Do you feel that you need help in dealing with your emotions, thoughts or behavior? Wondering who can help you – a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist? Choosing the right specialist can be difficult, especially when you don’t fully understand the differences between these professions. This article will dispel your doubts and help you make the right decision.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist is a specialist who studies and describes mental processes, such as thinking, emotions, memory, perception or behavior. Psychologists have a broad knowledge of psychology and have completed a 5-year master’s degree in this field.
You can go to a psychologist when:
- You want to better understand yourself and your behavior.
- You need support in dealing with life’s difficulties, such as stress, relationship problems, bereavement.
- You want to improve your functioning in your personal or professional life.
- You need a psychological diagnosis, for example, to determine the level of intelligence, professional aptitude or detect learning disorders.
A psychologist can:
- Conduct a diagnostic interview with you.
- Apply psychological tests.
- Provide you with psychological support and advice.
- Teach you techniques for coping with difficulties.
- Refer you to another specialist if your problems are beyond their competence.
Important! A psychologist cannot prescribe medication.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist is a person who has completed a university degree (usually in psychology) and specialized training in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the process of treating mental and emotional disorders through conversation.
It is worth going to a psychotherapist when:
- You struggle with mental disorders such as depression, neurosis, anxiety disorders, eating disorders.
- You experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
- You have problems with self-esteem, dealing with emotions, controlling anger.
- You are experiencing a life crisis, such as divorce, job loss, death of a loved one.
Psychotherapist:
- It will help you understand the causes of your problems.
- Together with you, he will develop a therapy plan.
- He will accompany you in the process of change and development.
- It will equip you with the tools to deal with difficulties.
There are many different schools of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and systemic psychotherapy. It is important to find a therapist whose approach suits you.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. He is authorized to prescribe medication.
You should go to a psychiatrist when:
- You suspect you have a mental disorder, such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder.
- Your symptoms are aggravated and make daily functioning difficult.
- Other treatments, such as psychotherapy, have proved ineffective.
Psychiatrist:
- He will conduct a psychiatric interview with you.
- Will order diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, EEG).
- He will make a diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan, which may include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or other forms of therapy.
Psychologist, psychotherapist vs. psychiatrist – who to choose?
Choosing the right specialist depends on your individual needs and the type of problem you are facing.
- If you want to better understand yourself, improve your functioning in life or need support in dealing with difficulties, a psychologist is a good choice.
- If you suffer from a mental disorder or experience emotional difficulties that hinder your daily functioning, consider seeing a psychotherapist.
- If your symptoms are severe, you suspect you have a serious mental disorder, or you need medication, be sure to see a psychiatrist.
Remember! In many cases, the best results come from the cooperation of several specialists. For example, a psychiatrist can prescribe medications and monitor the patient’s condition, and a psychotherapist can provide psychotherapy.
How to find a good specialist?
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family or your GP.
- Look for information on the Internet. Use Internet search engines, psychological counseling center websites or psychotherapist portals.
- Pay attention to the qualifications and experience of the specialist. Make sure he or she has the appropriate training and belongs to recommended professional organizations.
- Think through what kind of help you need and what therapeutic approach suits you.
- Trust your intuition. It is important that you feel comfortable with the specialist and have confidence in him.
Remember that asking for help is the first step to change for the better. Don’t delay and contact a specialist if you feel you need one.
