Psychiatrist vs. Therapist: What's the Difference?

Key Takeaways

• Psychiatrists and therapists both treat mental health conditions, but psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while therapists are trained in psychotherapy.
• Mental health diagnoses can be treated by therapy, medication, or a combination of both. You might have both a therapist and a psychiatrist on your treatment team.
• Therapy practices vary, but many can assess and diagnose a range of mental health concerns and provide treatment.

When you need mental health support, knowing where to start - and who to see - can be overwhelming. Should you see a psychiatrist or a therapist, and what exactly is the difference?

Well, there is a pretty big difference, even though both are qualified to provide mental health support and treatment. That's why learning about the different types of providers, their training, and the treatments in which they specialize can help demystify the process so you know what kind of care is best for your needs. And we're here to help break it down for you.

What Is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including substance use disorders.

In other words, a psychiatrist went to medical school and completed their doctoral program in medicine (which typically takes four years of training), then completed their residency (aka specialized training) in psychiatry in a clinical or hospital environment, which takes an additional four years to complete.

During their residency, psychiatrists learn how to evaluate mental health disorders and treat both the mental and physical symptoms using talk therapy, medication, and other interventions, such as electroconvulsive therapy.

Once their residency is complete, most psychiatrists then take a written and oral examination by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in order to become "board certified,"

and they'll have to recertify every 10 years.

Some psychiatrists will also get additional specialized training by pursuing fellowships. This allows them to become experts in things like child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction, geriatric psychiatry, hospice and palliative medicine, and more.

What Do Appointments With Psychiatrists Look Like?

If you start seeing a psychiatrist as an out-patient, you will likely begin with a longer (45 minutes to an hour) appointment where you'll be asked about your medical history, family history, and overall mental health. They may also provide screeners (brief assessments of your mental health symptoms) or more in-depth evaluation measures to determine if you meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis.

Then, if they deem it appropriate, they will prescribe you medication to help treat your symptoms.

These medications could include:

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotic medications
• Sedatives
• Anxiolytics
• Hypnotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Stimulants

Follow-up appointments usually last 15 to 30 minutes and occur several weeks to a few months apart. During those follow-ups, your psychiatrist will focus on how you are responding to the medication they prescribed you. This includes side effects and whether or not the medication is helping to reduce your symptoms.

Depending on your needs, your psychiatrist might also refer you to a therapist for psychotherapy as part of your treatment.

What Is a Therapist?

A therapist is a broad term for mental health providers who have been trained in and practice one or more types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy , dialectical behavioral therapy , acceptance and commitment therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and more.

Depending on their training, therapists may have a variety of credentials because the term is not a protected occupational title. However, most therapists will have to be licensed in order to practice therapy and treat patients. Individual jurisdictions do have varying rules about what type of therapist license is required to provide different services though.

Common types of therapists include:

• Psychologists In the United States, a psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology (usually four to five years of graduate training followed by a one-year clinical internship and then a one-year post-doctoral residency). Psychologists who provide therapy and other mental health services are also licensed with the state's psychology board. In addition to offering talk therapy, many psychologists are trained to evaluate someone's mental health and provide a diagnosis. Psychologists might indicate LP, PsyD, or PhD in their bio.

• Clinical Social Workers A clinical social worker has a license in therapy services and a master's degree in clinical social work. They must also complete hours of prelicensure supervised clinical work before practicing independently. In other words, someone who is not licensed yet has to work closely with a supervisor who oversees their work for a set number of hours before they can apply for the license. The number of required hours varies by state. LCSW or LSWs are social workers.

• Counselors A counselor has a master's degree in counseling and is licensed to provide therapy services following completion of prelicensure hours. The number of hours required varies by state. Counselors may be licensed as professional counselors, mental health counselors, or another type of counselor, depending on their training and state regulations. Counselor credentials include LC, LPC, and LPC-MH.

• Marriage and Family Therapists A marriage and family therapist has specialized training in providing therapy and mental health support to individuals, couples, and families. They typically have master's degrees in marriage and family therapy and complete approximately two years of clinical experience in order to qualify for their license. A licensed marriage and family therapist credential is LMFT.
  
