Do you need a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or someone else?
You work out for your physical fitness. You get your checkups, brush your teeth, get enough sleep and wash your face. You take so many steps to maintain your health, but they'll only take you so far if you feel depressed or struggle with alcohol or can't stop fighting with your spouse. "Mental health is essential to overall health," says Paolo del Vecchio, director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Mental Health Services. Most of us (hopefully) wouldn't think twice about seeing a doctor if we had, say, strep throat, and we'd gladly take the antibiotics prescribed. So if you're feeling sick in other ways – you're anxious, you don't want to eat – why wait to get help from a professional? Here are the different people who can help:
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are physicians specialized in mental health and sometimes more specific areas, such as psychiatry for addiction recovery or for children. They can diagnose and treat mental health disorders and hold either a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathy degree, often shortened to M.D. and D.O., respectively. Because they’re medical doctors – unlike most other professionals on this list – they can prescribe medications. Del Vecchio says medication management is one of psychiatrists’ primary roles, and they are less likely (but certainly qualified) to provide counsel.
Psychologist
The two “psych-” professions can be easy to mix up. Here’s a basic distinction: While a psychiatrist holds a medical degree, a psychologist has a doctoral degree, either in clinical, educational, counseling or research psychology. Psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders and provide counseling in either an individual or group setting. While most psychologists cannot prescribe medications, they may work with a physician to coordinate a medical treatment plan, if necessary.
Counselor
The training and academic requirements for licensed counselors vary by state, but they typically have a graduate degree in a mental health field, along with clinical experience. Most counselors don’t diagnose conditions, and none prescribe medications. According to "8 Things You Didn’t Know About Counseling," they’re more likely to help with life transitions, which may include issues with family members, spouses or a changing work environment.
So wait, what’s a therapist?
Here’s the thing: A “therapist” can be a number of mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor. A therapist is simply someone who provides therapy, and it’s more so a general term than an official title. That’s why knowing the difference between the specific professions is key in figuring out who will work best with you.
And there are other folks who can help.
Depending on your needs, certain social workers, specialized nurses and physician assistants can also provide guidance. The range of their abilities and qualifications is wide and can include diagnosing conditions, counseling, and in some cases, prescribing medications.
Don’t forget about your primary care physician.
Del Vecchio says more than 50 percent of mental health-related medications are prescribed through primary care physicians, who can diagnose many mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor’s office is a great place to start if you want to feel better. Tell her your concerns – whether you’ve been super stressed about the divorce or feeling very lonely – and she can help you determine your next step. Your primary care physician may prescribe medication or refer you to one of the professionals previously mentioned.
So how do you know which kind of doctor you need?
Your primary care doctor may help you determine what kind of professional you should see, based partially on your needs for, say, medications. She will likely refer you to someone in the network of your health insurance, too. Another tip for finding the right professional: Consider your situation. Generally, the more severe your symptoms – you’re so depressed you’ve been skipping work – the more training you should look for in a professional. And if you’re looking to solve a specific issue, such as work stress or marital conflicts, seek providers specialized in those areas.
Other considerations
Whoever you choose, comfort with that person is key, del Vecchio says. He encourages folks to ask the mental health professional plenty of questions about his or her specialty, approach and philosophy. And don’t be shy about discussing the cost of appointments, he says.
Don’t settle.
Given the important role your therapist may play in your life, del Vecchio says you ought to “shop around a little bit.” In addition to your primary care doctor’s referral and your insurance company’s network, ask friends and family for their suggestions. There are also online locator tools for mental health resources, like the one on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.