When you or a loved one requires mental health care, there are many facets to work through to determine the best fit for your unique needs.
Whether you’ve been in therapy for years or are entirely new to seeking treatment, understanding the different types of medical professionals in the field will help determine who you should see for your specific mental health needs.
One of the most significant points of confusion for many patients is understanding the difference between a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner and a therapist. While they all are licensed professionals who can help those struggling with a mental health disorder, their daily roles are quite different from one another.
Let’s explore the differences between a psychiatrist and a therapist to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is not a therapist, but psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can practice and perform therapy.
A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner has a medical degree. They can diagnose various conditions as well as prescribe any needed medications.
Most psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners make diagnoses and manage their patients’ prescriptions but do not offer talk therapy a lot of the time. Usually, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will recommend that patients seek regular therapy alongside their medical treatment regimen.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners handle the medical and scientific aspects of mental health, while therapists work more with the emotional and social aspects.
What is a therapist?
“Therapist” is a generalized term. It refers to someone who is educated, trained, and licensed to provide talk therapy or another specific form of psychotherapy.
Therapists may be labeled as:
- Counselors
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Psychotherapists
- Psychoanalyst
It is important to note that a therapist is not a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, and is not trained or licensed to practice psychiatry.
Who should I see for mental health treatment?
For most, we recommend seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist when starting a mental health treatment journey. Both can be beneficial to long-term healing when you are living with a lifelong mental health disorder or have experienced a life-altering event that requires self-restoration.
Often, the most effective treatment for most psychiatric disorders is seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP for medication management, as well as seeing a talk therapist on a regular basis. Most patients may see a psychiatrist once a month or once every few months, especially in the beginning stages of treatment.
If someone is classified as “stable” they may only see a psychiatrist once every three to six months for medication management and general follow-up. For most, a visit to the psychiatrist involves an initial hour intake with 15 to 30-minute follow-up visits depending on the nature of the mental health condition. On the other hand, with therapy, patients usually attend sessions several times a month, each lasting about an hour.
If you find yourself struggling to cope with a significant life change or are experiencing systems consistent with a mental health disorder, don’t delay treatment. We are here to help you throughout the entirety of your healing journey and provide advanced services fit for your needs. Contact Shannon Psychiatry today, or schedule an appointment to learn more.