  

The populations who may need therapy are diverse, as are the variety of symptoms and diagnoses. Additionally, clients might prefer a therapist who has an understanding of their identity or culture. Because of this, many therapists choose to focus their training on a particular niche to provide the best, most competent care for their clients. Specializations could include:

• Trauma
• Anger management
• Life transitions
• Identity issues
• LGBTQ+ mental health
• Adoption
• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Couples therapy
• Child and adolescent mental health
• Addiction/substance use disorders

The specific mental health services can vary, depending on the therapist's scope of practice and training. While marriage and family therapist training programs tend to have the most emphasis on couples work and family therapy, other types of therapists may specialize in this as well. Additionally, many providers offer group therapy on a specific topic.

What Do Appointments With Therapists Look Like?

If you see a therapist, you will meet with them regularly - often weekly - for about 45 minutes to an hour. The content of the session varies greatly, depending on the therapist's style, training, and approach to treatment as well as your specific symptoms and established treatment goals. Early sessions often involve determining what these goals are and discussing how the therapist will help you meet them as well as building trust with the therapist.

Over the course of treatment, you will likely share a lot of information about your life and symptoms. Your therapist might recommend interventions, coping skills, or approaches you can take to see the changes you desire. You may also process significant life events, including traumatic events. Know that you deserve to feel safe in your sessions and can take disclosures at your own pace.

One thing to note: If you sign up for couples therapy, you and your partner will both join the session and share a therapist, and the content of these therapy sessions will focus on your relationship.

Should I See a Psychiatrist or a Therapist?

Unfortunately, there is not one easy answer to this question. Each individual has unique needs, goals, and values, which will impact what the right answer is for them. Additionally, what you need might change, depending on your current circumstances.

The type of professional you see will depend on your treatment needs. If your symptoms and diagnosis could benefit from medication intervention, a psychiatrist can help you determine which medication is right for you and provide a prescription, if appropriate.

If you need therapy to address your symptoms, a therapist can provide that. Of course, many people have both a therapist and a psychiatrist because they benefit from a combination of medication and therapy.

The good news is that both providers can give you a referral if they think you'd benefit from one. For example, if you reach out to a therapist who thinks you could benefit from psychiatry after your intake or even a few weeks or months of sessions, they will likely let you know and can provide a referral. Similarly, a psychiatrist will let you know if they think talk therapy would benefit you as part of your treatment plan. Both will also let you know if they don't think they're the right provider for you.

If you are not sure if a psychiatrist or a therapist is right for you, it can also help to talk to your primary physician about your symptoms. Often, they can provide a recommendation about what might be a good fit for you.

When to Seek Help

There is no threshold of suffering that you need to surpass in order to seek support for your mental health. If you are experiencing distress, you deserve appropriate support and treatment.

A therapist or a psychiatrist might be able to help you if you have:

• A dip in your mood that lasts more than a few days
• Heightened anxious distress
• A change in your sleep or eating habits
• A significant life stressor

Additionally, if you have gone through a challenging event, group therapy can help you connect with others who have been through something similar. You can receive mental health support and feel less alone.

If you are struggling with a relationship, couples therapy can help. A couples therapist can provide a neutral space to talk through difficulties as well as help you build communication skills and strengthen your relationship.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, you need immediate support. This can include someone having thoughts of hurting themselves or someone else. The Suicide Crisis and Lifeline is a national resource for immediate mental health support, 24/7. You can reach the Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 741741 anywhere in the United States.

If you are struggling with substance use, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

If you are experiencing domestic violence, or you are concerned for your physical safety because of someone else in your home, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help when you call 800-799-7233. Remember to only access their website from a secure device if you are concerned that someone is monitoring your browser history.

How Can I Find a Therapist or Psychiatrist?

There are lots of ways to find a board-certified psychiatrist or a licensed therapist that can see you either in-person or online.

Many people see both a psychiatrist and a therapist to ensure that all of their mental health needs are met. If you already have a psychiatrist, they can refer you to a therapist and vice versa. Your primary physician may also be able to help you find a provider who can meet your needs and help you determine what type of provider would be the best fit.

