If you’ve never been to one or the other it can be confusing to know which is the most appropriate health professional to see. We clarify the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist.
When debating whether to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist you should question the severity of your disorder and how urgent the treatment is required. A psychiatrist will take into account your medical history as well as assessing your mental health and will suggest the most appropriate treatment, whether that is therapy, medicine or a combination of both. However, psychologists do not have the same medical background, instead they will focus on your current mental health and the effect your disorder is having on your day to day life.
In accordance to the Royal College of Psychiatrists the fundamental difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is the volume and degree of training required to understand the diagnostics behind medical treatments. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has qualified in psychiatry in order to find the most effective management of mental health conditions.
Similarly to a psychiatrist, a psychologist is an expert who focuses on the brain and how the mind works. Psychologists study behaviour and the motivations, thinking and feelings that direct those behaviours. They aim to reduce the psychological suffering of the individual using a variety of talking therapies.
Both clinicians treat a wide range of conditions including:
One other difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is the ability to prescribe drugs; a psychiatrist can administer the appropriate drug needed for a disorder whereas a psychologist does not have this ability. Therefore your decision of who to see may depend on the disorder you believe you may have. Some disorders require medication as a part of ongoing management and treatment, for example, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Other disorders, for example anxiety, can be treated by talking therapies alone without the need for drug treatment, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
By visiting a psychiatrist initially you may have a more developed understanding of the biological causes of your disorder. Alternatively, visiting a psychologist first to understand the depth of your disorder may be beneficial but you may then be referred to a psychiatrist for further medical understanding if needed. Both practitioners may suggest therapeutic treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy or neuropsychology.
Ultimately all mental health care professionals seek to ensure you receive the right treatment and will make cross-referrals to the most appropriate clinician. A good place to start is with your GP who can, based on their experience, review the severity of your symptoms and suggest the right starting point for recovery.
No, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists, who are trained medical doctors, have the authority to prescribe psychiatric medication.
In the UK, you can often self-refer to a private psychiatrist or psychologist. However, for NHS services, a GP referral is typically required.
Psychologists usually provide a range of talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while psychiatrists may also offer therapy but often focus more on diagnosis and medication management.
If you’re unsure, your GP is a good starting point. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to either a psychiatrist or psychologist based on what’s most appropriate.
Yes, if a psychologist believes that a medical or medication-based intervention is needed, they can refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation.
