When looking for mental health support, you might come across terms like psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. While all work in mental health, they differ in their training and the kind of support they provide.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health after completing medical school. They’re trained to assess both mental and physical aspects of mental health conditions, can make diagnoses, and are qualified to prescribe medication, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
Psychologists, on the other hand, typically have a degree in psychology followed by further postgraduate training, often at the doctoral level. While they don’t prescribe medication, they can diagnose mental health conditions and specialise in talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These are treatments involving structured conversations with a trained professional to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours in order to improve your mental wellbeing. Often, people see a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis or medication, and then work with a clinical psychologist alongside that treatment.
You may also come across psychotherapists or counsellors, who are trained in delivering various forms of talking therapy too. Unlike psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, their training backgrounds can vary, so it's a good idea to check they’re registered with a professional body like the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Which should I see?
If you're unsure where to start, speaking to your GP can be helpful - they can advise you on the best type of care for your needs. Generally, if you’re looking for therapy, a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor may be appropriate. If you think you might need medication, or if your symptoms are complex or unclear, a psychiatrist may be the better first step.
Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right support depends on your personal situation, preferences, and the kind of help you feel you need.
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