area. Not just anyone can work with someone who is DID, in fact many well meaning counselors have made things worse for someone with this disorder.

Psychologists are often only trained in testing and measurement. (Such as school psychologists who test and place children in programs for learning disabled or developmentally disabled.) You have to ask what their background and experience is to know if they have experience in therapy or counseling. Some only do research.

Counselors can be very good, but again it depends on what they are used to working with. I've found many who just want to chat and really aren't that helpful if you need to uncover and deal with deepseated problems like childhood abuse or PTSD. Again, you have to ask them if they have experience and are comfortable dealing in that area. Most have master's degrees in social work or some similar area and then are licensed by the state after testing and years of supervision.

Ultimately, it depends on how deep your problems go and the working experience of the person you seek help from.

Answer 4

The place i use to go to u had to see a counselor to get evaluated then a "therapist"psychologist and then they talk and u get to see the phychiatrist for the drugs if u need any. i guess if your rich u can just skip all three and go to the phychiatrist but from my experience i dont talk to them they just give me my meds and see how im doing on them.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the kinds of thoughts you need to "iron out". If you think you may be depressed, then you probably want a psychiatrist. That's a medical doctor trained to deal with mental illness. If you're having marriage problems or work related problems, then a psychologist or counselor might be the one for you. Both are trained to deal with a wide variety of social and emotional issues. You might also consider talking to a priest,minister or rabbi, all of whom have training dealing with personal crises.
Lynne, RN

Answer 6

Talk to your primary care doctor and see if they have a credible referral to a Psychiatrist. The difference between a Psychiatrist and Psychologist is that a Psychiatrist can prescribe medicine and the latter cannot. Definition of Psychiatry-The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. Definition of Psychology-The science that deals with mental processes and behavior. Hope this helps! Take care.

Answer 7

Phychi. provides medicine.
Psycho. proved a friendly shoulder, someone you just talk to.
Counselor... I think that's meant for two people.
I see a psychologist and we get along very well. If you want to talk, get a psychologist.

Answer 8

Psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Psychologists, cannot.
Try out the counselor first.

Answer 9

counsellor.
Psychiatrist, treats mental illness.
psychologists, a scientist and/or clinician who studies psychology.
counsellor, trying to help u find ans in ur life.