Many Americans use their health insurance to offset the cost of care. If you plan to use your health insurance with a therapist or psychiatrist, you can contact your insurance company directly to get information about what services are covered and which providers are in-network (accept your insurance plan). Your insurance card should have a phone number listed for customer support.

You can also use an online directory to find a specialized therapist that meets your budget and can see you remotely or in-person (depending on the directory). Some of our favorite directories include:

• TherapyDen
• Inclusive Therapists
• Alma
• Headway
• Open Path Collective
• Therapy for Black Girls
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
• Psychology Today
• Zocdoc

The American Psychiatric Association can also help you find a psychiatrist.

If you're looking for online therapy in particular, we've tried, tested, and evaluated more than 30 online therapy companies with the help of licensed therapist to find the ones that provide the highest level of care. Check out our lists of the best services for:

• Online talk therapy
• Online couples therapy
• Online psychiatry
• Online kids and teen therapy
• Online addiction therapy
• Online group therapy

The Bottom Line

So what's the difference? The main differences between psychiatrists and therapists come down to two things: their training and the main type of treatment they provide. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication as part of your treatment, while therapists can hold a variety of degrees and have clinical training in various forms of psychotherapy. Both can help you address your mental health concerns, though, and there are a variety of resources to help you find the right provider. Remember that you do not have to be suffering "enough" to deserve adequate support!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do psychiatrists or therapists help with anxiety?

Both psychiatrists and therapists can diagnose and treat a variety of anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe either daily medication or as-needed medication for anxiety, while therapists can provide psychotherapy to treat anxiety symptoms.

Why would a therapist refer me to a psychiatrist?

Your therapist might recommend that you see a psychiatrist if they identify that your symptoms could benefit from medication treatment or management. While medication is not the right route for everyone, many people benefit from medication to treat their psychiatric symptoms.

Can my therapist and psychiatrist communicate with each other?

It is common for mental health professionals who see the same client to communicate with each other. This allows them to consult about the treatment plan and discuss what interventions are in the client's best interest. It also ensures that both members of your treatment team are on the same page in understanding your symptoms and needs. You can sign a release of information to allow your therapist and psychiatrist to communicate directly, and this can save you the hassle of relaying information between them.

What type of therapist should I see?

The most important factor in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client, so finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is key. It is also highly beneficial to see a therapist with specific training in your symptoms.

Meet Our Experts See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network

Angela D. Harper, MD

Medical Reviewer

Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults.

A distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Harper has worked as a psychiatrist throughout her career, serving a large number of patients in various settings, including a psychiatric hospital on the inpatient psychiatric and addiction units, a community mental health center, and a 350-bed nursing home and rehab facility. She has provided legal case consultation for a number of attorneys.

Harper graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a bachelor's degree and cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in adult psychiatry. During residency, she won numerous awards, including the Laughlin Fellowship from the American College of Psychiatrists, the Ginsberg Fellowship from the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, and resident of the year and resident medical student teacher of the year. She was also the member-in-training trustee to the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees during her last two years of residency training.

Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents. She currently supervises a nurse practitioner. She is passionate about volunteering for the state medical board's medical disciplinary commission, on which she has served since 2015.

She and her husband are avid travelers and have been to over 55 countries and territories.

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Amy Marschall, PsyD

Author

Amy Marschall, PsyD, is a freelance mental health writer and a licensed clinical psychologist.

She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2015. She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the National Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) and her post-doctoral residency at Family Psychological Center P.A. in Harrison, Arkansas.

Dr. Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy , where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and tele–mental health. She is licensed to practice psychology in Florida, Montana, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and is in the process of registering with PsyPact . She is also a registered psychologist in New Zealand and provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online and therapy services through Spring Health , Lyra Health , and Modern Health .

She is also the clinical director of A Change for Better , an organization promoting affordable and accessible mental health care and resources, and the chair of the clinical committee at the ACFB Fund , a charitable organization that funds mental health services. She is also the resident neurodiversity expert with Grayce .

As a mental health writer, she has contributed to Parents, Health, and Spring Health, among other outlets.

In her spare time, Marschall enjoys reading, making jewelry, and spending time with her cats.

See full bio See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

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