Psychologist or psychiatrist: who should you see?
Both treat the mind, but their roles differ. Which problem calls for whom, in plain words.
When seeking mental health help, many people first feel unsure: should I see a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Their training and work differ, and often they treat together.
| Aspect | Psychiatrist | Clinical psychologist | Counsellor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training | MBBS doctor with a specialist degree in psychiatry | Degree in psychology, higher degree in clinical psychology and supervised training | Training in counselling |
| Can prescribe medicine? | Yes | No | No |
| Main work | Diagnosis, medication, treating serious mental illness | Psychological assessment, psychotherapy | Counselling for everyday problems, stress and relationships |
When to see a psychiatrist
- Symptoms are severe and daily life has almost stopped
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Hearing or seeing things others don’t, unusual suspicion
- Unusual energy without sleep for days, excessive spending or risky behaviour
- Therapy isn’t helping enough and medication may be needed
When to see a psychologist or counsellor
- Mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress
- Problems with relationships, family or work
- Exam stress, lack of confidence
- Coping with a difficult experience or grief
In many cases the best results come when both work together: the psychiatrist prescribes medication and the psychologist provides therapy.
Whoever you see, don’t hesitate to ask about their degrees and training. On Shotta, every professional’s degrees and training are verified.
Having thoughts of ending your life? Please don’t stay alone with them. Tell someone close to you, or talk to the Shotta support line: 01788-116045 (24 hours, a psychologist on duty). If a life is in immediate danger, call 999 now.