How to Find the Best Mental Health Treatment Provider

The terms, psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist, often are used interchangeably. However, these professions are distinct in their educational experiences, training, and what they can and cannot offer to mental health consumers. Although all three professions provide services related to mental health, understanding the differences between them is important if you or someone you know are in need of mental health services.

* Differences in Academic Degrees

After receiving an undergraduate degree, psychiatrists attend medical school, an internship, and a residency through which they specialize in psychiatry. In short, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating people who suffer from mental disorders. In contrast, after receiving an undergraduate degree, psychologists attend graduate school, a pre-doctoral internship, and often a post-doctoral residency. Psychologists typically hold a doctorate degree in psychology, either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology), although some psychologists hold an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education). Psychologists specialize in the study and measurement of mental processes and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. A psychotherapist is more of a catch-all term. As such, a psychotherapist's degree may vary widely. For example, in some states, a psychotherapist only needs to have a Bachelor's Degree (i.e., in Florida, licensed mental health counselors need only a Bachelor level degree). However, many psychotherapists hold Master's Degrees (i.e., licensed clinical social workers) and some even have Doctorate Degrees.

* Differences in Specialized Training

Another distinction between the three professions is specialized training. For example, psychiatrists are specifically trained in medicine whereas psychologists and psychotherapists generally are not. Psychologists, on the other hand, are specially trained to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests whereas psychiatrists and psychotherapists typically are not. Although there may be some psychiatrists and psychotherapists who administer certain types of psychological tests, they likely went beyond their normal coursework to obtain specialized training in its proper administration and interpretation.

* Prescription Privileges

Another unique difference is that all licensed psychiatrists in good standing can prescribe medication. In contrast, only a few states offer prescription privileges to psychologists, and those that do require extensive training beyond what is normally required of psychologists and a special license. Psychotherapists do not have prescription privileges and therefore cannot prescribe medication. However, this doesn't mean that psychologists and psychotherapists aren't familiar with psychotropic medication. Because they work with clients who often take psychotropic medication, they often are familiar with the purpose of such medications (i.e., Prozac is typically prescribed for depressive symptoms) or that a particular class of medication would be needed to treat certain symptoms (i.e., antipsychotic medications typically are prescribed to treat and stabilize someone suffering from Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder).

* Subspecialties

Just as there are different specializations in the field of medicine, there also are different specializations in the field of psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. For example, in the field of psychology, there are clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, neuropsychologists, forensic psychologists, experimental psychologists, and industrial/organizational psychologists. Because there are these areas of specialization, consumers seeking mental health services should try to find the professional who can provide the most appropriate services for their specific needs. Because not all mental health professionals are equally skilled and knowledgeable in all areas of mental health, a good consumer should do his/her homework before selecting a treatment provider.

* Who Can Provide Therapy?

All three professions can provide therapy, although it is the case that psychiatrists generally provide therapy in connection with the prescription of psychotropic medication. But again, just as you wouldn't see a brain surgeon for chest pain, it is incumbent upon you, as a consumer, to figure out which type of professional offers the best match for your specific needs. Just as there are all types of treatments for medical conditions, there are a whole host of different types of therapy, ranging from psychoanalytic (Freudian-based) therapy to cognitive therapy (directed at how your thoughts impact your behavior) to behavior therapy (directed at changing your behavior generally by using a system of rewards and punishment).

In closing, although there are similarities between psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists, there are significant differences as well. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions to treatment providers about their education, training, areas of specialization and therapeutic approaches before scheduling an appointment. The better the match between you, your needs, and your treatment provider, the more likely it is that you will have a positive overall experience and outcome.