psychiatrist v psychologist v clinical social worker-depression?

Question

I have a friend who's internist has recognized symptoms of depression and mentioned medicines and referred her to someone who i think is a shrink. I understand the difference in the 3 categories in terms of degrees and ability to prescribe, Just wondering what people's take is on type of talk therapy that each 3 typically offer. I do understand it will vary by actual person

Answer 1

I've heard that social workers have the most training in talk therapy. They also take the whole "system" into account. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine. Psychologists do therapy. I think it's who you feel comfortable with. It has to be a good match for you. Don't get fooled by thinking this or that person is best for you because they're a doctor and have more education. Go by your gut feeling. Does the person make you feel understood? Do you feel supported by the person? Are they friendly? Good luck.

Answer 2

Psychiatrists [MDs] most certainly DO do "talk therapy"! They can also prescribe medication, of course.

Psychologists [PhDs]cannot prescribe meds and do various type of talk therapy, as well as behavioral therapy, etc.

Social workers [MSW/CSWs] cannot prescribe either, but also do a variety of talk therapy.

They all can and do use the same type of therapies, depending on what their own orientation is.

BTW - It can be difficult to find a good fit with a therapist, so don't give up if the first one doesn't seem right to you. Do some research about different kinds of therapy to get an idea of what's out there and what might be the best fit for you.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Psychiatrists no longer do talk therapy. They are there to assess the physical manifestations and provide appropriate medications for managing the patient's brain chemistry.
As far as the difference between a clinical psychologist (PhD) and a clinical social worker (LCSW) goes, they are equally qualified to administer talk therapy. The LCSW probably won't charge as much as a psychologist because there isn't PhD preparation. The difference in the education is a PhD has to do research as part of their training; an LCSW doesn't. The number of required, supervised hours administrating therapy prior to licensure is the same.

Answer 4

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 5

Psychologist - can't prescribe, just listens and gives therapy.

Psychiatrist - prescribes, but doesn't always provide therapy.

Internist - gives medicine and deals mostly with physical health.
Will work with patient if it's mild depression.

Answer 6

my psychiatrist mostly just prescribes meds, but i actually talk with my therapist about my problems