Should you work with a psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist or coach? What is the difference? Finding the right mental healthcare provider can be confusing.
In order to help you identify the best provider for your specific needs, below we have outlined some of the key differences between a psychiatrist and therapist. Remember, our care coordinators are also available to provide a free consultation to help you decide who to work with for your care if needed.
1. Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental healthcare. A psychiatrist has attended at least 4 years of medical school, just like your primary care physician or surgeon, to receive a general medical degree. However, psychiatrists complete an additional 4-5 years of training through a residency in psychiatric care where they learn how to specially treat mental health disorders with medication and psychotherapy. Our psychiatrists have been trained at the esteemed Mount Sinai Hospital, here in New York City.
Since psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, they can also be considered therapists, however the terms are not interchangeable. The term therapists encompasses the wide range of mental health care providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers who counsel clients in times of need.
2. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while therapists cannot. Since your psychiatrist is a medical doctor, they are licensed to prescribe you medication if needed. They understand the complicated relationship between your mind and body. For example, many clients who pursue therapy may be interested in taking a medication to reduce symptoms of a mood disorder such as an anti-anxiety medication or an anti-depressant. A psychiatrist can help you determine if this course of treatment would be helpful on your journey toward health.
3. Psychiatrists provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Due to their comprehensive training in medicine, a psychiatrist can accurately determine the impact your general medical condition may have on the mental health symptoms you are experiencing. For example, is your anxiety caused by a thyroid issue or a recent job change? Is your low energy and sleep disturbance due to depression or a vitamin deficiency? A psychiatrist can consider your whole health and rule out any biological or physiological reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing.
At Healthy Minds NYC, our care coordinators can help you decide which type of care provider is best for your specific situation. Our practice employs both psychiatrists and therapists with different areas of specialization, so we are here to help no matter what your preference may be. Before speaking with our team, below are some considerations you can begin to process on your own in order to work with the best therapist.
If you agree with any of the following statements, you might consider seeing a psychiatrist:
I would like to explore taking medication for my mental health
I am experiencing physiological symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pains, I need evaluated
I have a known diagnosis such as ADHD that has responded well to medicinal treatment in the past
I have other medical challenges that may be influencing my mental health
If you agree with any of the following statements, a therapist may be best for you:
I am not interested in taking any medication for my mental health
My primary care physician has already ruled out biological factors that may influence my mental health
I would like to focus on couples therapy or life coaching to reach my current goals
I am concerned about the cost of care and would like to receive great psychotherapy at a lower investment
If you’re looking to begin any services with Healthy Minds NYC, the easiest way to start is by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our care coordinator. During this call we’ll help determine the best course of care with you, explore your payment options and schedule your first appointment. Our goal is to speed you along your journey toward health with the best process that meets your unique needs.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
When you don’t have the time or the ability to visit your doctor’s office for medical care, you can turn to telehealth. The exceptional team at Healthy Minds offers telehealth to new and existing patients.
Here are 8 signs from a couples therapist that you might be falling out of love with your partner and what you can do about it to reconnect before fall.
Our practice has helped hundreds of engaged couples receive premarital counseling services in New York City. Through our group workshops, private mentoring programs or meeting with couples privately,...
Struggling to balance working side-by-side with a partner? Real Simple magazine recently asked Healthy Minds NYC how to navigate co-working from home with a partner during quarantine. Check out the article below for tips on how to make co-working...
Are you looking for support to manage your anxiety around the coronavirus? Perhaps you have other mental health struggles and current events have made access to therapy in New York more challenging for you.
