How do you know whether you need a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

Answer 1

The easiest way to tell is to talk to a Psychologist actually. Medications are wonderful things and have advanced our society greatly, but they can be over prescribed. A Psychologist is well trained to recognize any mental health condition that may require medication. The Psychologist may also be able to refer you to a Psychiatrist that specializes in that specific field. There are many people who just need to talk, Psychologists are great for that. If you do need additional help, they can do so, and point you in the right direction.

Answer 2

A psychiatrist can prescribe drugs, and a psychologist cannot. That is the biggest difference between the two. The best thing you can do is talk to your family doctor first about whatever problem you are having, and they can recommend whether you should see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or just a therapist.

Answer 3

quite frankly, i wish i had started with a psychiatrist, because she is the only one that has helped me so far. a psychiatrist can perscribe medication and talk to you, a psychologist can only talk to you. sometimes you can't talk though, unless you fix the primary symptoms with medication first. my first 2 stints with psychologists were wasted because i couldn't communicate correctly because my anxiety impeded me. my psychiatrist saw me (an extensive and rather expensive visit, i must admit) then perscribed me xanax so i could get through a conversation, and when i saw her the next time i was a thousand percent more able to speak to her and get help out of what she was saying to me.
if you feel you're all psychological and you don't think you need medication too bad right now, you should see a psychologist first. if you're pretty sure you know what's wrong and you feel medication would be beneficial, i'd start with a psychiatrist. if you're not sure, you can always have a quick visit with your GP, tell her whats wrong and ask her opinion, and she could refer you to some psychologists or psychiatrists she feels would help you most. many health insurance plans cover visits to both- some you need a referral from your GP first before you see the specialist. some don't cover at all, or if you don't have health insurance, in that case you can go to your county's website and find out about your county mental health department, where services are offered on a sliding scale so those who can't afford it are still able to get help.

Answer 4

Yes, the psychiatrist can medicate the psychologist can not. But, do you need medication or need to talk? Before, you go to a psychiatrist realize his/her skill is dispensing medications for conditions. A psychologist first will talk, Analize your issue's and conclude if a psychiatrist/meds are needed. Because, of so many side effects from psyche meds personally I would go to a psychologist, social worker, or a non-prescriber first.

Answer 5

One thing to keep in mind is that a Psychiatrist can write scripts if you need medication, but a Psychologist can't. They both can counsel. I would start with a Psychiatrist, that way if you need something to help you, you can get it right then. Psychologists are cheaper. Good luck.

Answer 6

I would recommend seeing a therapist first. A therapist can generally devote more time to talking with you and will be less expensive than a psychiatrist. Psychologist is a term that is misused quite frequently. Usually Psychologists are involved with testing and assessment, and only sometimes are involved in the actual treatment process. If your therapist thinks that your problem might be helped with medication, you would then be referred to a psychiatrist for a consultation.

Answer 7

i would suggest trying a psychologist first. the psychiatrist is going to give you medicine... it's what they do. this world is already too overmedicated. there is also usually a significant difference in fees, psychiatrists being much more expensive and often not covered by insurance. they also often have very long waiting lists to see a new client, many more than 3 or 4 months while a good psychologist will try to see you in a matter or weeks.

good luck.

Answer 8

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, and psychologists don't have an M.D. and cannot prescribe medication. Both can and will talk to you in therapy sessions, but a psychologist would have to refer you to a medical doctor if he or she suspects you may benefit from a medication such as Zoloft, etc. So starting out with either is fine, but if you think you may need medication, you can go straight to a psychiatrist.

Answer 9

You can ask your primary care doctor.
A psychiatrist deals with medications.
They psychologist deals in talk therapy
Some people need both.

Answer 10

Psychologist can only talk with you, they cannot prescribe medicine like a psychiatrist can.