psychologists and psychiatrics?

Question

Whats the difference?
Who do I go to with failed relationship grief and who do I go to thinking that the reason for my failed relationships may be due to my upbringing/childhood. I don't want to walk into someones office and come out believing I was molested as a kid (which I wasn't)
I do have self esteem issues, disguised from the public, mostly. I'm the 'Dear Abby' among friends. 'The strong one'. 'Fifibee will set you right". I'm a thinker, a worrier, a non-judgemental, humorous, wise, stupid, dreamer, an advocate of right , rights for everyone, insecure, sensitive and lately a recluse, physically and mentally.
I know some of my issues will probably be proved to be early years related (big family), but I feel I got over that. I want to be cured for the here and now, without delving into the past that I'm now comfortable with. Whom do I see?
Thank you.

Sorry, I should have included that I know the difference pharmacology wise.

Answer 1

Psychiatrist are medical doctors who specialize in mental illness. In my area they mostly see the seriously mentally ill and prescribe drugs. For ‘problems in living’ you want to see a Psychologist or Clinical Social Worker. The difference is that a Psychologist may be a Masters level or PHD and they can do testing. A Clinical Social Worker usually has a Master’s degree. Do not be confused by the “social work” part. There are different kinds of social workers. A Clinical Social Worker is what use to be called a Psychriatric Social Worker, and most are trained to be mental health therapist. In fact, most Community Mental Health agencies have a high percentage of Clinical Social Workers on staff with a few Psychologists and a few Psychiatrist.

There are different types of therapy. Depth therapy is the type that goes into your childhood issues, and is not done much anymore unless you are able to pay for it yourself. With Insurance companies and managed care you are lucky if you can get a few sessions of ‘solution focused’ therapy. I personally don’t care for the behavioral therapies because I think that they are just band-aids. I have been trained in ‘solution focus’ myself and have found that for brief therapy it is very effective. Some problems do require more in-depth work, however.

Overall it depends on what your problems are. The cheapest way to go is to be evaluated by a therapist at CMH and see if you have a mental health diagnosis and what kind. Now I must tell you that not everyone will give the same diagnosis. If you have a major mental illness you may need meds. Again it depends on your age and symptoms and triggers. For example: Someone might be depressed over events happening in their life, or they may be depressed because of a family pre-disposition to bi-polar disorder. This is an important difference and will change the way in which therapy is given.

I noticed that you say that you have some early issues that you do not want to delve into. There is a time and place for everything and if you are dealing with other issues you will want to resove those first. However, the past does have a way of haunting us and we can not hide from it forever. I have been a therapist and also a client. I can tell you that life can be such a wonderful gift and every day worth living. I have not always felt that way. A good therapist can make the difference. You will also have to do most of the work, but it will be worth it all in the end.

Answer 2

Psychologists and psychiatrists differ in that psychiatrists are the ones with the M.D. They can prescribe medication. Most of them don't do talk therapy with their patients; they are more interested in brain function. They ask questions to discover indicators of the type of mental disorder the patient has--depression, anxiety, bipolar, or more serious, so they can prescribe the right medication. If the disorder is temporary due to recent events, such as grief, they may prescribe temporary medication that can help the patient function and begin to recover from the recent stressor. Sometimes psychiatrists have a social worker or psychiatric nurse who does the talk therapy.

Psychologists are also trained in talk therapy. One of their major roles is to help people discover the ways to better relationships. They would be the ones to go to for grief counseling.

There are many fields of therapy and there are also a couple of different types of people who can do them. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are certified to do talk therapy, and are usually trained in various practical therapeutic modalities. They typically do not delve into the past; they focus on the current problem and help find a solution.

Marriage Family Child Counselors (MFCC) are trained in family therapy, systems therapy. Their goal is to help people understand the roles they've played in their families and other systems they've been a part of. Self-esteem issues are almost always dealt with here. MFCC's may also have training in grief counseling, behavior modification, substance abuse, eating disorders, hypnosis, jungian or freudian analysis, dream analysis... They have many techniques to promote self-understanding, self-management, and self-development. Some have a spiritual bent as well.

