Patients with psychological or emotional problems are often confused about whether to start by seeing a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist. The first thing to realize is that either type of professional will refer you to the other type if that is what you need. Some problems are best treated with medication alone, some with psychotherapy alone, and some are best treated with both.
This website includes sections on different kinds of problems and illness, and these sections discuss which treatment is generally best for each one. You should read the section about whatever problem you are experiencing to get an idea of whether to start with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
It is important to understand that psychiatrists and psychotherapists do different things. A psychiatrists’ job is to ask a large number of questions and assemble a lot of data into a diagnosis and treatment plan, all in the first session. Some patients accustomed to an exploratory type of therapy find this unsettling because the psychiatrist asks questions that evoke emotional responses and then doesn’t always explore these emotional reactions any further, instead moving on to a completely different topic.
While this may feel strange and uncomfortable, this technique is normal, necessary, and is actually good psychiatric practice. The psychiatrist’s goal is to find the right medication for you as quickly as possible, and that’s what they’re doing. In order to treat you properly, a psychotherapist needs to create a good relationship with you, but a psychiatrist needs to get as much complete and accurate information about you and your case as fast as possible.
Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained professional to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, aiming to improve mental health. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications and may also provide psychotherapy. While both aim to improve mental health, they differ in approach and treatment methods.
If you believe you may need medication to manage your mental health condition, or if you have a complex psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, starting with a psychiatrist is advisable. They can assess your condition, prescribe medications if necessary, and refer you to a psychotherapist for additional support.
Yes, many individuals benefit from both. A psychiatrist can manage medication, while a psychotherapist can provide ongoing counseling. This combined approach can be particularly effective for treating complex or chronic mental health conditions.
