The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists

This blog shares information on the difference between psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists. You’ve been struggling to manage mental health symptoms lately, and want to start looking at different options for support. You know that you’re feeling anxious, depressed, experiencing trauma or grief, and more. 

 

However, there are many different types of professions in the psychology field. These three are not the only types of professionals for mental health. There are others including social workers, applied behavioral analysts, counselors, and more! We will be providing information about these 3 roles for you to better understand what they are for. 

 

During your search for therapy in Simi Valley, you likely came across us at New Leaf Marriage & Family Therapy! We are a group of licensed therapists offering in-person therapy for teens, adults, couples, and families (max 3 members, and at least 13 years old). Make sure to read our blog on Why to Start Therapy.

 

The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists: Psychologists’ role

You’re wondering – what is a psychologist? Psychologists are mental health professionals that conduct psychological evaluations relating to emotional, behavioral, or psychological issues. Psychologists are experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and creating treatment plans. For example, psychologists can evaluate one for autism or a learning disorder, and share their findings with a school or workplace for accomodations.

 

However, psychologists can also provide therapy services, such as talk therapy. Psychologists are classified by their degree, which is a PhD or a PsyD. There is a wide range of different jobs a psychologist can take on, ranging from working in a hospital setting, to a school setting, within sports teams, and more. Psychologists may focus more on researching, while others provide therapy.

 

Psychologists have skills in evaluating, diagnosing, assessing, and treating various types of mental health related issues. They work with all ages, and could be both professors and therapists, for example. However, they do not provide any medication management, as psychiatrists do!

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley, CA has availability for in-person sessions at this time. Make sure to read our blog on the 3 Benefits of Individual Counseling.

 

The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists: Psychiatrists’ role

You’re thinking – what is a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including substance use disorders. They have the title of either being an D.O, M.D, or PMHNP (psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner). These professionals are physicians, trained in understanding the complex relationship between several factors. 

 

This includes taking into consideration your family history, genetics, mental health symptoms, and more. Psychiatrists use a variety of different ways to understand the best way for supporting you, their patient! You can expect them to assess your symptoms, gather information about your family history, ask about your everyday behaviors or reactions, and more. 

 

Psychiatrists are known mainly for prescribing medications. Whether it be for ADHD, depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, they help understand what is best for you and your needs. You will only find medication management with a psychiatrist or your physician, and not with a psychologist or therapist. 

 

Therapy in Simi Valley, CA helps connect you to other resources that would be beneficial to your therapeutic journey. Make sure to read our blog on Therapy or Medication.

 

The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Therapists: Therapists’ role

You’re wanting to understand – what is a therapist? Therapists are mental health professionals that provide therapeutic services for a range of mental health issues, of all ages. These therapeutic services include psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Depending on the therapists’ training, they can go through different modalities to approach different issues. 

 

For example, they may use DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) for an individual with mood disorders or an individual having suicidal ideation. Therapists are also known for using CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and much more!

 

Therapists can have training in an array of modalities and specialize in various issues. For example, a therapist focusing on couples therapy may utilize the Gottman Method. A therapist would become specialized in offering that service through training and experience. 

 

Couples therapy in Simi Valley, CA is offered in-person at our office in Simi Valley. Make sure to read our blog on Can Marriage Counseling Help?

 

If you’re still unsure of what type of mental health professional is best for your needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We are happy to see how we can support you today!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. 

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.