Therapist vs. Psychiatrist?

Question

What is the difference in a therapist and a psychiatrist and what does each do for a patient? If a person just wanted to talk to someone to vent to other than those they know who would they be referred to?

Answer 1

A psychiatrist can prescribe medicine; a therapist cannot. So "venting" would be better sutied to a therapist. If psychotropic drugs were needed, the therapist would refer the patient to a psychiatrist,

Answer 2

To answer your question, a licensed therapist would be an excellent source for someone who will listen to you. They are great people. If they think you have a condition that needs medical treatment, they will refer you.

A large number of psychiatrists have licensed therapists on their staff. The psychiatrist can prescribe medication and the therapist cannot.

Just avoid a licensed therapist associated with a psychiatrist, because they will automatically send you to the psychiatrist.

Another source is a pastor who has a degree in therapy. There are many of them who are helpful.

None of the above can discuss your problems with anyone without your permission. It is completely confidential.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychotherapist is someone trained in "talk therapy". Usually a psychiatrist treats more severe mental disorders that are responsive to drugs such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Therapists are helpful for people who suffer from things like mild depressive and anxiety disorders, phobias, personality disorders, conversion and dissociative disorders, etc. Many people see both. For instance, someone with bipolar disorder may see a psychiatrist for medication to control the symptoms and a therapist to help them cope more efficiently with stress and the psychological aspects of having the illness.

Answer 4

A therapist is probably a psychologist and is there more for counciling. A Psychiatrist deals more with the medical side, clinical treatments, medications and diagnosis. If you just want to talk generally you will see a psychologist who will council you although some types of therapy for specific mental issues are usually dealth with by a psychiatrist.

Answer 5

A psychiatrist is an MD and thus can prescribe medication. A therapist is usually not an MD and can't. Therapists usually have more clinical experience than doctors and have particular specialty areas. Therapists are trained and certified as counselors. They are insightful and good listeners.

Answer 6

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medications, if necessary. A therapist cannot. But if you just want to talk and work some things out......see a therapist.

Answer 7

a therapist is a general term. but.. someone with a bachelors degree is usually called a counselor (these people usually are socil workers or the counselors in shools) someone with a master's degree is called a psychotherapist and someone with a phD is a psychologist. people with more education than that usually are pyschiatrists that can prescribe meds. this means they got their phD then did several years of medical training to learn about mental heath. these people dont do much talking. they are very expensive and most you would just see for about one session a month so they can refill your meds. therapists get more and more expensive with the more education they have. when you see a Dr. in front of your name that means they atleast have a phD. if there is a MA behinf the name that means they have a masters degree (which be the way is a bachelors degree+ 2-3 years of graduate school) a phD is bachelors+ 4 years of graduate school. If you just need to talk i would suggest finding a psychotherapist or psychologist if you can afford it or have good insurance.

Answer 8

Emily is completely corect.

I've done both.. i didn't like the psychiatrist at all they seemed to push the medicine more than deal with the problem.

I switch and changed to a really good therapist. She is the best thing that every happened to me. She help me get back to where i needed to be so i could feel like me again.

Answer 9

Psychiatrist are medical doctors and can perscribe meds and therapist can only talk. If you just want to talk a therapist should help you and if she/he thinks you need meds they would refer you to psychiatrist.

Answer 10

Emily D is correct, in addition - psychiatrists are usually way more expensive.