Psychologist or psychiatrist

First of all, I'd like to say I'm very proud of you for getting your initial screening with your psychologist! I imagine it's both relieving and perhaps somewhat scary to know your diagnoses at last. So you're transferring to a different clinic and don't know if you should talk to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. I think it'd be beneficial to understand the difference first: Psychiatrist: - medical doctor - Have a medical degree - can prescribe medicine - can diagnose - manage treatment (medicine) - provide various therapies, often for complex mental health issues (but not necessarily) - main duty is diagnosis - work within hospital premises (and do residency as part of their education) Psychologist: - not a medical doctor - have a postgraduate degree in psychology - can't prescribe medicine - can diagnose - don't manage medication - main duty is supporting the patient by providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) - Don't necessarily work within hospitals Essentially a psychiatrist is mainly focused on prescription of medicine and treatment options and a little bit of psychotherapy to form diagnoses, whereas a psychologist is more focused on a lot of psychotherapy and little diagnoses. Psychiatrists are generally more focused on neuroscience and biology and psychologists more on the root of emotions. Additionally, I want to touch up on therapists. Therapist: - not a medical doctor - can diagnose - develop a therapeutic plan based on your emotional needs and disorders - give emotional support and advice So: - you have a diagnosis. Do you want a medication treatment plan along with a form of therapy? Psychiatrist. Do you want psychotherapy? Psychologist. Do you want emotional support and need to talk through your traumas or experiences? Therapist. In addition, the person you end up with could always recommend you to see a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist if they see that is needed or would aid you. I hope that was helpful! Good luck on your journey.

@curiousKy1027 psychatrists are medical doctors and can diagnose/prescribe medicines for illnesses. Psychologists might focus on other treatments such as talk therapy.

I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of dysthymia and anxiety. It's understandable that you're considering transferring to a different clinic for better accessibility. Making that decision can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing between seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist. At times like these, it's important to remember that both psychologists and psychiatrists play crucial roles in mental health care, but their approaches and areas of expertise may vary. Psychologists typically focus on therapy and counseling, using various techniques to help individuals understand and manage their emotions and behaviors. On the other hand, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy, often focusing on the biological aspects of mental health conditions. Given your diagnosis and the comprehensive services offered by carerxonline.com, you may benefit from consulting with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. A psychologist can help you explore and address the underlying causes of your symptoms through therapy, while a psychiatrist can assess whether medication might be helpful in managing your dysthymia and anxiety. Ultimately, the decision between seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist may depend on your specific preferences