Anyone starting their mental health journey, may be wondering what’s the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. Both play important roles in mental health care, but they differ in approach, treatments, and areas of expertise.
At Pacific Mind Health, psychiatrists and psychologists often work together to develop a comprehensive, team-based approach to give you the care that’s right for each patient.
Here are some commonly asked questions about psychiatrists and psychologists.
What’s the biggest difference between psychiatrists and psychologists?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions through a medical lens that considers biological and neurological aspects.
They can perform physical exams, order lab tests, prescribe medication, and provide interventional treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Spravato® (esketamine).
Psychologists, on the other hand, are trained in human development, cognition, and behavior change. They study how people think, feel, and behave and use therapy to help individuals manage emotions, change unhealthy patterns, and improve their overall well-being.
What are the education requirements of each?
A psychiatrist first completes a bachelor’s degree, typically in a field that fills a medical school prerequisite, such as biology, psychology, or neuroscience. This is followed by four years of medical school and a residency in psychiatry, which can last another four years. They must then pass board certification exams and maintain their license.
A psychologist first earns a bachelor’s degree, usually in psychology, sociology, or human development. After that, they complete a doctoral program (PhD or PsyD), which can take an additional five to seven years. Then they must complete supervised clinical hours and pass licensure exams.
Both paths demand rigorous training but focus on different dimensions of care. Psychiatrists learn to treat mental health disorders through medications and medical interventions. Psychologists focus on therapy, assessment, and how emotional and cognitive factors influence mental health.
Do psychiatrists do therapy?
Some psychiatrists do provide therapy, however, it’s more common for psychiatrists to focus on evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and interventional treatments like TMS and Spravato.
Pacific Mind Health is an integrative care setting, meaning our psychiatrists collaborate closely with primary care providers and therapists. Working together, they deliver a comprehensive model of care that can include medication management, interventional therapies, and ongoing therapeutic support.
What types of therapy do psychologists offer?
Psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based therapies to support different needs and goals.
Therapy approaches offered at Pacific Mind Health include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye-movement desensitization and reprogramming (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure therapy, couples therapy, grief counseling, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Can both psychiatrists and psychologists prescribe medication?
Only psychiatrists and other medically trained professionals (such as psychiatric nurse practitioners) have the authority to prescribe medications in California. Medication management is a core part of a psychiatrist’s training, making them uniquely qualified to monitor how medications affect both your mental and physical health.
What’s the difference between therapy, medication-based care, and interventional treatments?
Therapy consists of structured conversations with a trained professional to help you process emotions, change unhelpful thought patterns, and develop coping skills. It’s often a longer-term process focused on personal growth, trauma recovery, or emotional regulation.
Medication-based care aims to address symptoms through pharmacological treatment. This can often make therapy more effective by reducing barriers like severe anxiety or depression.
Interventional treatments like TMS and Spravato are especially helpful for patients with treatment-resistant depression, or for those who haven’t responded well to therapy or medication.
TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that targets parts of the brain involved with mood regulation. Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray that targets the brain’s glutamate system, which is involved in learning, memory, and mood.
Many people benefit from a combination of approaches and treatments to support lasting mental wellness.
Who should I see first?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that are intense, persistent, or interfere with your daily functioning, you should consider seeing a psychiatrist. These include severe depression, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or hallucinations.
Another reason to see a psychiatrist is if therapy alone hasn’t provided the relief you need. Your psychiatrist can help assess your situation comprehensively, prescribe medication if necessary, and coordinate with other providers for holistic care.
Can I see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Yes. Many individuals benefit from seeing both. In fact, a 2009 meta-analysis discovered that medication and therapy produced significantly better results than either treatment alone.
For example, a psychiatrist may prescribe and monitor medications to stabilize symptoms, while a psychologist can help you process emotions, improve coping skills, and explore underlying issues.
This collaborative model ensures all aspects of your mental health are being addressed and allows each provider to focus on their area of expertise.
How do psychiatrists and psychologists work together on a treatment plan?
A psychiatrist may conduct the initial evaluation, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medication to help stabilize symptoms. The psychologist then works with you on a weekly or biweekly basis to build emotional resilience, manage stress, and work through underlying psychological patterns.
Psychiatrists and psychologists often communicate regularly with each other to share insights and ensure your treatment plan remains aligned with your needs.
Which provider is better for anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues?
It depends on the severity and complexity of your symptoms. A psychologist using therapy can be very effective for mild to moderate cases. But, if your symptoms are more severe, persistent, or you haven’t seen progress through therapy alone, a psychiatrist may be better.
Will my insurance cover psychiatry and psychology visits?
Many insurance plans do cover both psychiatry and psychology services.
At Pacific Mind Health, we’re happy to help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our team can verify your coverage, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and guide you through the process so you can focus on your care — not the paperwork.
Key takeaways
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental illness through medication and interventional treatments, while psychologists focus on therapy and behavioral interventions.
- Seeing both a psychiatrist and a psychologist can lead to better outcomes, especially for moderate to severe mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Psychiatrists can provide advanced treatment options like TMS and Spravato. These are especially effective for treatment-resistant depression and are part of Pacific Mind Health’s comprehensive care model.
- Starting with a psychiatrist is a smart first step, especially if symptoms are severe, complex, or unclear. Psychiatrists can evaluate both mental and physical health factors and coordinate care as needed.
Looking for a psychiatrist near you?
Pacific Mind Health offers medication management and interventional treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine) at our Los Angeles locations. Our experienced clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel better.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation and start your mental health journey today.