When looking for a therapist, it is best to interview several--ask them about their training, their approach, their background, what age clients they normally see, whether they see families, couples, individuals, children. Share your fears and concerns over the phone and see how they respond. By the feel of the conversation you may be able to get a sense of who can help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. It's good for the wounded healer to get healed.

Answer 3

I am in the same position my dear. Only one difference, my mother got her Masters in Social Work when I was in 4-7 grades. I have learned through that to work through my problems. There is no cure for a crumby childhood. Professionals will help you cope with your past so you may become more productive in the future. To cope with your past you must be willing to re-examine/delve into it. Either professional would be capable in helping you, the psychiatrist has a Medical Degree and will cost you more, but will also be able to prescribe medication if it's needed. Sometimes, a good friend might be able to help as well, and you only need to buy them lunch... But since I don't know, and don't want to know the specifics, that may not help.
Well, I'm adviced out. I hope this all helps, and I hope you learn to deal a little better. God bless.

MsDragon

Answer 4

Psychiatrists will usually see you briefly after you have been seeing a psychologist. Unless you are desperately in need of some medications. Your family doctor should usually be able to prescribe something for you. Psychiatrists are much more expensive to see even if it's for just a few minutes. Mostly though it's just to evaluate you to put you on a prescription drug to stabilize you if possible. I see a therapist but really don't know what his credentials are. I have been on an antidepressant for six months. The therapist decided that I cannot have a refill until I see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist refused to see me because I'm only on medicare. I really don't like doctors, they usually piss me off and I let them know it. I guess that's why they cut me off from my meds? Sounds like you should look into being a therapist yourself. There are family health centers you might look into in your community. Many have sliding pay scales. Sometimes people who give advice don't take their own. Sounds like you're overwhelmed with being the community saint.

Answer 5

A psychiatrist is an MD, and generally prescribes medication, with follow-up counseling by a counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

A psychologist is a doctor, but not a medical doctor. He or she has a doctorate degree (either a PhD or a PsyD) in psychology. Because he or she is not a medical doctor, they do not prescribe medication.

A counslor is usually (or should be) a Master's level clinician - someone who has a master's degree in psychology.

A social worker (LCSW) has a master's degree in social work.

Unless you think you need medication for depression, etc, you don't need a psychiatrist. If you have awesome insurance, you may be able to see a psychologist without having to mortgage your house for every session. If you have "average" insurance, they probably won't pay for a psychologist, but a master's level clinician (counselor or social worker) is usually more than qualified to help you.

Answer 6

You sound like you need to talk to someone, and in that case you'd probably be better off with a psychologist. They actually talk to you about your emotional issues instead of asking how your last dosage of Prozac made you feel before shooing you out of the office.

That said, it's common for people to see both a pyschologist and a psychiatrist. Talk your doctor, they should be able to tell you whether you could benefit from antidepressants coupled with therapy.

Answer 7

Don't go to a psychiatrist unless you need medication for amood disorder, anxiety disorder, etc. Most of them don't do therapy.

Go to a psychologist or an LPC (licensed professional counselor) or a licensed master social worker for therapy. GO to one with years of experience.

Sounds like you want one that will help you with coping strategies and to think about things differently. In my experience, that is what most of them do - deal with here and now.

If the one you go to creeps you out or you don't feel good about them, go to a different one. Not all of them can really help.

Good luck on finding a good one.

Answer 8

A psychiatrist has an M.D. degree. A psychologist generally (I think) has a master's degree. There are also LCSW's (licensed clinical social workers) who have more training than psychologists and understand how medicine affects patients but do not have a license to prescribe medicine.

Answer 9

Psychiatrists have their medical degree and can prescribe drugs. Psychologists cannot prescribe drugs. I believe they only have a four year degree, but they are just as good as many psychiatrists in helping with the issues you describe.

Answer 10

from my own experince, psycologist are more into the counseling part spending more time with you, for longer time. psychiatrics are md,s. and after the first evaluation it more med maint. they both do a lot of the same things.