Psychiatry, Psychology, and Psychotherapy…What’s Right for Me?
Let’s be honest, figuring out the differences between psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy can feel confusing. Despite the stark differences between Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychotherapy it is not uncommon for people to have a level of uncertainty about the differences. So what are the differences and how can someone decide which service they are needing? Let’s talk about it.
Psychiatry: Medication & Medical Support
Psychiatry is the highest clinical designation in the world of mental health services. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to evaluate mental health diagnoses and provide pharmaceutical treatment options.
Sometimes, Psychiatrists will provide talk therapy to their patients but this is not common or the norm. Psychiatric care tends to work best when used alongside psychotherapy or psychology, but this is not a requirement.
If you're looking for medication to help with symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood swings, psychiatry may be your best next step.
Psychology vs. Psychotherapy: Here’s Where It Gets a Bit Tricky
Now, here’s where things can get a little confusing…psychologists and psychotherapists can both offer therapy, but their training and focus areas tend to differ.
Psychology
Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD). They’re trained in:
Psychological testing
Assessment and diagnosis
Research and evaluation
And yes, they can also provide talk therapy. But their core focus leans more toward formal assessment and diagnostic work.
Psychology is often the right path if you need:
A formal diagnosis
Neuropsychological testing
A written evaluation for school, court, or other official purposes
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists typically hold a Master’s degree and are trained in:
Emotional and mental health counseling
Non-pharmaceutical treatment
A variety of therapeutic modalities (like CBT, EMDR, IFS, etc.)
Their work is often longer-term, focusing on how your past and present experiences shape your emotional wellbeing.
So… What’s Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Looking for medication? → Psychiatry
Need a formal evaluation or diagnosis? → Psychology
Want talk therapy for emotional healing and growth? → Psychotherapy
Let’s Connect
There are many different types of Therapists that specialize and focus on different areas of care. If you are looking for psychotherapy to help treat traumas, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, mood disorders and more.
I’d love to connect and see how I can help.